Public Relations Intern Jobs for OPT Students

Public Relations Intern roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in communications, journalism, or marketing. Most positions involve media outreach, press release drafting, and social monitoring. Your OPT EAD authorizes full-time work, and STEM OPT extensions do not apply to this field.

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Overview

Open Jobs143+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type59% On-site
Salary Range$18K – $20K
Top LocationWashington, Washington DC
Most JobsGolin

Showing 5 of 143+ Public Relations Intern jobs

Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Public Relations Intern - Summer 2026
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Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Added 1d ago
Public Relations Intern - Summer 2026
Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Detroit, Michigan
Content & Communications
Marketing
Public Relations (PR)
Communications
Not listed
On-Site
Bachelor's

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dietch pr inc
Fashion Public Relations Intern
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dietch pr inc
Added 2d ago
Fashion Public Relations Intern
dietch pr inc
Los Angeles
Content & Communications
Brand & Social Media
Public Relations (PR)
Communications
Social Media Management
Not listed
On-Site

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Stantec
Public Relations Intern
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Stantec
Added 1w ago
Public Relations Intern
Stantec
Sacramento, California
Content & Communications
Public Relations (PR)
Communications
$44,200/yr - $59,700/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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FleishmanHillard
Public Relations Intern
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FleishmanHillard
Added 2w ago
Public Relations Intern
FleishmanHillard
Georgia
Content & Communications
Public Relations (PR)
Communications
$18/hr
Hybrid
Bachelor's

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Westwin Elements Inc.
Public Relations Intern
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Westwin Elements Inc.
Added 2w ago
Public Relations Intern
Westwin Elements Inc.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Content & Communications
Brand & Social Media
Events & Tourism
Public Relations (PR)
Communications
Content Marketing
Social Media Management
Event Planning
$15/hr - $15/hr
On-Site
Associate's

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How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Public Relations Intern

Target agencies over in-house teams first

PR agencies hire interns in higher volume and rotate cohorts regularly. They're more familiar with OPT paperwork than a brand's internal HR team, which may encounter international hires less frequently.

Lead with your EAD, not your visa status

When asked about work authorization, say you have an Employment Authorization Document valid through your OPT end date. Framing it as existing authorization rather than a sponsorship request removes the initial objection.

Align your degree field to the role explicitly

OPT requires employment related to your degree. Communications, journalism, marketing, and public affairs degrees map cleanly to PR intern roles. Make that connection explicit in your cover letter to reassure employers.

Apply before your OPT start date if possible

You can interview and receive an offer before your EAD arrives. Starting the process early gives you time to negotiate a start date that aligns with your authorized period without rushing employers on paperwork.

Clarify the internship structure upfront

Some PR internships are unpaid or stipend-only. OPT regulations require paid employment for most situations. Confirm compensation terms before accepting an offer to ensure the role satisfies your work authorization requirements.

Track your OPT unemployment days carefully

F-1 OPT students are limited to 90 aggregate unemployment days. Gaps between PR internships count against that total. Keeping a simple log of employment start and end dates protects you if USCIS ever audits your record.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Public Relations Intern on OPT without employer sponsorship?

Yes. OPT is pre-authorized work authorization tied to your F-1 status, not employer sponsorship. Your employer does not file any petition or pay USCIS fees. They simply verify your EAD, complete an I-9, and confirm the role relates to your degree field. You can browse open PR intern positions on Migrate Mate filtered specifically for OPT-authorized students.

Does a Public Relations Intern role qualify for STEM OPT extension?

No. Public relations does not appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. If your degree is in a STEM field and you accepted a PR internship, the role itself does not qualify you for the 24-month STEM extension. Extensions require both a qualifying degree and a qualifying job.

What degree fields make a PR internship valid under OPT rules?

OPT requires that employment be directly related to your major field of study. Communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, and advertising degrees align clearly with PR intern duties. A business or psychology degree may qualify with the right framing. If your degree is in an unrelated field, consult your DSO before accepting the offer.

Can I do multiple short-term PR internships during my OPT period?

Yes, multiple internships are allowed, but each gap between positions counts toward your 90-day unemployment limit. Standard OPT allows up to 90 aggregate unemployed days. If you plan to work several short contracts, track your timeline carefully. Back-to-back internships with minimal breaks are the safest approach for staying within the limit.

Can a Public Relations Intern position lead to H-1B sponsorship?

It depends on the employer. Large PR agencies and corporate communications departments do sponsor H-1B visas, but the role must qualify as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in a specific field. PR roles generally do qualify. Cap-gap protection applies if your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, letting you continue working through the transition.

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