Paid Internship

S

svaloo

New Member
Hello,
I have a question regarding F1 visa: I am currently on a TN visa and my wife is on a TD visa. She has just obtained an offer to do an internship at a local psychology practise, which is part of her requiremnts for her Phd program. She has not completed requirements for the Phd degree yet, but has obtained her Master's from the same school.
Questions are:
1. What does she need to do to get the F1 visa?
2. Is there any limit to the number of paid hours in a full time 1 year internship as Phd student?
Any help would be appreciated.
Suren
 
I am not aware of what TN and TD visa are. But in order to change your wife's visa you will have to:
1. File I-539 form (change of status). You will need to send a lot of documents with that. I would suggeste reading the the threads related to this topic. There are a lot.
2. Is this internship off campus or on campus? I want to make clear one thing. Just getting an F1 visa doesn't make you eligible to do an internship. You are not allowed to work off campus untill you complete one full academic year of classes at a school after you obtain F1. You will have to be a full time student for that. You can't start working off campus right after you get F1. On campus is fine, but then you can't exceed more than 20 hours.
 
Thanks for the response.
TN is for Trade Nafta which is for Canadian professionals, TD is the dependant's visa.
The internship is off-campus, however given that it is part of the Phd program requirement, and also the fact that she has been a full time student with this school since March 2002, does she not qualify under the CPT or curricular practical training program?
 
Things do work differently for Canadians. There are lot things that are different for Canadians in US than the rest of the world. So you might wanna ask an attorney.

I was speaking for the things, how they work with rest of the world. You are eligible for CPT only after you have completed one full academic year (two semesters) as full time students. The rules for eligibility are same for OPT and CPT. The difference is that CPT is before you graduate and OPT is after graduation.

I don't think it matter if she is attending school from March 02. What matter is when she her F1, because that is the duration that is important.

Please see this link and it will answer all your questions. If the link doesn't work then search for Sec. 214.2(f) on www.uscis.gov

http://uscis.gov/lpBin/lpext.dll/in...plates&fn=document-frame.htm#slb-8cfrsec2142f

Good luck.
 
A paid internship is a valuable opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain real-world experience while earning an income. Unlike unpaid internships, paid internships offer financial compensation, making it easier for interns to focus on their work and learning. These internships provide hands-on experience, enhance resumes, and can often lead to full-time employment opportunities. They are an essential stepping stone for career development and professional growth.
 
To transition from a TN visa to an F-1 visa, your wife will need to follow several key steps. First, she must obtain a Form I-20 from the educational institution or the psychology practice where she will be interning. This form certifies her eligibility for the F-1 visa. Next, she must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Following this, she will complete the DS-160 form and schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, she should present her Form I-20, proof of SEVIS fee payment, and other supporting documents, such as her passport and evidence of financial support. If her application is approved, she will receive an F-1 visa, allowing her to enter the U.S. as a student.

Regarding her internship on an F-1 visa, there are specific regulations to consider. While on F-1 status, she can use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) for internships. CPT allows students to engage in internships related to their field of study and is integral to their curriculum. There is no limit to the number of hours worked per week under CPT, though full-time CPT may impact OPT eligibility. OPT, available during or after her degree program, offers up to 12 months of work authorization per degree level, with part-time options during the academic year and full-time during breaks or after completing her degree. It's important for her to consult with the Designated School Official (DSO) at her institution to ensure compliance with all regulations and receive guidance specific to her situation.
Please see this link and it will answer all your questions xxxxxxx
 
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