Finding and securing a job in the United States as an international student involves navigating specific challenges related to visa regulations and employer requirements.
F1 Status
All credit or non-credit, paid or unpaid internships are regulated and must be authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Students in F-1 status may apply for authorization to participate in internships after one academic year of full-time enrollment. International Student Services maintains up-to-date information on specific guidelines. ISS also conducts regular information sessions on working in the U. S.
ISS Information Sessions and Events Calendar
For information on how to receive authorization to work in the U.S., students on an F-1 Visa must first speak with an ISS advisor. Authorization must be received before beginning any off-campus internship or employment. International students engaging in unpaid internships will still need work authorization. Engaging in paid or unpaid work or internships without the proper work authorization is a violation of F-1 or J-1 status.
There are four types of legal work-related experience available to students in F-1 status:
- On-campus employment
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Severe economic hardship-based employment
Internships
FIT internships are carefully assigned, structured, and monitored to provide the most appropriate and valuable experience for each student. In many majors, internships are an integral part of the student’s course of study, and the academic credit earned is required for graduation. In other situations, students may take an internship on a supplemental-credit basis.
International students may not intern more than 20 hours a week during fall, winter, and spring sessions or more than 40 hours a week during summer sessions.
