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 As an international student on an F-1 visa looking to participate in the Diet To Lifestyle Dietetic Internship, you’ll need to rely on Georgia State University (GSU) for sponsorship since the internship program itself does not offer visa sponsorship. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Confirm Enrollment at GSU: To be eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship through GSU, you must be enrolled as a full-time student in a degree program at the university. The F-1 visa is tied to your academic program, and GSU’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office will be your primary resource for maintaining visa status and obtaining work authorization for the internship.

2. Understand F-1 Work Authorization Options: Since the Diet To Lifestyle Dietetic Internship is an off-campus opportunity and your program does not sponsor visas, you’ll need to use one of the F-1 work authorization options provided through GSU:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is the most likely option for a dietetic internship, as it allows F-1 students to work off-campus in a position directly related to their major field of study. CPT must be an integral part of your academic curriculum, meaning it should either be required for your degree or tied to a course for which you’ll receive academic credit.
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  • Eligibility: You must have been enrolled full-time at GSU (or another SEVIS-approved school) for at least one academic year (fall + spring semesters) before applying for CPT, unless the internship is a mandatory part of your program from the start (check GSU’s academic catalog).

• Process: Work with your academic advisor at GSU to confirm that the Diet To Lifestyle Dietetic Internship aligns with your degree requirements. You’ll need to enroll in a specific course tied to the internship (if applicable) and request CPT authorization through the GSU ISSS office. This involves submitting documentation, including a job offer letter from Diet To Lifestyle, to ISSS.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): This is another option, though less common for internships during your studies. OPT allows F-1 students to work in their field for up to 12 months (pre- or post-completion of their degree). However, OPT requires approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which can take 2-5 months, so it’s less practical for a time-sensitive internship unless planned well in advance.          

 3. Contact GSU ISSS: Reach out to GSU’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office as early as possible. They handle all F-1 visa-related matters, including issuing your I-20 form and authorizing CPT or OPT. You can contact them at:

• Location: Sparks Hall, Room 252, 33 Gilmer St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday
• Website: Visit isss.gsu.edu for more details or to schedule an advising appointment.
• Explain that you are applying to the Diet To Lifestyle Dietetic Internship, that it does not offer sponsorship, and that you need GSU to sponsor your F-1 visa status through CPT or OPT.

4. Secure Acceptance into the Internship: Apply to the Diet To Lifestyle Dietetic Internship following the standard application process. Once accepted, request a formal offer letter from the internship program that includes:

• Your name and position (dietetic intern).
• Start and end dates of the internship.
• A brief description of the duties (to show it relates to your field of study).
• Confirmation that no visa sponsorship is provided by the internship program. This letter will be critical for your CPT application through GSU.

5. Apply for CPT through GSU:

• Submit the internship offer letter and any required academic forms (e.g., proof of enrollment in a related course) to ISSS.
• Your Designated School Official (DSO) at ISSS will update your I-20 with the CPT authorization, specifying the internship dates and employer (Diet To Lifestyle).
• CPT processing through ISSS typically takes up to 2 weeks, so plan accordingly.

6. Maintain F-1 Status: While completing the internship, ensure you remain in compliance with F-1 visa rules:

• Stay enrolled full-time at GSU during the academic year (CPT can be part-time, up to 20 hours/week, during the semester, or full-time during breaks like summer).
• Do not work without proper authorization, as this could jeopardize your visa status.

Key Notes:

• Since Diet To Lifestyle does not sponsor visas, GSU’s sponsorship via CPT or OPT is your only pathway to legally participate as an F-1 student.
• CPT does not require additional fees to USCIS, but you’ll need to pay any GSU tuition or course-related costs if the internship is tied to a credited course.
• If you’re not yet enrolled at GSU, you’ll need to apply for admission to a relevant degree program (e.g., nutrition-related) and obtain an I-20 from GSU before starting this process.

For further assistance, contact GSU ISSS directly to discuss your specific situation and confirm eligibility. If you’re new to GSU, you’ll also need to follow their international admissions process (details at admissions.gsu.edu) to secure your initial F-1 visa and I-20. Start planning early to ensure all timelines align with the internship start date!