Office of Global Engagement
International Student and Scholar Services

International Organization Internship Employment

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International Organization Internship

F-1 students may be eligible to apply for work authorization if they are offered an internship by a recognized international organization. This type of work authorization requires a bona fide offer from a qualifying international organization and an application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Eligibility

  • You must be in valid F-1 student status and in good academic standing
  • You must have a written internship offer from an international organization recognized under the International Organization Immunities Act - see 22 USC 288, “Public International Organizations Entitled To Enjoy Certain Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities”, for a comprehensive list
  • You must be able to maintain full-time enrollment and make consistent progress toward your degree objective even while working for the organization

Benefits and Restrictions

  • You may apply at any time as long as you are in valid F-1 student status (there is no waiting period), and you have a qualifying internship offer from a recognized international organization
  • The internship does not necessarily need to be directly related to your major
  • The time spent during the internship does not subtract from your eligibility for F-1 curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT)
  • You are limited to 20 hours per week during the school year (inclusive of any on-campus jobs), but may work full-time (above 20 hours per week) during school breaks
  • This benefit only allows employment prior to completion of studies (it is not available on a post-completion basis)
  • You may not begin employment until you have received a Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card from USCIS
  • Authorization is usually granted by USCIS for no more than one year at a time, but repeat applications are permitted as long as you are maintaining valid F-1 student status or until you complete your studies, whichever comes first

Application Process

  • Once you have received an internship offer from a qualifying international organization, contact your ISSS advisor. The internship offer must be on the organization's official letterhead, and indicate (1) proposed duties; (2) proposed start and end dates; (3) worksite address or location; and (4) hours per week.
  • Your ISSS advisor will review the letter to determine your eligibility for international organization internship work authorization. If eligible, your advisor will issue a Form I-20 recommending you for work authorization.
  • Upon receiving the I-20, you will need to prepare and submit a paper-based Form I-765 application for Employment Authorization to USCIS. The application packet should include:
    • Form I-765 (paper version only - online filing is not currently possible for this type of employment authorization); indicate (c) (3) (ii) when asked for the EAD eligibility category
    • Form G-1450 (credit card fee payment; check the fee payment amount for Form I-765 paper filings)
    • Two recent photos meeting EAD photo requirements
    • Copy of the internship offer letter from the international organization
    • Copy of Passport ID page
    • Copy of your signed I-20 issued for international organization internship employment
    • Copy of most recent F-1 visa, if applicable
    • Form I-94 showing your current status

Mail your complete I-765 application packet to the correct USCIS lockbox facility. Please note that the address of the lockbox facility is slightly different depending on your mailing method (via USPS or courier service). We strongly recommend you keep a copy of the entire packet for your records. Please consider using a delivery service that allows you to confirm that the application was received.

  • After mailing your application, expect a receipt notice from USCIS, which you can use to track your case status. Processing times for this type of application can take 60-90 days or longer in individual cases. Please keep your international organization internship provider aware of your case.
  • If and when the petition is approved, you will be issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card authorizing you for the international organization internship.
  • You may not start the internship until the start date on the card has been reached, and you must end any employment by the end date of the card. 
  • You may not use the card for employment except for the international organization that offered you the internship.