International Student Internships: Guide to CPT and OPT Programs

Internships are valuable to your educational experience, especially if you’re an international student studying in the U.S. These opportunities allow you to gain hands-on experience in your field of study, enhance your employability and often serve as a stepping stone to full-time employment. This guide will help you understand the importance of internships, the types available to you, how to secure one, and what to consider regarding visa regulations.

Why internships are essential for international students

Internships offer several key benefits that can significantly impact your academic and professional journey:

Practical experience: Internships allow you to apply the theoretical knowledge you’ve gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios, making you more proficient in your field of study.
Networking opportunities: By working alongside professionals, you can build a network of contacts in your industry, which can be invaluable for future job searches or even for acquiring master’s degree funding through scholarships or grants.
Cultural integration: Internships give you the opportunity to better understand and adapt to the workplace culture in the U.S., which may differ significantly from your home country.
Enhanced employability: Employers often look for candidates with relevant work experience. Completing an internship can significantly boost your resume and make you more competitive in the job market.

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Types of international student internships

Co-op programs

Some universities offer cooperative education (co-op) programs, which combine classroom learning with practical work experience. These programs are typically paid and can last several months, providing you with in-depth experience in your field.

Internships through university partnerships

Many universities have partnerships with local businesses and organizations, offering internship opportunities exclusively to their students. These internships may be part of your academic program or offered as additional opportunities to gain experience.

How to secure an internship as an international student

Securing an internship as an international student involves several steps:

Start early: Begin your search for internships well in advance, ideally several months before you intend to start. This gives you time to explore opportunities, prepare your application materials, and meet any specific visa requirements.
Leverage university resources: Use your university’s career services, which often offer workshops, resume reviews and job fairs tailored to helping students secure internships.
Network actively: Attend industry events, join student organizations, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Networking can open doors to internship opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly.
Tailor your application materials: Customize your resume and cover letter for each internship application, highlighting relevant skills and experience. Ensure your documents reflect an understanding of the U.S. or Canadian workplace culture.
Understand visa requirements: Ensure you comply with visa regulations related to internships, such as obtaining curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT) authorization if you are on an F-1 visa. Consult with your designated school official (DSO) to understand the specific requirements.

Visa considerations for international student internships

When participating in an internship as an international student in the U.S., it’s important to understand the USA student visa requirements and restrictions that apply:

CPT authorization: If you’re engaging in an internship that qualifies for CPT, you must obtain authorization from your DSO and ensure the internship is directly related to your field of study. CPT can be part time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic term or full time during breaks.
OPT authorization: For internships completed under OPT, you must apply for and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before you can begin work. OPT allows you to work in your field of study for up to 12 months during or after completing your degree. If you’re in a STEM field, you can extend OPT for an additional 24 months through the STEM OPT extension.
Maintaining visa status: Ensure your internship doesn’t violate the terms of your visa. For example, working more hours than permitted under CPT or failing to obtain proper authorization can jeopardize your visa status.

MPOWER Financing benefits

MPOWER Financing believes funding a student’s education is only the first step to success – not the last. That’s why every MPOWER student gains access to free, exclusive career, immigration and financial resources through its Path2Success program.

Visa support

MPOWER helps students understand and navigate elements of the U.S. student visa process, including their visa interview.

MPOWER’s visa support services include:

A free visa support letter demonstrating students are financially supported for school
A free visa essentials course, so students are fully prepared for their visa interview

Visa support upgrades

Also, MPOWER offers personalized mock interviews and live Q&A webinars for students who want additional support (US$99 fee).

For a fee, MPOWER students also have access to speak with former U.S. visa officers.

Career services

MPOWER recognizes the significance of securing a professional career in the United States. Students are not alone in this journey – MPOWER Financing is here to support the internship and full-time job search.

MPOWER offers exclusive career services including:

A guided internship and job search tool for F-1, OPT and H-1B visa-sponsored roles
A resume builder to match targeted job requirements
Job application support with profile and skill set match
A directory of F-1 eligible job roles for STEM and non-STEM degrees

Financial services

MPOWER enables students to access U.S. currency as soon as they arrive at their university, allowing students to hit the ground running.

MPOWER offers:

A prequalified U.S. credit card with cashback benefits
A prequalified no-minimum-balance U.S. bank account

MPOWER Financing Student Loan

A loan based on your future earnings

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FAQs

What’s the difference between CPT and OPT for internships?

CPT is an internship authorization that’s part of your curriculum and must be completed before graduation. OPT, on the other hand, can be used for internships during or after your studies and provides more flexibility in terms of timing and duration.

Can international students get paid internships?

Yes, international students can participate in paid internships as long as they have the appropriate work authorization (CPT, OPT or co-op program authorization) and the internship is related to their field of study. Income from a paid internship can help with budgeting for college students.

How do I find internships specific to my major?

Leverage university resources such as career services, attend job fairs, network with professionals in your field and search online internship databases that allow you to filter opportunities by major or field of study.

What should I do if my internship offer is contingent on work authorization?

Start the authorization process (CPT or OPT) as soon as possible. Delays in obtaining authorization could affect your ability to start the internship on time.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

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International student internships