F-1 Employment with an International Organization
Eligibility
A special situation exists for F-1 students who have been offered employment under the sponsorship of an international organization, as defined by the International Organization Immunities Act. Employment with organizations such as the IMF, OAS, World Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank may be authorized to students who maintain valid F-1 status. Click here for a list of eligible international organizations.
Students may use this employment option during the course of study to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session and part-time or full-time during any school breaks. There is no waiting period prior to filing.
In order to obtain authorization for employment under this category, an F-1 student must first obtain an offer letter from the international organization and a written certification that the employment is within the scope of the organization's sponsorship. The student must then file an application for employment authorization with USCIS. The application process may take up to 90 days. Upon approval, the student will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Employment may not begin until the EAD has been received and the start date noted on the EAD has been reached.
Procedures
Bring the following documents to an appointment with your International Student Advisor:
- Two passport style color photographs (lightly print your name on the back of the photos in pencil)
- Completed I-765 Form (#16 = (c) (3) (ii))
- Letter of offer with job description and employment start and end date from approved international organization
- Check for $380 payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”
- Photocopy (pages 1 and 3 only) of ALL previously issued I-20 Forms
- Photocopy of any previous EAD cards
- Photocopy (both sides) of I-94 card (white card in passport)
- Photocopy of the biographic page of your passport and any extension pages
- Photocopy of your most recent F-1 visa
Your International Student Advisor will email you when your new I-20 is ready to be signed. ISSS requires five business days for processing. Once you have signed your new I-20, ISSS will mail the application to USCIS. When your application is approved, an EAD will be mailed to ISSS and your International Student Advisor will let you know that it is ready for pick up.