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Intern with Tekcel
At Tekcel, we offer F1 internship opportunities that provide international students with real-world industry exposure in the United States. Our full-time, paid F1 Internship Program helps you bridge the gap between academic learning and professional experience, making you job-ready for a global career.
Who is Eligible?
- Currently enrolled in a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary institution outside the U.S.
- Recent graduates (within 12 months) from an overseas institution are also eligible.
F1 Trainees
The Tekcel F1 Trainee Program offers foreign professionals the chance to gain specialized training in the United States. This program is ideal for individuals who have completed their education abroad and have relevant work experience. Through this program, you’ll gain hands-on training with U.S.-based companies, helping you advance your career in your field.
Eligibility for F1 Trainees
- Must hold a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary institution.
- Must have at least 1 year of work experience in the same professional field; both the education and experience should come from outside the U.S.
- If your degree is from the U.S. or unrelated to the field in which you’re seeking training, you must have at least 5 years of work experience in your desired field outside the U.S.
Academic Training (AT) for F-1 Students
As an F-1 student in the U.S., you are eligible to participate in Academic Training (AT), which allows you to gain practical experience directly related to your field of study. This training can be undertaken during or after the completion of your degree program, provided that it aligns with your academic goals.
Eligibility for Academic Training (AT)
To participate in Academic Training, an F-1 student must meet the following criteria:
- Primary Purpose: Your main goal in the U.S. must be to study, rather than to engage in Academic Training.
- Field of Study: The training must be directly related to your major, as listed on your DS-2019.
- Good Academic Standing: You must maintain good academic standing and be in a legal program status throughout your studies.
- Integral to Academic Program: The training must be an essential or critical component of your academic program.
- Written Authorization: You must receive written authorization from your Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) before beginning your training.
Duration of Academic Training (AT)
Maximum Duration:
The total duration of AT is limited to 18 months or the length of your academic program, whichever is shorter. For example, if you have studied in the U.S. for 12 months, your AT is limited to 12 months.
Authorization Start:
The AT authorization officially begins when you complete your studies, even if the actual training begins at a later date.
Types Of Training
At Tekcel, We Offer Two Key Training Programs For International Students In The U.S. Under The F1 Visa: OPT Training And CPT Training. These Programs Help You Gain Real-World Experience In Your Field, Bridging The Gap Between Your Studies And Future Career.
OPT Training (Optional Practical Training)
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Is A Type Of Temporary Employment Authorized By USCIS For International F-1 Students. The Work Must Be Directly Related To The Student’s Major Area Of Study, Providing Practical Experience In Their Field.
An F-1 Student Can Be Authorized For Up To 12 Months Of OPT, Either Before (Pre-Completion) Or After (Post-Completion) Completing Their Studies At A U.S.-Based University Or College.
There Are Two Types of OPT
Pre-Completion OPT
F-1 students who have completed one full academic year are eligible for Pre-Completion OPT. This allows students to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during school sessions. During school breaks or vacation periods, they can work full-time (40+ hours per week).
Post-Completion OPT
After graduation, students can participate in Post-Completion OPT. The work must be directly related to the student’s major area of study. To count as OPT employment, students must work at least 20 hours per week.
How Long Can I Be Unemployed on OPT Status?
USCIS Allows A Maximum Of 90 Days Of Unemployment While On OPT Status. Each Day Of Unemployment, Including Weekends, Counts Toward This 90-Day Limit. If You Do Not Have A Qualifying Placement Or Are Not Engaged In Training With A U.S. Employer, The Time Will Be Counted As Unemployment.
You Can Track Your OPT Start And End Dates On Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Change of Companies on OPT Status
If You Decide To Change Your Training Site Or Employer During Your OPT Period, It Is Important To:
- Notify USCIS Of The Change
- Keep Your Designated School Official (DSO) Informed
- Update Any Required Documentation, Including The Form I-20, To Reflect The Change
OPT STEM Extension
Students In STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics) Programs May Be Eligible For An Additional 17 Months Of OPT Under Certain Conditions:
- The Degree Must Be Related To Your Post-Completion OPT.
- Your Employer Must Be Enrolled In The E-Verify Program.
- You Must Not Have Previously Received A 17-Month OPT STEM Extension.
- Your DSO Must Issue A New Form I-20 Recommending The STEM OPT Extension.
You Must File A Form I-765 With USCIS And Pay The Filing Fee Of $380.
You Can Continue Working On Your Expired EAD For Up To 180 Days While Your STEM Extension Petition Is Pending If The Application Was Filed Properly And On Time.
Reporting Requirements:
You Are Required To Report Any Changes In:
- Name
- Address
- Employer
- Loss Of Employment
This Must Be Done Within 10 Days Of Any Change.
CPT Training (Curricular Practical Training)
What is CPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Is A Type Of Work Authorization That Allows F-1 Students To Gain Practical Experience In Their Field Of Study While They Are Still Enrolled In Their Degree Program. Unlike Optional Practical Training (OPT), Which Is Optional, CPT Must Be An Integral Part Of The Student’s Curriculum And Is Required For Course Completion.
CPT can be:
- Part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session.
- Full-time (40+ hours per week) during vacation periods.
Who is Eligible for CPT?
To Qualify For CPT, Students Must:
- Have Been Enrolled In Their Academic Program For At Least One Full Academic Year.
- Have A Job Offer Related To Their Major Field Of Study.
- Receive Authorization From Their Designated School Official (DSO) Before Starting Work.
- Ensure That The Training Is Required As Part Of Their Degree Curriculum.
How to Apply for CPT
- Obtain A Job Offer Letter From An Employer.
- Meet With Your Designated School Official (DSO) To Confirm CPT Eligibility.
- Meet With Your Designated School Official (DSO) To Confirm CPT Eligibility.
- Receive An Updated Form I-20 With CPT Approval.
- Start Working Only After Receiving CPT Authorization.
CPT vs. OPT – Key Differences
| Feature | Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement | Mandatory as part of the degree curriculum. | Optional – not required for degree completion. |
| Relation to Major | Must be directly related to the student's major. | Must be related to the student's major but not required by the curriculum. |
| Tied to Course/Degree | Can be degree-based (linked to the overall program) or course-based (linked to a specific course). | Not tied to any specific course. |
| Employer Requirement | Employer must be specified at the time of application, and a job offer letter is required. | Employer does not need to be specified at the time of application (especially for pre-completion OPT). |
| Work Authorization | Students must obtain CPT authorization from their university before starting work. | Students must obtain OPT approval from USCIS and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before working. |
| Time Limit | No overall time limit, but 12+ months of full-time CPT makes a student ineligible for OPT. | Limited to 12 months (pre- and post-completion combined). |
| Part-Time vs. Full-Time | - Part-time (≤20 hours/week) during school. - Full-time (40+ hours/week) during breaks. | - Pre-completion OPT: Part-time while school is in session, full-time during breaks. - Post-completion OPT: Must work at least 20 hours/week. |
| Impact on OPT Eligibility | Using 12+ months of full-time CPT makes a student ineligible for OPT. | Pre-completion OPT reduces the total available OPT period (cutting into post-completion OPT time). |
Why Choose Tekcel for Your Internship?
Real Work Experience
You’ll work on actual projects, not just observe. Get hands-on experience that matters.
Learn from Experts
Our team will mentor you, sharing knowledge and helping you grow in your field.
Use the Latest Tools
Work with the latest technology and tools used in the industry.
Supportive Environment
We believe in a positive, inclusive environment where everyone’s ideas are welcomed.
Make Connections
Meet professionals and expand your network, which can help you in your future career.
Flexible Hours
Our internship program offers flexible hours that work with your school schedule.
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