Looking for an internship in New York? Learn about the conditions and formalities relating to internships in New York.
Why do an internship in New York?
For some, it is a dream ' it is as simple as that. New York is a city where many dream of living, at least once in their lifetime and doing an internship, there is one of the ways of achieving it. For others, it is the professional experience that rules: doing an internship in this big city can bring many advantages such as improvement in English, better knowledge of the market and the American work norms. Moreover, all the big companies have a New York branch, and on the CV, this can be a real plus.
How to find an internship?
Before starting the process and formalities to obtain a visa, the first step is to find an internship. Without a company to sponsor you, you will not be able to obtain an American working visa. It is strictly forbidden to work in the United States with a tourist visa, even a non-remunerated internship.
To find an internship in New York, you can first inquire at your university. You can also register at specialised agencies that look for student internships or enrol to in exchange programs between your country of origins and the United States.
The other solution is to do your own research. Approach foreign companies located in New York, particularly those coming from your home country as they are the most likely to take you in. Additionally, regularly visit websites such as Craigslist, Mandy or Monster which publish internship opportunities regularly. You can also attend employment workshops to have a better idea of the recruiting sectors.
Procedures
If you do not have the American nationality, you need to make a visa request for your internship. Once you have found your internship, you will first and foremost need the form DS-2019 from your sponsoring company.
This form will allow you to obtain an internship visa, also known as J-1 visa. In the United States, an internship, paid or not, is considered a job. Also, check if you fall in the category of 'Interns' that can usually renew their visa every 12 months, or the 'Trainees' who obtain an 18 months visa without the renewal option.
You will find all the necessary information on Immigration and Citizenship in the United States website.
Placement agencies
If you cannot find an internship by doing your own research, you will certainly find one through a placement agency. The agency takes care of all the administration process, and the only downside is the fees to pay for this service, although you will not have to worry about the formalities.
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