For many international CS students in North America, after graduation, they typically obtain OPT (Optional Practical Training) status, which allows for up to 12 months of work authorization. While searching for a full-time job, some consider taking on internships to gain experience, especially if they haven’t received an offer yet. A common option is an unpaid internship. But the question is: can you do unpaid internships during OPT?
Legally, OPT requires the work to be “directly related to your major.” However, this doesn’t mean every unpaid internship is allowed. If a company makes you work for free for a long time without training or helping you build professional skills, this might violate US labor laws. USCIS could also decide that you’re not engaged in “qualifying employment,” which may affect your legal status.
A key way to judge if an unpaid internship is allowed is whether it has educational value. Is the work related to your CS major? Does the company provide guidance? Are you learning new skills? If yes, such unpaid internships are generally acceptable during OPT. But if you’re just doing menial tasks without growth, it’s better to avoid it—even if they say “it’s a good opportunity.”
Many startups or small companies offer “remote unpaid internships,” but don’t provide employment contracts or proof of internship. Participating in these for a long time might cause problems when updating your OPT records, applying for H1B, or a green card. USCIS requires you to start working within 90 days of OPT approval and to report employer info and job duties. If your unpaid internship isn’t recognized as “legal employment,” it could count as unemployment days.
If you consider unpaid internships, first ask if they can provide an offer letter specifying your role, duties, duration, and technologies used. Next, check with your school’s OPT advisor to confirm if the internship counts as “training related to your major.” Ideally, have the position recorded in your school’s SEVIS system to keep your status safe.
In summary, unpaid internships during OPT are possible, but the work must be professional, supported by official documents, and genuinely educational. Don’t ignore compliance just to gain experience, or you might risk your visa and status. The job hunt is tough for international students, so choose internships carefully, stay cautious, and follow the proper path.
Release time:2025-06-10
