International students comprise approximately 5% of our undergraduate student body (and as high as 20% in certain majors including Electrical and Computer Engineering). These students are eligible to work legally in the United States as an intern during summer semesters only under Optional Practical Training (OPT).   (However international students can work as co-op students during spring, summer or fall semesters under Curricular Practical Training (CPT).)

Companies hiring international co-op students are not responsible for completing students’ work authorization paperwork.  International students work with their intern or co-op advisor and an advisor in the Georgia Tech Office of International Education (OIE) to obtain CPT or OPT work authorization prior to each internship or co-op work term.  International students will provide their employer with their work authorization paperwork on the first day of each work term. 

Companies are not required to pay Medicare or Social Security taxes for international co-op students.