An international student's ability to participate in internships while in the United States depends on their visa status. Every visa has its own specific regulations. International students are encouraged to contact the Global Education Office to verify their ability to complete internships in the United States prior to accepting any offers.
The majority of international students at MICA are studying on an F-1 student visa, which has specific regulations regarding off-campus employment.
How to Register Internships in the United States
- Talk to the Global Education Office to confirm your eligibility
- Read through the Register an Internship page for complete details
- Complete the online Internship Orientation
- Submit the Internship Learning Agreement through MICAnetwork
- Follow any necessary work authorization requirements for your visa.
F-1 students: wait for CPT approval and your new I-20 from Global Education - Apply your internship credits to the same semester you plan to intern
- Begin your internship!
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows currently enrolled F-1 students to gain experience off campus in the United States during their studies. F-1 students who have completed at least two consecutive semesters at MICA and/or another U.S. university are eligible for CPT.
Per the Department of Homeland Security Regulations, CPT is only allowable and approvable for F-1 students in academic programs where an internship is an "integral" and "required" component in order to complete the degree plan and graduate. This means, if a student's degree plan (program or major) does not currently include a required internship, F-1 students cannot participate in an internship because CPT cannot be granted by our office. F-1 students must wait until they receive their CPT approval and updated I-20 from International Education before starting their internships. The I-20 will include the name of the internship host, along with the authorized start and end dates of your internship.
CPT Limits
The number of hours an F-1 student can work per week depends on when the internship is completed.
- Fall or Spring: up to 20 hours per week
- Summer or Winter: any amount of hours, up to full time
Questions?
Navigating visa regulations and work authorization can be intimidating. Contact Career Development and Global Education Office anytime for support.