Legalities

This is not to be taken as legal advice but viewed as important considerations for legally obtaining internships as an F-1 student. It should also be noted that different institutions may have different specific procedures.

F-1 Student Visa

An F-1 visa is an academic visa to study as a full-time student at an authorized U.S. institution. Consider that:

You are eligible to apply for on-campus employment
After a job offer, you may apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) with:
- An offer letter from your employer
- A letter of approval from your Designated School Official (DSO)
You may not work more than 20 hours/week during school sessions

Legally work off-campus

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

An F-1 student may apply to take part in up to 12 months of alternative work or an internship off-campus during their program through CPT. Consider that:

You must have completed one full year of study
The program must be a part of your course curriculum by:
- Receiving course credit for taking part in the program
- The program being a requirement to graduate
Your DSO must approve your CPT and issue a new I-20 form
Can be full time (e.g 40 hrs/week)
Advice: Firstly, find internships and talk to the head of your department about the curricular requirement while keeping your DSO in the loop

CPT

Legally work Post-completion

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

An F-1 student may apply to take part in up to 12 months of work or an internship post-completion of their program through OPT. A student may also qualify for pre-completion OPT. Consider that:

The program must relate to your program of study
You must request approval from your DSO and file appropriate forms to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
You can apply with or without a job offer, but after your program end date, you can only be unemployed for 90 days
The USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) without which you cannot begin training
If your degree is in STEM, you may be eligible for STEM OPT extension

Looking to work full time?

OPT

H-1B Work Visa

A foreign national may temporarily work in the U.S. in a specialty occupation. Consider that:

You must hold a bachelor's degree or higher degree required by the occupation from an accredited college or university
Have recognition of expertise in the specialty through progressively responsible positions directly related to the specialty
Your employer must file for the work visa on your behalf
The employer must be certified with a Labor Condition Application (LDA) by the Department of Labor in order to file for the visa

H-1B