Working in the United States is a dream for many people around the world, and an internship can be a very good place to start. Besides advancing the knowledge of your field, an internship in the US will bring many opportunities such as improving your English skills, expanding your professional network, and learning about American business culture.
Types of internships in the US
There are several types of internships for those wanting to study or train in the United States. These can be both paid and unpaid.
Academic
Most US universities offer internships for academic credit, meaning that you will work towards your degree while gaining hands-on experience in your field. Duration ranges from one or two semesters to a few weeks over the summer.
Direct internships with organizations
These internships are categorized by industry and offer work experience in a specific industry. You may or may not receive academic credit for these internships, and a stipend or allowance is usually offered.
Non-profit or service-based
Some charitable foundations, schools, hospitals, or religious organizations offer internships to provide a needed service to the community. These can be especially useful for those who plan on working with NGOs, social and medical fields. These can be paid or unpaid.
Important:
The U.S. Department of Labor continues to enforce the 鈥�Primary Beneficiary Test鈥� under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for unpaid internships. Internships must primarily benefit the intern, be tied to academic programs, and not displace regular employees. Both interns and employers should ensure compliance to avoid legal risks.
Finding an internship in the US
If you're already studying in the US, ask your university if they have specialized resources to help students find and apply for internships. If you're studying outside of the U.S., check to see if there are exchange programs between your country of residence and the United States. Another option is to register with specialized agencies that assist with placing students in internships. These agencies can help you find an internship more quickly and will take care of many formalities for you, although this service comes with a fee. It is also common to simply search for internships on your own through job listing websites, industry-specific organizations, and your personal network.
Once you've found the internship you're interested in, the application process is much like that of a traditional job. You'll need to submit a CV, a cover letter, and any required documents. Applicants should expect an interview either over the phone or via video chat programs such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype. If accepted, you will be extended a formal offer.
Make sure your resume (CV) has been tailored to the US style and standards. Personal details such as your marital status, date of birth, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and photos are never included in US resumes.
Important:
Aim to apply early. Digital submission of all documents is now standard. Make sure your documents are formatted clearly and meet digital file requirements.
Visa options for internships in the US
Every foreign national who wishes to intern in the US is required to have a visa, and it is important to understand your options and the implications of which visa type would apply to your case. Most international interns will have either an F-1 or J-1 visa.
F-1 Visa
If you're already studying in the US on an F-1 visa, it is possible to have an internship without changing your visa status. International students can work 20 hours per week at an unpaid or on-campus internship without additional authorization. Working with an off-campus organization is possible as well, with some additional approvals. Speak with your foreign student advisor or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service to see what needs to be done to legally be allowed to intern off-campus.
There is currently heightened scrutiny of F-1 visa holders and an increase in application denials, especially for students from India and China. Financial documentation requirements are stricter, and processing times are longer. Moreover, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program faces legislative uncertainty and may not be available in the future. Students should consult their Designated School Official (DSO) for the latest guidance before making internship plans.
J-1 Visa
Those who are coming to the U.S. specifically for an internship will need a J-1 intern or trainee visa. To apply as an intern, you must be currently enrolled in a university or have graduated in the past 12 months. The trainee designation is for those who have either five years of work experience or a degree plus one year of work experience. Trainees are permitted to train for 18 months and interns for 12. This type of visa requires a sponsor to apply on your behalf.
Good to know:
The U.S. Department of State has recently updated the J-1 Skill List. Many fields and several countries (including India, China, and South Korea) have been removed. As a result, many J-1 visa holders are now exempt from the two-year home-country residency requirement. Whether the requirement applies depends on your country and field. Applicants should check the current Skill List to confirm their status.
With the J-1 visa, most students are required to return to their home country for a period of two years after their program is completed. This requirement can only be waived in certain circumstances. Furthermore, spouses who accompany their partner on a J-1 visa are allowed to petition to work in the US during the spouse's visa term. However, accompanying partners of students on the F-1 visa are not allowed to do so.
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