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International Services Office

 

Internships at International Organizations

F-1 students may be eligible to intern or work for certain recognized international organizations in the United States. This is a specific type of off-campus employment authorization, distinct from Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility Criteria:

  • You must be on F-1 status and must maintain good academic standing.
  • Unlike CPT or OPT, you are eligible to apply for IO authorization as soon as you are in F-1 status and have an offer of employment.
    • The employment must be an internship with a qualified organization recognized under the International Organization Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669).
    • The job does not need to be directly related to your major field of study. Usually, international organizations usually hire students for positions in their field of study.
  • Granted by USCIS in increments of no more than one year, or until the expected date of employment completion or program completion, whichever is shorter.
  • There isn’t any limit on the number of work hours per week. So, this type of employment can be either part-time or full-time, as long as the student is enrolled in full-time credits and maintains their F-1 status.

*Note: Some International Organizations, especially large organizations such as the World Bank Group, may have internal guidelines for F-1 students they hire. Students should check with the international organization before beginning the application process.

Authorization is not automatic; it requires approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Please contact ISO at [email protected] if you are interested as you need an I-20 with International Organization recommendation from your ISO Advisor/DSO OR complete the Internships at International Organization E-form on ISOGateWay.