F-1 Internship with an International Organization
F-1 students may accept employment with a U.S. institution of research and public international organization under the International Immunities Act.
This type of employment may be full or part time and does not have to be related to the student's major. Students may be employed beginning in their first semester. Employment with an international organization does NOT affect the student's OPT eligibility. Students must maintain full-time enrollment during the academic year. Employment authorization may be granted for one year and is renewable.
How to Apply
- Request I-20 by meeting with an international student adviser. Provide your written offer of an internship from one of the qualifying organizations.
- Within 30 days of the recommendation by ISSA on your new I-20, you must apply to USCIS for employment authorization with the following:
- Written certification from the qualifying international organization on the organization's letterhead with proposed start/end dates indicating that the proposed employment is within the scope of the organization's sponsorship
- Fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Review current fees.
- Two passport photos taken within the past 30 days
- Completed Form G-1145
- Completed I-765 with (c) (3) (ii) entered in #16
- Photocopy of all I-20s (pages 1 and 3) including a copy of the I-20 DISSA will issue for this employment.
- Photocopy of biographical page(s) of passport.
- Photocopy of most recent visa
- A photocopy of Form I-94 Departure Record. Students who entered/reentered the U.S. May 2013 or later can print the I-94 from the CBP website; students who entered prior to May 2013 should photocopy the front and back of the white card stapled in the passport.
- Photocopy of any previously-issued EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
USCIS Service Center Addresses
Direct USCIS filing addresses for form I-765
Reminders
- Make sure you upload a copy of your EAD card when it arrives via iStart, so ISSA can add it to your record.
- Remember that you must maintain full-time student status during fall and spring semesters.
This type of employment may be full or part time and does not have to be related to the student's major. Students may be employed beginning in their first semester. Employment with an international organization does NOT affect the student's OPT eligibility. Students must maintain full-time enrollment during the academic year. Employment authorization may be granted for one year and is renewable.
How to Apply
- Request I-20 by meeting with an international student adviser. Provide your written offer of an internship from one of the qualifying organizations.
- Within 30 days of the recommendation by ISSA on your new I-20, you must apply to USCIS for employment authorization with the following:
- Written certification from the qualifying international organization on the organization's letterhead with proposed start/end dates indicating that the proposed employment is within the scope of the organization's sponsorship
- Fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Review current fees.
- Two passport photos taken within the past 30 days
- Completed Form G-1145
- Completed I-765 with (c) (3) (ii) entered in #16
- Photocopy of all I-20s (pages 1 and 3) including a copy of the I-20 DISSA will issue for this employment.
- Photocopy of biographical page(s) of passport.
- Photocopy of most recent visa
- A photocopy of Form I-94 Departure Record. Students who entered/reentered the U.S. May 2013 or later can print the I-94 from the CBP website; students who entered prior to May 2013 should photocopy the front and back of the white card stapled in the passport.
- Photocopy of any previously-issued EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
USCIS Service Center Addresses
Direct USCIS filing addresses for form I-765
Reminders
- Make sure you upload a copy of your EAD card when it arrives via iStart, so ISSA can add it to your record.
- Remember that you must maintain full-time student status during fall and spring semesters.
