There are strict rules governing the approval of off-campus work for students on visas. This site discusses employment for F-1 visa holders; J-1 visa holders see the ISSS website at J-1 Interns/Trainees Overview.
F-1 visa holders may be eligible to apply for a type of work authorization called Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows you to participate in an internship that is directly related to your current program of study. ISSS' webpage on F-1 Employment provides detailed requirements for CPT. To be eligible for CPT, you must have maintained F-1 status for at least two semesters and be in good academic standing.
Looking for an Internship or Entry Level Position
- Your first step is to activate your Careers4Engineers account in Engineering Career Services. But before we activate your account we strongly recommend that you attend both the Job Search Tips for International Students and Resume Writing workshops.
- Start your internship search about 6-9 months before you plan to start your internship.
- Review our policies on Careers4Engineers accuracy, job posting scams, campus interviews, and accepting a job offer.
- To prepare for your job search and applications, attend career workshops on Career Fair Preparation, Cover Letters and Professional Correspondence, Interviewing, and Evaluating Job Offers and Salary Negotiation.
- Ask questions before you say yes to a position! Once you accept a position, you are obligated to that employer and you should stop seeking other positions for that term. Know that reneging on an offer (changing your mind after you've accepted) can have serious consequences for your own professional reputation as well as for other Maryland students.