Working off-campus in the U.S. with an F-1 Visa
Information on this website is to supplement policies and guidelines found here: https://global.psu.edu/taxonomy/term/169
Curricular Practical Training or CPT is what most undergraduate students use for internships.
Note that students may work on campus with an F-1 visa. This website contains information about working off-campus in an internship or other practical training related to the student's major. Students studying here on an F-1 visa do not need to use CPT or OPT for on-campus jobs.
Tips from an International Student
Isabela Carlos Alberto
A lot of planning and preparation goes into successfully landing a job or internship
- Before I landed an internship, I applied to about 30 internship postings. As an international student it was more challenging to find applications and more competition (international students from all over the United States in all years are applying)
- For my CPT approval process I met with an ISSA advisor twice and thrice for my OPT approval for clarifications.
- It is important to contact your advisor about your CPT application. The sooner the better. Be sure to check in again after the 3 week period to remind or inquire about your CPT. For me, my CPT got approved the day before my internship started.
- Many large well-known corporations end their summer internship application in October the year before. Due to this, it is good to apply as soon as possible as there is fierce competition. For example, a summer 2022 internship application typically would close/be filled by October 2021.
- Smaller to mid-size organizations post their internship postings closer to the internships start date, or in the same year rather than the year before. That is why it is good to have a good mix of organizations to apply to, much like applying for colleges.
- A good method to apply for internships and jobs is to set a few hours aside every other day to apply for job postings
- With multiple applications, it is important to have a document to track all the postings you applied for. At times, when called back for an interview, the company will double check the region or position you applied for. You want to make sure you are able to answer these questions and not mix up applications of different companies with each other!
Who to go to?
Go to ISSA Advisor :
- Visa questions, such as visa status, work limitations and restrictions etc.
- Any questions related to CPT, OPT, and on campus work
- Traveling abroad, changing visa status, eligibility for CPT and OPT etc.
Go to Career Services for:
- If you are looking for job opportunities such as internships and on campus employment.
- Resources such as cover letter and resume review, interview preparation, job search, resume and cover letter samples etc.
- Major specific resume editing and resources to increase your network
Steps - be sure to plan well in advance:
- Check what is needed and the deadlines on https://global.psu.edu/article/f-1-curricular-practical-training-cpt
- Contact your advisor, the sooner the better, and inform them of your offer. Your advisor will guide you to the faculty supervisor of the internship course for your major/college, if needed.
- If you do not need an internship to graduate, then you must work with your advisor to find a faculty supervisor for your field experience. You CANNOT enroll yourself in the internship course.
- After requesting to be in the internship class, you can double check on LionPATH to see if you have been enrolled.
- Once you are enrolled for the course, you can now apply for CPT on iStart.
This could take as long as 3-4 weeks. The stated 12-15 business days does not include holidays and weekends.
To Note:
- When you email your employer for an offer letter, ensure that they have the list of information that needs to be in the letter, and that they know it is for your CPT application. The list of required information can be found on https://global.psu.edu/article/f-1-curricular-practical-training-cpt under the Application and Authorization Procedures section.
- Remind and inform your advisor that you have submitted your CPT or OPT application. The sooner you inform them, the faster your application will be reviewed by an ISSA officer.
Profiles of Students who completed CPT
Isabela Carlos Alberto, Smeal Finance major, at her Goldman Sachs internship in Parsippany, NJ
As an International Student , Isabela Carlos Alberto applied and was approved for CPT and OPT in 2021. Despite the challenges with the pandemic and being an international student, Isabela worked diligently on her resume, cover letter, interview skills and sought out the help of Career Services. As a result, she ultimately landed a summer 2021 internship with Goldman Sachs in the New York City Area Consumer and Wealth Management Division. Not long after, she was offered and accepted a full-time job offer with Goldman Sachs. Listen to her interview about her experience on the Penn State Career Conversations Podcast.
Sushrut Shringarputal, Computer Science Major at his internship with Infineon Technologies.
Sushrut Shringarputale began his studies at Penn State Brandywine and traveled to California and Arizona to complete an internship with Infineon Technologies. Sushrut, a native of India, came to the United States to attend Penn State University. During the internship, Sushrut was able to apply his skills and expand his knowledge base and experience. Visit the Penn State News article to learn more about his internship experience and how he absorbed and applied "the concepts presented far beyond all expectations."
Learn more about CPT & OPT
Need Funding for your Experience?
Students may apply for either a $1000 award or a $2000 award through the PSU Student Engagement Network (SEN). Successful applicants will receive the requested amount and are required to participate in a free, non-credit-bearing SEN Canvas course centered on the student engagement journey.
Penn State offers
Free Legal Services for current students!
Remember to meet with your advisor, ISSA and Career Services for help along the way. We Are.... here for you!
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