An internship in USA for international students can not just be considered as a golden opportunity to build a strong resume, but also get an unimaginable value with recruiters across the globe! Getting internship opportunities in USA for international students is not that of an easy task, as it requires a lot of paperwork, and hardwork. Nevertheless, a great deal of networking in your school years in the US, along with exemplary wit, and appropriate paperwork can definitely do you wonders!
Don’t believe us? Keep reading as we unravel everything about internship in USA for Indian students, and a lot more!
|
Table of Contents |
Overview of Internships in USA
Getting an internship in USA for international students, and thereby starting “working” is no less than a roller coaster ride! Internships in the USA are entirely based on the strength of your candidature, and your visa paperwork.
Apart from the students studying at top universities in the US, foreign university students can also apply for internships and training in the USA. The entire process of finding internships programs in USA for international students can be a bit time consuming, but definitely worth the wait!
Some of the top industries and fields to pursue an internship in USA for Indian students are:
- Finance
- Media
- Information technology
- Fashion
- Entrepreneurship
Suggested: 9 Best Courses to Study in the US!
How to Find an Internship in USA as an International Student?
You can look for internships in USA for international students through your university or college. There are also external websites and organisations that offer both unpaid and paid opportunities for students. More so, networking is the best way to look for internships in the USA. Americans love recruiting referrals!
Some websites which can be used to find internships in the USA are:
|
Certain universities and colleges in the US also offer international students with internships inculcated in the curriculum itself. |
Suggested: Everything about STEM Courses in the US!
Tips to Apply for an Internship in USA
Let us now make you acquainted with some tips to apply for internship programs in USA for international students:
- Apply as soon as possible: The entire US visa process can be time consuming, and would require a lot of hustle in terms of documentation. It is therefore advisable to apply for internships as early as possible!
- Look for authentic websites and organisations: In order to begin with an internship in USA for international students, it is extremely important to look for only authentic websites and organisations. As an international student, you should go for companies that are familiar with the entire procedure of a US visa as well.
- Look for paid internships: While a majority of internships in USA are unpaid, you can get hold of a paid internship in USA for international students with a strong CV. A paid internship in USA for international students is highly recommended, as it is secure.
- Complete your visa application on time: Even after getting hold of an internship in USA , it is quite crucial to apply for your USA work visa on time. There have also been cases where applicants without a proper work visa are sent back home from the airport itself.
- Networking is the key: Networking is one of the strongest possible ways to get hold of an internship in the US. It is suggested to stay in touch with your fellow classmates, professors, and other people while in the US!
Suggested: All You Need to Know about the US Student Visa!
Work Visa Requirements for Internships in USA
One of the most important requirements to be eligible for an internship in the US is to appropriately apply for your work visa. There are two types of visas in the US that you can apply for:
- F-1 Visa: Usually all full time students apply for an F-1 visa to study in the US. With an F-1 visa, full time students can apply for paid and unpaid internships without additional paperwork. F-1 visa students are allowed to work for only 20 hours per week for part-time internships in their curriculum.
- J-1 Visa: Students not enrolled in full time programs can apply for a J-1 visa to work in the US, as trainees. With a J-1 visa, students can work for up to 18 months in academic training. Students not studying in the US, can apply for a J-1 Intern visa or J-1 Trainee visa.
Suggested: Complete Guide on the US F-1 Visa Interview!
|
When having the F-1 visa, students can go for the Curricular Practical Training, CPT or Optional Practical Training, OPT. A majority of students are usually observed completing their OPT after they graduate, as it is a legal way of staying in the US after graduation, is unrelated to any curriculum or degree, and even extendable! |
Some generic requirements to pursue an internship in USA include:
- Being registered as a student in your country of residence
- Possessing an English language proficiency certificate
- Age between 18-35 years
- Having a valid passport
- Having a very strong CV or Resume
- Interview
|
To get the “Intern” designation, international students are usually required to be enrolled in an American college or university. For students who wish to become a “Trainee”, the requirements include a degree along with one year work experience or a work experience of minimum 5 years. |
Suggested: Financial Documents Required to Get a US Student Visa!
Paid internships in USA for international students are tedious to get hold of, but definitely worth the time! Internships undoubtedly increase your chances of getting permanent employment in the US, can even help you get a taste of the American work culture, not to forget the most prevalent start-up culture!