We’ve funded 20,000+ educational dreams — act now and fund yours with loans up to US$100,000! We’ve funded 20,000+ educational dreams — act now and fund yours!

Finding Internships for international students in the USA

Find Yours

Internships are a great way for college and graduate students to gain experience and launch their careers. But when you’re studying in the U.S. as an international student, finding internships can be a challenge. Competition can be fierce, your personal network may be limited and work permits for international students can be difficult to navigate. This guide offers an overview of internships for international students in the USA, how you can find great opportunities, and the visa considerations you’ll need to think about for an internship during or after your studies.

The benefits of internships for international students

Internships offer several key benefits for your academic studies and your career.

  • Hands-on experience: Internships give you a chance to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. You’ll gain practical experience that will further your education and help your resume stand out to future employers.
  • Building your network: Internships allow you to meet other industry professionals and build a network of contacts. These colleagues may become mentors and references who can connect you with job opportunities after you graduate.
  • International student job opportunities: The skills and experience you gain during an internship will help to make you more employable when you enter the job market, and internships often lead to full-time job offers.
  • A glimpse of American work culture: An internship will help you better understand the workplace culture in the U.S. You’ll improve your communication skills, learn how to adapt to new work environments, and gain confidence in your ability to contribute professionally.
The benefits of internships for international students

MPOWER scholarships

International student scholarships are designed with your needs in mind.

Learn More

How to find internships for international students in the USA

There are two basic types of internship opportunities available for students in the USA:

  • On-campus internships: These are positions offered by your university. They provide a way to gain experience without requiring additional work permits for international students.
  • Off-campus internships: Businesses often have internship programs that help them discover new talent while supporting current employees. Some universities offer cooperative education (co-op) programs that combine classroom learning with practical work experience at a local company.

Here are a few tips as you search for internships for international students in the USA.

  • Start now: Finding an internship can take time, so it’s best to begin your search as soon as possible. This will give you ample time to prepare your materials, explore all the various opportunities, and sort out any visa requirements.
  • Contact career services: The career services office at your college or university may offer helpful resources such as workshops, resume assistance and job fairs where you can meet representatives from companies that are hiring interns.
  • Build your network: Networking may help you find internship opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly. Networking activities include contacting other professionals on LinkedIn, attending industry events, and joining student organizations where you may meet potential employers.
  • Customize your materials: Each time you apply for an internship, be sure to tailor your cover letter and resume, highlighting the skills and experience that best align with the position.
  • Understand visa requirements: Most off-campus internships will require proper work authorization for international students.

Visa considerations for international internships

There are two types of authorization for internships for international students in the USA.

  • Curricular practical training (CPT).CPT for international studentsenables you to take an internship during the school year or while on breaks. The internship must be related to your major, and it must be required to complete your studies. To qualify for CPT, you must have already studied for at least a year before taking an internship.
  • Optional practical training (OPT). An OPT work authorization lets you work an internship before or after you graduate. You can work up to 20 hours per week while in school and fulltime during breaks or after graduation. Unlike CPT, OPT internships do not have to be an academic program requirement, but they do need to relate to your field of study. OPT jobs for international studentsmay last up to 12 months or up to 36 months for STEM majors.

To learn more about the details of CPT and OPT internships for international students in the USA, you can reach out to your designated school official (DSO) for guidance and more information.

Finding_Internships_for_International_Students_in_USA_hero_image_hero_image_mobile_seo_image_0_seo_image_0-2

Find an internship and access visa resources with MPOWER Financing

As you look for internships for international students in the USA, you’ll find a wealth of helpful international student resourcesand information at MPOWER Financing. MPOWER was founded to help international students overcome financial obstacles as they pursue their dream of studying abroad in the U.S. or Canada. MPOWER offers competitively priced fixed-rate loans up to US$100,000, with no cosigner and no collateral required.

Along with access to financial resources, MPOWER students can take advantage of career and immigration resources with their Path2Success program. These include:

  • A guided internship and job search tool for F-1, OPT and H-1B visa-sponsored roles
  • A resume builder to help you match targeted job requirements
  • Job application support
  • A free visa support letter demonstrating that you have financial support
  • A free visa essentials course to help prepare for your visa interview
  • Mock visa interviews
  • Live Q&A webinars
  • Access to guidance from former U.S. visa officers

MPOWER Financing student loan

A loan based on your future earnings

Apply Now

FAQs

How can I find internships for international students in the USA?

You can search for internships through your university career center, online job boards, and networking platforms like LinkedIn. Attending career fairs and reaching out to companies directly can also be helpful.

Are international students allowed to do paid internships in the U.S.?

Yes, international students can do paid internships, but they must have proper work authorization, such as CPT or OPT approval.

Can I intern without a work permit?

No, you need to obtain work authorization through your visa program to legally intern in the U.S.

When should I start looking for an internship?

It’s best to start looking at least six months before you want to start working to allow time for applications and visa approvals.

What happens if I don’t follow visa rules while interning?

Failing to follow visa regulations can result in losing your legal status and possible deportation from the U.S.

Do I need to pay U.S. taxes on my internship earnings?

Yes, international students are required to pay U.S. taxes on their internship earnings, but they may be eligible for tax treaty benefits.


*Rates as low as 9.99% (11.16% APR). This interest rate and APR includes a 0.25% discount for automatic recurring payments.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

2025 © MPOWER Financing, Public Benefit Corporation NMLS ID #1233542

U.S. office India office
1101 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036 The Cube at Karle Town Center, 9th Floor, 100 Ft, Nada Prabhu Kempe Gowda Main Road, Next to Nagavara, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560045, India

Apply Now