F-1 Employment with International Organization

Eligibility for Employment: F-1 Students may be eligible to receive authorization for employment with a qualifying international organization. 

Intended Purpose: This type of employment is intended for work, such as an internship, within the meaning of the International Organization Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669).  

Federal Restrictions: Not all international organizations qualify for this authorization per federal rules.   

Before applying: review the Eligibility requirements as well as the Things to Consider sections below. 

Application & Processing Information

Eligibility

To be eligible for authorization to work with an International Organization you must:

  • Maintaining Status: Currently be maintaining a full-time program of study and in valid F-1 status AND 
  • Required Documentation: Have written certification from a recognized international organization on the organization’s letterhead that the proposed employment is within the scope of the organization’s sponsorship 

Please note: the following students are not eligible for this type of employment: 

  • Students in Penn’s English Language Programs (ELP) 
  • Students in J-1 immigration status

Advising Assistance: If you are uncertain whether you meet the eligibility requirements, please meet with an ISSS advisor by either scheduling an advising appointment or attending one of our daily virtual drop-in hours.  

Things to Consider Before Applying

Types of Employment with an International Organization

Work Schedule: Part-time or full-time during the school vacation periods or while school is in session. 

Academic Requirements: You must still maintain a full course load (3 CU’s or more) and be making normal progress toward your degree.  

Attendance Obligation: You must still be physically present on Penn’s campus attending classes.   

Relevance to Studies: While there is no requirement that work experience be directly related to your field of study, such employment offers are usually made to students with a particular academic or practical background. 

Reporting Requirements

Mandatory Reporting: You are required to report to ISSS any change of name or address within 10 days. 

Filing Window

Application Timing: The employment application should be filed at least 90 days before the proposed employment is to begin. 

Review the How to Apply section. 

Selecting Employment Dates

List the dates you actually intend to work. 

Start Date: Your start date should be the earliest date that you could possibly begin work. 

End Date: Your end date should be the latest day that you could possibly work. 

Duration of Employment

Authorization Start Date: Employment authorization will begin on the date requested or the date the employment authorization is adjudicated, whichever is later – refer to your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card once issued and received via mail. 

EAD Requirement: Do not begin employment (including orientation or training) without possessing the valid EAD card and the EAD start date is current.  

No Time Limit: There is no limit to the total amount of time granted for this type of employment authorization 

How to Apply

Step 1: Read and print the Application Instructions 
Step 2: Use the printout to help you complete and submit the application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 
Step 3: Review the Important Reminders below 

    Important Reminders

    • Withdrawing Your Application: If you later decide not to mail your application (Form I-765 plus supporting documentation) to USCIS for any reason, you must notify an ISSS advisor immediately so that we may timely cancel your employment recommendation in SEVIS. Failure to inform an ISSS advisor that you are not applying can cause problems in the future. 
    • Delayed Receipt Notice: Please meet with an ISSS advisor if you have not received an I-797 Receipt Notice with a case number from USCIS within 2-6 weeks from the date that your OPT application was received at USCIS.  Please provide a copy of the delivery confirmation.  
    • EAD Upload: Please upload a copy of your EAD card in iPenn immediately upon receipt. 
    • Address Change Risks: Your application is pending, we strongly advise against trying to change the mailing address listed on Form 1-765, as USClS has not been able to process change of address notifications properly. Changing your address while the application is still pending may result in filing a new application with a new fee.
    • Mailing Address Tip: We suggest using the address of someone who can receive mail on your behalf – remember to put “c/o,” followed by the person’s name and address. The US Postal Service (USPS) will not forward USCIS mail.  
    • Handling RFEs: If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), please consult an ISSS advisor immediately.  
    • Correcting EAD Errors: If you find any errors by USCIS on your EAD card, please consult an ISSS advisor immediately.  
    • Immigration Status Changes: Immediately inform ISSS of any immigration status change.