Can I get an internship as an international student?
Working as a college intern can be a springboard to your future career. You can gain real-world experience and hands-on training while building a network in your dream field. But what if you’re an international student?
As an international student, you can apply for an internship as long as it meets the requirements of your student visa. Here’s what you need to know about the eligibility requirements for internships as an international student.
What’s required to get an internship as an international student?
If you’re an international student, chances are you’re studying in the United States on an F-1 student visa. Your visa allows you to work an internship during or after school, but you’ll need to get work authorization first.
Specifically, you’ll need to get approved for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
What is CPT and how does it affect my internship?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) lets you gain practical experience by working an internship or taking part in cooperative education during the school year or on summer break. Your employer will set up an agreement with your school to authorize part-time or full-time work.
The internship must be related to your major and required to complete your degree. If the internship is optional; however, you may still be able to complete it through CPT if you receive college credit.
You’ll need to secure the internship before applying for CPT. Another requirement is that you’ve already studied as an F-1 student for at least a year and are enrolled at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.
Note: If you work full time for 12 months on CPT, you’ll no longer be eligible for OPT.
What is OPT and how does it affect my internship?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) can also authorize you to work an internship before or after you graduate. You can intern up to 20 hours per week while in school or full time during the summer or after you’ve earned your degree.
Unlike with CPT, the internship doesn’t have to be required for your academic program, but it should still relate to your major. You can usually work under OPT for up to 12 months, though STEM majors may qualify for a 24-month extension.
As with CPT, you’ll need to study for at least a year before you can get authorization through OPT. For this program, you’ll need a Form I-20 with a school official’s recommendation for OPT. You’ll also file Form I-765 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once USCIS sends your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you’ll be authorized to work your internship.
Contact your designated school official (DSO)
You don’t need to memorize the ins and outs of CPT and OPT to work an internship in the U.S. If you’re interested in an internship, reach out to your designated school official for guidance on the next steps to take.
Your DSO can advise you on how to get the appropriate authorization, whether CPT or OPT, as well as the rules you must follow to maintain your student status.
How to find an internship as an international student
Here are some steps to help you find an internship as an international student:
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- Consider your career interests and goals: Before you start searching, consider what your professional goals are and what kind of internship would help you achieve them. Look for an internship that relates to your major and will give you hands-on experience for your future career.
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- Talk to professors and students: Relying on your network of professors and fellow students can help you find opportunities for internships. For instance, find out if your advisor has any suggestions or ask for recommendations in an online student forum.
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- Rely on your school’s resources: Your school’s career services department and international student services office can also point you in the right direction when it comes to finding an internship as an international student.
- Use internship search websites: There are a number of websites for finding internships, including LinkedIn, Glassdoor and
Idealist.org.
If you have an MPOWER Financing student loan, you have access to MPOWER’s free Path2Success career support services, including:-
A guided internship and job search tool for F-1, OPT and H-1B visa-sponsored roles
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A resume builder to match targeted job requirements
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Job or internship application support with profile and skill set match
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A directory of F-1 eligible job roles for STEM and non-STEM degrees
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- Reach out to organizations directly: If you have a specific company or organization in mind, reach out to its human resources department over the phone or email and ask about internship opportunities. Even if the company isn’t actively advertising an opening, it’s worth expressing your interest and making the connection.
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- Build your resume: It’s important to have a well-formatted and concise resume once you start applying to internships. Your career services office can help you build your resume or offer feedback on your current version. For more guidance, check out these resume writing tips for international students.
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- Write a thoughtful cover letter: You may also need to send a cover letter when you apply for an internship. Your cover letter will explain who you are and why you’d be a good fit for the role. Focus on your strengths, skills and passion for the company and its mission.
Final thoughts: Internships for international students
Working an internship can be an invaluable way to gain new skills, build your network and improve your job prospects after graduation. As an international student, you’ll need to obtain work authorization through CPT or OPT before you can start interning. Reach out to your designated school official for guidance on how to obtain the proper authorization.
Both CPT and OPT can also authorize you to work as an international student. If you’re more interested in a job than an internship, learn more with this guide on working in the U.S. as an international student.
