Questions about CPT Employment

Q:  Will the university secure an internship job for me?

A:  No, the university will not secure employment for the students. However, because the internship is mandatory, the school's CPT Employment Counselor will assist the applicants in finding and applying for an employment position. The school and/or HTIR associates will help the student in this endeavor by assisting with the preparation of a resume, introductions to companies looking for employees and showing students how to search for employment through the newspapers, the internet, job fairs or other placement services.  In the end, however, it is your responsibility to obtain your internship position. 

Q: What is the likelihood that I will find my internship employment?

A: New internship positions become available on a regular basis.  However, the type of internship position and how long it takes you to obtain it will depend on your skills, your experience, your English ability and your personal ambition. 

Q: How long will it take for me to obtain my internship employment?

A: Most students will obtain employment in the first two months at the campus.  For those with limited skills, it may take much longer to find a suitable internship position.  English ability is also a factor in how quickly a student can obtain his/her internship position.  Legally students can not start the internship until they have 1)enrolled and paid for school, 2)started classes and 3) obtained the Social Security number.  Getting the social security number takes on average, about two to four weeks.

Q.  Will my internship job be arranged before I come to the U.S.?

A. It is very difficult to have a job arranged for students prior to their arrival due to the fact that employers almost always want to interview the candidates personally.  However, the university has contacts with companies that will hire students for a temporary entry level job, so they can be employed as soon as possible.   At some of the schools the entry level job may be pre-arranged. While working in the entry level position, the student can simultaneously be searching for a more suitable job, and still fulfill the requirement of being in an internship.

Q:  What kind of employment will I get initially?

A:  Initially, most students will be asked to accept an "entry level" position paying $7.00 to $10.00 per hour, mostly in the service or sales industry.  These entry level jobs must be an "integral" part of the program or course.  These initial jobs are generally below the skill and wage level of jobs for which the students are actually qualified.   However, at any time after starting in the initial employment, when the students have become accustomed to the American workplace and feel they are ready to apply for and accept a position which is more satisfying and which pays a higher salary--they are free to change employers.   (Usually, only a two week advance notice will need to be given to the current employer in order to leave for a different job). 

Q:  How much can I earn in an internship job?

A:  Some entry level jobs will pay approximately $7.00 to 10.00 per hour, but more highly skilled positions may pay $10 or more per hour.   Students are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week, with overtime also possible, depending on the job.  The type of job will depend on the school curriculum, along with a student's work experience, background, skills, English ability and personal ambition.

Q: What kind of work will I do?

 A: The work you do will depend on the school curriculum, along with your background, previous work experience, bachelor degree's major, skills, English ability and personal "drive."  We have applicants in a variety of jobs, all at different levels and pay scales.  The lower paying jobs are between $7-10 an hour and require little work experience and skills.  The highest paying job an HTIR intern had was a gentleman who was a financial advisor in a bank and his pay was over $100,000 a year.  However, he came into the program with quite a bit of experience and skills, and his English abilty was excellent.  Please check this page which shows examples of companies where HTIR interns are working

Q: Can you tell me some of the companies that I might be working for?

A: Although we can not tell you exactly where you will be working, we can tell you what companies have hired students in the past.  These companies include, Intermountain Health Care, Primary Children's Hospital, American Express, Discover Card, Goldman Sachs, Dillard's, Citibank, Convergys, Fidelity Investments, Alt View Hospital, Aerotek, CCI Mechanical, Overstock.com, Marriot Hotel, Ramada Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Fifth Third Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Delta Design.  For a full list of where the HTIR interns have worked, please visit the companies page.

Q: Can I find an internship job only in the field related to my major or is any field O.K?  

A:  The employment needs to be related to an integral part of the curriculum or your field of study.  Consequently, a job which is related to concepts and principles that you may be learning in any of your classes will be acceptable.

 Q: How many hours will I probably work each week?

A: Your employment can be as a regular full time employee with the same benefits as are granted to all other employees.  Many employees work 40 hours per week and receive a one week vacation per year.  However, part-time employment is also available.

Q:  How soon after my arrival can I begin Curricular Practical Training employment?

A:  By law, you can apply for a Social Security number 10 days after your arrival.  However, immediately after arrival you are allowed to begin working with a career specialist at the campus in locating and identifying possible employers, and in learning how to apply for employment in the U.S.   Most students obtain employment in the first month, while for others, it takes longer.  The time required to obtain employment depends on the skill sets of the student, especially the level of the student's oral English and communication ability.

Q: Do I have to work overtime?  Can I keep the overtime bonus?

A: Some companies want the interns to work overtime, while others do not have overtime available.  However, you may keep for your own use all overtime income that you may earn.    

Q. What if I can't find employment?

A.  Because there are many entry level jobs available, it is highly likely that an intern would be able to find some type of employment.  However, depending on your work experience, skills, English ability and personal ambition, it may take up to several months to be placed in the entry level job.  The more work experience you have, and the better your English skills, along with the more positions you apply for, the quicker you will obtain a position.

Q: Do I have to have a social security card and a work permit?

A: Yes, you will need a social security card in order to start working.  The procedure for obtaining a Social Security card and permission to work begins with obtaining a job offer letter from a prospective employer.   Once an employer agrees to hire an applicant, such a letter will be issued by that employer.   The letter is to be taken to the university for a signature on the student’s original I-20 form where Curricular Practical Training is authorized.   This signature by the university official on the I-20 serves as the CPT student’s “work permit”.   The next step is to take the job offer letter and the signed I-20 to the Social Security office where application is made for a Social Security Number. 

Q: Will I have to pay taxes?

A: Your employer will be required to hold back funds from your monthly earnings to cover any taxes that you might owe.   However, after April 15th of each year most international students find that they get a refund for some of this withheld amount.    Please read this article for more information on taxes.

Q: Is there a way for me to work before actually starting to attend classes in order for me to save more money and add it to my current savings? 

A:  Students must first be registered and attending their first semester classes, be in the US for at least ten days, and obtain a Social Secruity number before they can legally start working.   This process can take two to four weeks.  However, at most schools, students can start looking for employment as soon as they are registered for classes.

Q: Could the work authorization be possibly converted into a full time work permit upon completion of the Masters program?

A: Converting the internship job into a full time job, such as under an H1-b, is possible.   But, it all depends upon whether the company you find to work for during the internship is willing to sponsor you for an H1-b.

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