Internship Guide for F-1 International Students

F-1 Internship Overview

An internship is practical work experience that allows you to apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations. It helps you develop professional skills in your field of study. F-1 students must follow federal immigration rules. Not all internships are permitted — they must meet specific requirements and be approved by the International Office before you begin working. There are two types of internships available to F-1 students: On-Campus Internships – work or training offered by the university or its departments. Off-Campus Internships(CPT) – work or training outside the university, usually with a company or organization. Requirements to participate:

Be enrolled full-time and maintain valid F-1 status. Internship must relate directly to your field of study. Obtain all required approvals before starting. Note: Starting without authorization can violate your visa status. 2 On-Campus Internship An on-campus internship is any paid or unpaid position that takes place at Missouri Valley University or at a location formally affiliated with the University. This includes roles within University departments, offices, and approved programs. Examples Include: Working in an MVU office, department, or program. Assisting with campus projects, events, or department initiatives. Participating in research or academic work supervised by MVU staff or faculty. Eligibility and Requirements: Be an F-1 student with valid status.

Be enrolled as a full-time student during each semester. The internship must relate to your program of study.

Complete the approval process with your Advisor, Dean, and International Office. You may work up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and full-time during official breaks if approved. Maintain good academic standing and ensure the internship does not conflict with your coursework. Note: You do not need federal work authorization, but you must get International Office approval before you start the internship. Off-Campus Internship (CPT) An off-campus internship is any paid or unpaid work outside Missouri Valley University with a company, organization, or other external site. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization for F-1 students that allows you to gain practical experience off campus when the training is a required or integral part of your academic program. Examples: Internship at a company or organization in your field. Practical training or hands-on experience required for your degree. Internship course for academic credit off campus. Eligibility & Requirements: Be an F-1 student in valid status. Complete one full academic year of full-time study at MVU (exceptions for some graduate programs). Internship must be integral to your curriculum and directly related to your major. You must have a specific job offer before applying for CPT. The offer must include the company name, your position title, a description of your duties, your weekly work hours, and the exact start and end dates. Obtain CPT authorization from the International Office (new I-20 issued). Maintain good academic standing and ensure the internship does not interfere with your studies. Note: CPT is a pre-completion work authorization. Follow all MVU and International Office procedures. Unauthorized work can affect your F-1 status.

CPT Rules & Authorizations 4

Important: When completing an off-campus internship under CPT, both your work hours and timing are essential for maintaining F-1 status and mantaining OPT eligibility. Weekly Hours: Part-Time CPT: 20 hours per week or less during the semester. You may attend classes while interning, and OPT eligibility remains unaffected. Full-Time CPT: More than 20 hours per week, usually during summer. Twelve or more months of full-time CPT eliminates OPT eligibility. Timing: Semester CPT: Used during the fall or spring semester while you are enrolled in classes. Summer CPT: Used during the summer term and often approved for full-time work since you have fewer or no classes. Work Location and Authorization: Work only for the employer and at the location approved on your CPT. Any changes to your employer, work location, job duties, hours, or CPT start/end dates require a new CPT authorization. Begin work only after CPT approval is reflected on your I-20. You must stop working as soon as your CPT end date is reached. If you plan to continue working, you must receive a new CPT authorization. The application process for both on-campus and off-campus internships generally follows the same structure and requirements. Off-campus (CPT) internships require an additional step, as your I-20 must be updated with CPT authorization before you are permitted to begin any work. Please review and follow each step carefully to ensure your internship is properly authorized and your F-1 status remains in full compliance. Step 1: Complete the Internship Handbook 5 Applying for an Internship

The handbook includes all forms and instructions for approval. Complete all sections before collecting signatures or submitting. Click here to access the handbook

Step 2: Collect Employer Documents Ask your employer for a hiring letter that includes: Internship start and end dates Weekly work hours Job title

A brief description of how your work relates to your major

Step 3: Obtain Advisor and Dean Signatures Take the handbook and employer documents to your Advisor and Dean. Include your workplace supervisor’s signature if required. This confirms that your internship aligns with your academic program. Step 4: International Office Review Take all signed forms to the International Office for final review and approval. This ensures your employment is authorized and your F-1 status remains in good standing. Step 5: Final Submission Submit Appendix C to the Registrar’s Office. Return other forms to your Advisor if necessary. If the internship counts for academic credit, your Advisor will set up a Canvas course to track your progress and assign credit. Step 6: CPT Authorization (Off-Campus Internships Only) The International Office will issue a new I-20 showing your CPT authorization. You may begin work only after: a.Receiving your new I-20 with CPT approval b.The CPT start date has arrived. Traveling While on CPT 6 If you plan to travel outside the U.S. while participating in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you must have the correct documents to ensure you can re-enter the country. Required Documents for Re-Entry:

Valid passport Valid F-1 visa I-20 with a recent travel signature from the International Office I-20 showing CPT authorization Job offer letter (recommended for reference when re-entering)

Travel Signature: Obtain a travel signature from the International Office on page 2 of your I-20 before leaving the U.S. The travel signature is usually valid for up to 12 months while you stay enrolled and in good standing with your F-1 status. A new signature may be required if your current one is close to expiring. Note: Always contact the International Office before making international travel plans to confirm that your documents are valid and that your CPT authorization remains active for re-entry to the U.S. 7 FAQ: On-Campus Q1. When can I start working? You may begin working once your Advisor, Dean, and the International Office have approved your internship. Q2. Do unpaid on-campus internships need approval? Yes. The Dean, Academic Advisor, and International Office must approve the position before you start. Q3. Can I change my position or department on campus? Yes, but you must inform your Dean or supervisor before changing your role, hours, or responsibilities. Q4. How many hours can I work? You may work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during official breaks. Q5. Does on-campus work affect my F-1 status? No, as long as you follow the work-hour limits, maintain full-time enrollment, and keep your I-20 information up to date. Q6. Do I need a new I-20 for on-campus work? No. On-campus employment does not require a new I-20, but you must keep your personal information and enrollment status current. Q7. Can I work multiple on-campus jobs at the same time? Yes, you may hold more than one on-campus position, as long as your total combined hours do not exceed 20 hours per week during the semester.

FAQ: Off-Campus Q1. When can I start working? You may begin working only after receiving your new I-20 with CPT authorization and once your CPT start date has arrived. Q2. Do unpaid internships require CPT? Yes. Any off-campus internship related to your academic program requires CPT authorization, even if the position is unpaid. Q3. Can I change employers or locations? Yes, but you must receive new CPT authorization and an updated I-20 before starting the new position. Q4. What if I want to work more hours? Changing from part-time (20 hours or less) to full-time (more than 20 hours per week) requires new CPT authorization. Keep in mind that 12 months or more of full-time CPT eliminates OPT eligibility at the same degree level. Q5. Does part-time CPT affect OPT? No. Part-time CPT does not affect OPT. Only 12 months or more of full-time CPT cancels OPT at the same degree level.

International Admissions Office Ferguson Center First Floor P:(660) 815-3244 E:international@moval.edu David Alvarenga Assistant Director of International Admissions P:(660) 831-4169 E:dea0306@moval.edu Yesenia Farfan Director of International Admissions/PDSO P:(660) 831-4125 E:farfany@moval.edu Need Help? Contact Us

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs