AI Intern Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
AI Intern roles are among the most actively sponsored positions in tech, with employers regularly filing H-1B visa and OPT-supported roles for students and recent graduates in computer science, data science, and related fields. Most positions require F-1 OPT or CPT authorization, and many convert to full-time sponsored roles. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find AI Intern JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 19,472+ AI Intern jobs










See all 19,472+ AI Intern Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new AI Intern roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
MAIN JOB RESPONSIBILITIES / COMPETENCIES
The Director, Enterprise Artificial Intelligence is responsible for leading the Company's enterprise Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy and driving business transformation through the adoption of AI-enabled capabilities across the organization. This role partners closely with Executive Leadership, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Commercial Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, and Information Technology to identify, prioritize, and implement Artificial Intelligence solutions that improve operational efficiency, decision making, customer experience, innovation, and long-term competitive advantage.
This position provides strategic leadership for enterprise AI governance, Responsible AI, Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning, Intelligent Automation, and enterprise knowledge management while ensuring AI initiatives deliver measurable business value, align with corporate objectives, and support secure, scalable, and sustainable business transformation.
-
Lead and execute the Company's enterprise Artificial Intelligence strategy aligned with corporate objectives, digital transformation initiatives, and measurable business outcomes.
-
Establish and operationalize an Enterprise AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) responsible for governance, standards, reusable AI capabilities, and enterprise adoption.
-
Drive enterprise business transformation through the application of Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, and Intelligent Automation.
-
Partner with executive leadership and business stakeholders to identify and prioritize AI initiatives that improve operational efficiency, product quality, customer experience, revenue growth, and employee productivity.
-
Develop enterprise AI roadmaps, investment strategies, business cases, and value realization plans.
-
Establish Responsible AI governance, AI policies, model lifecycle management, and AI risk management practices.
-
Lead implementation of RAG, semantic search, vector databases, AI assistants, and enterprise knowledge management.
-
Integrate AI with Oracle Fusion ERP, OCI, OIC, Salesforce, MES, PLM, enterprise data platforms, and cloud-native applications.
-
Establish KPIs and executive dashboards measuring AI adoption and business value.
-
Lead organizational change management and enterprise AI adoption.
-
Recruit and mentor a team of AI/Business Engineers, Data Engineer/architects and AI Product Owner.
-
Evaluate emerging AI technologies and strategic technology partnerships.
-
Foster innovation, continuous improvement, and responsible AI adoption.
-
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION & TRAINING
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related discipline required or equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Advanced degree preferred.
- Professional certifications in AI, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Architecture, Cybersecurity, Project Management, or Data Analytics are highly desirable.
Experience
- 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in enterprise technology, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, enterprise architecture, software engineering, or related disciplines.
- 3+ years leading enterprise digital AI transformation organizations.
- Demonstrated success developing enterprise AI strategies delivering measurable business transformation.
- Experience with Generative AI, LLMs, Agentic AI, RAG, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, and Intelligent Automation.
- Experience in integrating AI with ERP, CRM, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, HR, and enterprise platforms.
- Experience presenting AI strategies and business outcomes to executive leadership and Boards.
- Enterprise AI governance, organizational change management, and global business transformation.
- FDA-regulated medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other regulated industries preferred.
SKILLS
- Strong knowledge of enterprise Artificial Intelligence strategy, governance, operating models, enterprise architecture, and business transformation methodologies, including the development of AI roadmaps, investment strategies, Centers of Excellence, and enterprise adoption frameworks.
- Deep understanding of Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), prompt engineering, AI orchestration frameworks, semantic search, vector databases, AI assistants, autonomous agents, and intelligent automation technologies.
- Strong understanding of Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision, AI model lifecycle management, model evaluation, MLOps, LLMOps, and enterprise AI platform operations.
- Strong knowledge of enterprise cloud platforms including Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), cloud-native architectures, APIs, microservices, enterprise integration, event-driven architectures, and hybrid cloud environments.
- Deep understanding of enterprise data architecture, data governance, master data management, metadata management, data quality, knowledge management, vector storage, and enterprise information management principles supporting AI-enabled decision making.
- Strong understanding of Responsible AI principles, AI governance, cybersecurity, privacy, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, model transparency, explainability, AI ethics, enterprise risk management, and secure AI deployment practices.
- Demonstrated ability to align Artificial Intelligence investments with corporate strategy by developing business cases, value realization frameworks, key performance indicators (KPIs), executive dashboards, and measurable financial and operational outcomes.
- Ability to partner effectively with Executive Leadership, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Finance, Human Resources, Cybersecurity, Legal, and external technology partners to deliver enterprise-wide AI capabilities.
- Excellent analytical, strategic planning, organizational, communication, executive presentation, negotiation, financial management, vendor management, stakeholder engagement, and organizational change management skills.
- Demonstrated leadership building, mentoring, and scaling high-performing multidisciplinary teams consisting of AI Engineers, Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers, AI Solution Architects, Enterprise Architects, Product Managers, and business technology professionals.
- Proven ability to lead enterprise modernization initiatives, drive innovation, establish AI governance, manage organizational change, and deliver measurable business transformation while maintaining secure, scalable, and responsible AI practices.
Pay range: $200K - $300K - Final compensation/salary will depend on experience.
STAAR Surgical is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
LOCATION
Lake Forest, CA, US
Job Code: 2214
of Openings: 1
See all 19,472+ AI Intern Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new AI Intern roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an AI Intern
Start with OPT or CPT, not H-1B
Most AI internships are filled by F-1 students using CPT during school or OPT after graduation. Employers don't need to file an H-1B petition for these, which makes sponsorship far less complicated and more common than you might expect.
Target companies with a history of H-1B conversions
The strongest internship opportunities are at companies that routinely convert interns to full-time H-1B employees. Look for employers who have sponsored AI or machine learning roles in previous years, as they understand the process and budget for it.
Confirm CPT eligibility with your DSO before applying
CPT requires prior authorization from your Designated School Official and must be directly tied to your degree program. Apply for CPT approval before you accept an offer, since starting work without it jeopardizes your F-1 status entirely.
A computer science or related degree is usually required
Most employers treat AI internships as specialty occupation roles requiring a degree in computer science, data science, or a closely related field. A general business or unrelated degree will typically not satisfy the specialty occupation standard for sponsorship purposes.
Apply early, OPT timelines are tight
USCIS recommends filing your OPT application up to 90 days before your program end date, and processing takes three to five months. Missing this window means a gap in work authorization, so plan your internship timeline around your OPT application, not the other way around.
Ask about STEM OPT extension eligibility upfront
If your degree qualifies as a STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension after your initial 12 months. AI and machine learning roles almost always qualify, giving you up to three years of work authorization before an H-1B petition is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an employer sponsor an AI intern for an H-1B visa?
Not directly for an internship, since H-1B visa petitions are for full-time specialty occupation employment, not short-term intern roles. Most AI internships are supported through F-1 CPT or OPT instead. The H-1B pathway becomes relevant if the company converts you to a full-time employee after graduation and sponsors you in a future lottery cycle.
What visa status do most AI interns use to work legally in the U.S.?
The majority of international AI interns work under F-1 CPT during their degree program or F-1 OPT after graduation. CPT is employer-specific and tied to your curriculum, while OPT gives you 12 months of open work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension available for qualifying degrees. You can find internships open to both on Migrate Mate.
Does my degree field affect whether an AI internship qualifies as a specialty occupation?
Yes, significantly. AI and machine learning roles are evaluated as specialty occupations, meaning the position must theoretically require a degree in a specific field like computer science, data science, or electrical engineering. A degree in an unrelated field can make it harder for an employer to justify sponsorship, even if your skills are strong.
What are my options if I don't win the H-1B lottery after my AI internship converts to full-time?
If you lose the H-1B lottery, you have a few paths: apply again in the next cycle while remaining on OPT or STEM OPT if you still have time remaining, explore cap-exempt employers such as universities or nonprofit research institutions, or consider O-1A sponsorship if you've built a strong record of publications, awards, or notable contributions in AI research.
How competitive is H-1B sponsorship for AI roles compared to other tech positions?
AI and machine learning roles are among the most frequently sponsored positions in the H-1B system, with major technology companies, research labs, and startups all filing regularly. That said, sponsorship depends on the employer's willingness and resources, not just the role type. Smaller companies may lack the infrastructure to sponsor even strong candidates in high-demand fields.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored AI Intern jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.