Application Process Filing Address Qualifying Organizations

F-1 students can work for an international organization within the meaning of the International Organizations Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669). This benefit is available only before completing your academic program. Employment can be full or part-time and does not need to relate to your course of study, although most international organizations do hire people based on their majors.

To qualify for this type of employment, you must have a specific job offer from a qualified international organization.

USCIS must approve this type of employment before you can begin work (please keep in mind that it can take 2 to 3 months before you receive your employment authorization document). Like on-campus employment, it is limited to 20 hours a week while school is in session. Employment authorization would be valid for any type of job in any of the designated international organizations. It does not need to relate to your course of study. It must be renewed annually.

The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (BCIS) may authorize you to work for no more than one year or until the completion of the employment opportunity, whichever is shorter. You must still maintain full course of study as required by applicable F-1 regulations.

How to Apply

Assemble the following documentation:

• Complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. At item 16 indicate as the reason for eligibility " ( c) (3) (ii)" (Go to https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 and download the form from the Internet)
• Filing fee - check or money order payable to "Department of Homeland Security"
• Photocopy of both sides of your Form I-20 including page 3 bearing the DSO recommendation for employment with an International Organization.
• Photocopy of both sides of the I-94
• Obtain 2 passport-style photos on a white background.
• Written offer of employment from a qualified International Organization.
• Photocopy of your I-94
• Copy of the ID pages from your passport

Schedule an appointment with your International Student Advisor at 202-319-5618 to review your eligibility. ISSS must recommend the employment in SEVIS before you submit your application for employment authorization.

Mailing the Application

For people living in the Washington, D.C./Maryland and Virginia area, the application should be sent to:

CIS Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden St.
St. Albans, VT 05479

Keep copies of everything sent to the USCIS. If possible, send the application via certified mail with "Return Receipt Requested" so that you will have proof that INS received the application. DO NOT send original I-94s or I-20s.

Qualifying Institutions