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 a 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 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 either be part time or full time as long as the student is enrolled in full time credits and maintaining their F1 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 isogwu [dot] edu (iso[at]gwu[dot]edu) if you are interested as you need an I-20 with International Organization recommendation from your ISO Advisor/DSO.