Summer Internship Authorization for F-1 and J-1 Students 

Are you planning to participate in an internship this summer? Keep in mind that all F-1 and J-1 students must obtain proper work authorization before starting any type of off-campus internship or employment. This is an important part of properly maintaining your immigration status. 

Read on to learn about F-1 and J-1 authorization for paid and unpaid internships. 

F-1 Students: Curricular Practical Training 

F-1 students who want to work off-campus over the summer must obtain Curricular Practical Training authorization. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a benefit of F-1 immigration status that allows international students to gain practical, hands-on work experience related to their major field of study. 

CPT is curricular in nature. “Curricular” means the work must be tied to the student’s academic program; this usually happens by way of enrollment in a course that blends the work experience with academic learning. Students with F-1 status who have been enrolled full-time for at least two long semesters without a break in studies are generally eligible for CPT.  

To apply for CPT, students must: 

1. Obtain an internship offer directly related to their major at The University of Texas at Austin. 
2. Talk to their academic advisor to determine how the internship can be tied to their academic program. Usually, this means determining which course to enroll in. 
3. Obtain a completed Employment Verification Form from the intended employer. For unpaid internships, use the Unpaid Internship Form. 
4. Submit a CPT request through myIO at least three weeks before the internship start date. It will be routed through the student’s academic department for approval before International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) can review and authorize it. 
5. Wait to receive an email from ISSS with the CPT I-20 attached. Students may not begin work until they have received the updated I-20 that includes their CPT employer’s information and authorized start and end dates on Page 2.

For more detailed information about CPT eligibility and how to apply, please refer to our CPT webpage. 

Upcoming CPT Information Sessions 

If you still have questions after reviewing our CPT page, attend one of our upcoming CPT information sessions. 

CPT In-Person Info Session

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
5:30-6:30 p.m. CDT
Global Lounge, 2400 Nueces St., Suite B
Register today.

CPT Virtual Info Session 

Monday, March 25, 2024
1-2 p.m. CDT
Register today.

 

J-1 Students: Academic Training 

Academic Training is a benefit of J-1 immigration status that allows students to gain practical, hands-on work experience related to their major field of study.  

Students with J-1 status who have been enrolled full-time for at least one long semester without a break in studies are generally eligible for Academic Training. 

To apply for J-1 Academic Training, students must: 

1. Obtain an internship offer directly related to their UT Austin major. 
2. Obtain a completed Employment Verification Form from the intended employer. 
3. Submit an Academic Training request through myIO at least three weeks before the internship start date. It will be routed through the student’s academic department for approval before ISSS can review and authorize it. 
4. Obtain an updated DS-2019 and Academic Training authorization letter from ISSS. Students may not begin working until they have received these documents, which will state the details of employment, including the authorized start and end dates. 

For more detailed information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit our Academic Training webpage.