How to Get Internships in the USA for International Students

Internships in the USA for international students are highly coveted–and for good reason! From professional development to long-term visa considerations, getting an internship in the US can be a gamechanger if you want to work in the States after graduation or want to work at some of the top companies in the world. But how do you find these opportunities, and how do you apply and where can you find them? 

In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know to get internships in the USA for international students, covering topics such as: 

1. Why should I get an internship in the USA as an international student? 
2. What is the J-Category Visa? 
3. How do I apply for an internship in the USA? 
4. How do I find the best internships in the USA for international students? 

At Intrax Global Internships, we’ve paired interns with exciting opportunities for skilled international talent for twenty years. As a U.S. Department of State designated J-1 Visa sponsor, we simplify the legalities across borders and provide ongoing support to students throughout the program. We work with leading companies to offer enriching industry experiences and unparalleled personal and professional growth for our participants. 

We make it our mission to create impactful opportunities that empower young professionals to become global citizens. Contact us today to find out how we can help you, or request more information to learn more about what we do.

Why Get an Internship in the USA as an International Student? 

With more than 1 million international students studying in the United States as of 2023, and approximately 23,000 participating in US internships during their studies, interning in the US as an international student is incredibly popular. But what is the reason for these astounding numbers? 

There are three main reasons why you may want to consider a US internship:

1. Personal Development 
2. Professional Development 
3. Practical Considerations 

Personal Development 

Traveling to the US and working in an international environment can be a great gateway for personal growth, social skills, and cultural immersion: 

• Cultural Exchange: Interning in the USA allows you to immerse yourself in American culture, enhancing your cross-cultural understanding and making you more globally competent.
• Language Skills: Working in an English-speaking environment helps improve your language skills, including pronunciation and vocabulary, which are crucial for effective communication in the global job market.
• Networking Opportunities: Internships provide opportunities to build a professional network with mentors, colleagues, and industry professionals, which can be invaluable for your future career

Professional Development 

The United States is ranked #3 in having the best job markets, and it’s colloquially known as a place of opportunity and growth. As a student starting to develop your career, the US is the perfect place to jumpstart your professional development, some reasons include: 

1. Hands-On Experience: Internships in the USA provide practical, real-world experience in your field of study, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in a professional setting.
2. Skill Development: You can develop both hard and soft skills, such as technical abilities, communication, and teamwork, which are highly valued by employers.
3. Resume Building: Having an internship in the USA on your resume can make you more attractive to future employers, as it demonstrates adaptability and experience in a competitive job market.
4. Employment Opportunities: Internships often lead to job offers. 52.7% of interns, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), get return offers after they complete an internship. 
5. Exposure to Leading Industries: The USA is a global leader in many fields, including technology, finance, healthcare, and entertainment. Interning in these industries can provide exposure to cutting-edge practices and innovations

Practical Considerations 

Beyond personal and professional development, there are practical considerations to have for interning in the US, especially if you are someone who already wishes to work full time in the States after graduation: 

1. Visa Options: Various visa options, such as the J-1, F-1 with CPT (Curricular Practical Training), and OPT (Optional Practical Training), allow international students to intern in the USA legally.
2. Support Systems: Many universities and organizations offer resources and guidance to help international students find internships, prepare applications, and navigate visa requirements. By utilizing your support systems while you are in school, you are optimizing your resources, getting a head start, and removing the pressure of doing job search and career development all alone. 

Want International Student Internships in the USA? You Need a J-1 Visa 

You know the numerous benefits of a U.S. internship for international students. But how are you able to get an internship in the US as an international student? The first step in answering how to apply for an internship in the U.S. is learning about the J-1 Visa. 

The J-1 visa program is a cultural exchange program that allows individuals from other countries to come to the U.S. to gain experience and knowledge in their field of study or profession. 

Administered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), this program is meant to help the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and skills in various fields. It also allows foreign nationals to come to the United States to participate in exchange programs that enable them to learn and work in their fields of interest. The J-1 visa creates a win-win situation where students can get cultural exposure and companies gain new global perspectives. 

If you are thinking about working in the U.S. with the J-1 visa, you should know whether the type of work you want to do falls under the visa’s qualifications. The qualifying jobs include: 

• Au pair 
• Camp counselor
• Government visitor
• Intern
• International visitor selected by Department of State
• Physician
• Professor and research scholar
• Short-term scholar
• Specialist
• Student in a college or university
• Student in secondary school
• Summer work travel
• Teacher
• Trainee

J-1 Visa Categories: Find Your Niche 

THe J-1 visa is divided into different buckets based on the type of work you want to pursue. It’s important that you choose correctly according to the host organizations you are applying to and want to work for: 

1. J-1 Training Visa: Meant for young professionals who want to participate in on-the-job training programs. They must possess a degree or certificate from a university or college outside of the U.S. and 1 year of related professional experience OR have 5 years of related professional experience. 
2. J-1 Internship Visa: Meant for those who wish to participate in an intern role in the U.S. A J-1 student intern would be enrolled full-time in a university or college outside of the U.S. or for recent graduates who have received their degree within 12 months prior to the start of the internship. You could, for example, work at Hyatt or Marriott to pursue a hospitality internship in the States to jumpstart your hotel management career. 
3. J-1 Camp Counselor Visa: Meant for individuals who want to participate in a U.S. summer camp program. Note that you must be sufficiently proficient in English and be 18 years or older to be eligible. You can find summer camp counselor opportunities through organizations like AmeriCamp. 
4. J-1 Summer Work Travel Visa: Meant for those who want to work and travel in the United States during their summer break from school. 
5. J-1 Teacher Visa: Meant individuals who want to teach in the United States as part of an exchange program. 

If you specifically want an internship in USA and are set on choosing the J-1 Internship or J-1 Training Visa, then do keep in mind that you have to pursue work in one of the following industries: 

Interning and training, for instance, require that you can only work within these sectors: 

• Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
• Arts and culture
• Construction and building trades
• Education, social sciences, library science, counseling, and social services
• Hospitality and tourism
• Information media and communications
• Management, business, commerce, and finance
• Public administration and law
• The sciences, engineering, architecture, mathematics, and industrial occupations

Sometimes, it can get a little tricky determining which bucket fits you best: that’s why J-1 sponsors like Global Internships are here to support you. You can request more information if you want to see how we can work with you to help achieve your career goals. 

How to Find Internships in USA for International Students 

You know the legal and logistical requirements for getting an internship in the States. The other main question still stands: how do you find top internships in the US that hire international talent? We already have a list of 10 Companies That Hire International Students For Valuable Internships, but let’s take a step back and look at ways you can find the internship of your dreams. There are a couple of avenues you can take to start: 

• Careers Pages: If you have specific organizations where you want to intern, check their career pages for internship programs. Be aware that the application process for J-1 visa applicants can be more complex than what is outlined on the main page.
• University Career Services: Many universities and colleges partner with various companies for internships. While these can be valuable resources, the availability of support may vary. 
• Online Job and Internship Boards: Websites dedicated to job boards can be useful for finding internships, but be cautious of scams or fake postings. These platforms often lack personalized support and guidance, which can make navigating the application process challenging.
• Networking: Attending industry conferences, seminars, and events can help you meet professionals in your field. Building strong connections may lead to referrals, but this requires significant effort and time to develop these relationships.
• Social Media: Following relevant social media accounts on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook can keep you updated on internship opportunities. However, the volume of information can be overwhelming, and opportunities may be highly competitive.
• Recruitment Agencies: Some recruitment agencies specialize in placing international students in internships. While they can provide valuable assistance, their services may come with fees, and the quality of placements can vary.
• Professional Associations: Joining professional associations related to your field can provide access to exclusive internship listings and networking events. However, membership fees and the time required to engage with these associations can be drawbacks.
• Job Fairs: Attending job fairs can give you direct access to recruiters and potential employers. However, these events are often crowded and competitive, and securing an internship on the spot can be difficult.

Why Partner with J-1 Visa Sponsor Organizations 

A J-1 visa sponsor helps prospective international candidates obtain their J-1 visas so they can travel to the U.S. for an Exchange Visitor Program. J-1 sponsors can help in:

• Helping find paid internships abroad
• Screening participants
• Selecting participants
• Monitoring participants throughout their stay in the U.S.
• Explaining to participants how the program works

You can find an official list of approved J-1 visa sponsors online. Or, you can save yourself some hours by working with us, since Global Internships has been a designated U.S. J-1 visa sponsor for twenty years. 

At Global Internships, we can also match you with host organizations based on your goals, interest, and skill level. You’ll be able to receive services such as: 

• Exclusive positions
• Year-round start dates
• Amazing customer service
• Emergency support around the clock
• Assistance with securing work authorization
• An international network of connections 

As the job market continues to be highly competitive, being equipped with the right resources and support, such as our services at Global Internships, can significantly enhance your chances of securing a valuable job opportunity in the United States.

How to Get Internships in USA for International Students 

It’s now time to start applying to internships in the USA! Here are the basic steps for how to get these internships while cooperating with U.S. visa application requirements: 

1. Secure a visa sponsorship 
2. Get your documents ready 
3. Attend your J-1 visa interview

Secure a Visa Sponsorship

Like we mentioned in the previous section, Global Internships is a certified J-1 visa sponsor and can help you get in contact with host organizations, organize your documents for the J-1 application process, and provide continuous support throughout your internship. As your J-1 visa sponsor, we’ll help you from screening to program information, helping you get a J-1 visa and find available internships in your desired industry. 

Get Your Documents Ready 

There are a number of documents you need to apply for the J-1 Visa. You can look through our ultimate guide for more details, but in general, you should have these filled out and ready:

• DS-2019 Application: The DS-2019 form includes basic information about yourself and your host company, including addresses, phone numbers, and program dates.
• Submit Additional Documents: Provide additional documentation, including the DS-7002 (training placement plan), proof of English proficiency, diploma/work experience proof, resumé/CV, and a copy of your passport's biographical page.
• Pay Fees: There will be payments associated with visa interviews, J-1 visa sponsors, and cost of living. You can use our J-1 pricing calculator for an estimate. 
• Receive DS-2019: After submitting all required documents and fees to your J-1 sponsor, receive the DS-2019 within 4 weeks, and bring it to your visa interview. 
• Complete DS-160: Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application, print the barcode page, upload a photo, and schedule your J-1 visa interview.

Attend Your J-1 Interview 

You will have to attend a J-1 application interview after you prepare your documents. If you have interview jitters, you have nothing to worry about. We have 10 smart tips to confidently answer J-1 visa interview questions so that you can walk in confidently and be prepared for what they may ask.

You will have to bring documentation for your interview. This includes: 

• Passport
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee receipt (if you were required to pay it)
• Your personal photo from the DS-160 application (2x2 format)
• The DS-2019
• The DS-7002

Some nice-to-bring documents, though not required, include: 

• Bank statements or financial documents
• Visa appointment confirmation
• Transcripts (especially for intern and training programs) 
• Demonstration of nonimmigrant intent

Once you complete your interview and your J-1 visa application is approved, your next step is to prepare for your internship! This can include tasks like packing and host organization requirements, such as mandatory orientations, dress code, prerequisites, and training videos you may need to watch before your internship begins. Make sure to check off all of these before you land–once you do, you are smooth sailing and ready for your first day! 

Start Your Global Internships Journey Today!  

As a U.S. Department of State designated J-1 Visa sponsor, we have helped students get a J-1 visa and connect them to available internships. By working with Global Internships, you have a greater chance of finding top-tier global talent. Request more information or contact us today! 

Want to read more about how to secure a J-1 Visa? You can also check out some of our other resources below: 

• Startup Internships: A Guide for Interns and Growing Companies
• Securing Your Future: The Essential Guide to an Internship Visa [USA]
• How To Get an Internship After College: A Guide for Graduates
• How Much Do Interns Get Paid? (An In-Depth Analysis)
• Internship in the USA [Expectations + How to Apply for Your Visa]
• U.S.-Based STEM Internships For College Students: How to Apply + Requirements