Internships & OPT: What International Students Need to Know

How to Work Legally in the U.S. as an International Student

Studying in the United States is not just about going to class and passing exams. Many international students also want to gain real-world work experience. This is where internships and training programs come in. For international students, it's very important to understand the rules and options for working legally while studying in the U.S. That’s why knowing about Internships & OPT: What International Students Need to Know is so helpful before you make any decision.

Understanding Internships for International Students
An internship is short-term work that students do to learn more about their field. It helps students apply what they learn in class to real jobs. Internships can be paid or unpaid and often take place during summer or winter breaks. Many companies offer internships to students to give them work experience and improve their skills.

If you are an international student on an F-1 visa, you cannot simply take up a job or internship without permission. You must follow the rules carefully to stay legal in the country. Your school’s international student office or Designated School Official (DSO) is the best place to start asking questions.

What Is OPT and Why It Matters
Optional Practical Training, known as OPT, is a special work option for students with an F-1 visa. OPT allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months in a job related to their field of study. This can be done either while you are still studying (called pre-completion OPT) or after you graduate (called post-completion OPT).

Many students choose post-completion OPT because it allows them to gain real work experience after finishing their degree. For students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, there is an option to extend OPT for an additional 24 months. This means STEM students can work in the U.S. for up to 3 years after graduation, which is a great opportunity to grow their careers.

Applying for OPT: What You Need to Know
To apply for OPT, you must first speak with your DSO. Your DSO will update your SEVIS record and give you a new I-20 form with an OPT recommendation. Then, you need to fill out a form called I-765 and send it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After approval, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is your legal work permit.

It’s very important to wait until you receive your EAD and your start date arrives before beginning any job. Working without this document is against visa rules and can create serious problems for your future in the U.S. Since the OPT process can take two to three months, it’s always better to apply early and plan ahead.

What Is CPT and How Is It Different?
Another option for international students is Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT allows students to work while they are still studying, if the job is part of their course or academic program. This is different from OPT, which is usually done after graduation.

CPT is approved by your university, not USCIS. You still need to talk to your DSO and get CPT listed on your I-20 form before you start working. CPT can be part-time during the school year or full-time during vacations. However, if you do full-time CPT for 12 months or more, you may not be able to use OPT later.

The STEM OPT Extension
Students who have finished a degree in STEM fields have a big advantage. After completing the first 12 months of OPT, they can apply for a STEM OPT Extension, which adds 24 more months of work. This gives them a total of 36 months to work in the U.S.

To apply for the STEM extension, your job must be related to your degree and your employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify system. You also need to apply before your regular OPT ends. This extension gives STEM students more time to gain experience and build their future careers in the U.S.

Can You Work in Unpaid Internships?
Yes, even unpaid internships are common and allowed — but international students still need permission through CPT or OPT. Just because you are not being paid doesn’t mean you can skip the rules. Any kind of work, paid or unpaid, must follow U.S. immigration guidelines.

Many unpaid internships offer great experience and connections, especially in fields like media, arts, or social sciences. But make sure you are still protected by school and visa rules.

Why Internships and OPT Are So Valuable
For international students, internships and OPT offer more than just work. They help you understand the work culture in the U.S., improve your skills, and build strong connections. This experience becomes useful when you apply for full-time jobs, either in the U.S. or back in your home country.

Learning about Internships & OPT: What International Students Need to Know helps you make smart decisions early. You avoid problems, stay legal, and make the most of your time abroad.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general guidance only. Myedugoal does not provide legal or immigration advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with official university advisors or certified immigration experts for specific requirements and up-to-date information.

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