Employment with International Organization

Work/Employment With An International Organization

ATTENTION: The U.S. government holds individuals in F-1 status LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE for maintaining their U.S. immigration status. As a reminder, individuals in F-1 student status MUST comply with all F-1 federal reporting requirements. THEREFORE, REVIEW THIS WEBPAGE CAREFULLY.

IMPORTANT NOTE: CPT and Pre-Completion OPT are also valid authorizations for positions at international organizations, but ONLY if the F-1 student meets the eligibility requirements for those types of U.S. work/employment authorizations.

I. OVERVIEW

U.S. federal regulations impose strict limitations on work/employment opportunities for international students. Any work/employment-related activity—on or off-campus, paid or unpaid—requires proper authorization BEFORE beginning any work/employment-related activities.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Understanding U.S. immigration rules and regulations regarding work/employment is crucial for an international student’s success in the U.S.

U.S. regulations and guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) state that individuals DO NOT need to be formally classified as “employees” to require work/employment authorization under a U.S. student immigration status.

The U.S. government defines work/employment-related activities by the “nature of the work/employment-related activities, services, and/or duties performed”, regardless of whether it’s paid or unpaid, for a company outside the U.S. and/or a non-U.S. company. If a student provides a service or benefit to an employer, organization, or individual, proper work/employment authorization is REQUIRED.

Back to Top

Defining Employment with an International Organization:

  • The “Internship with an International Organization” [8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(iii)], also referred to as “Employment with an International Organization,” is a federal regulatory category of off-campus work authorization and is legally defined as:
    • “A bona fide F-1 student who has been offered employment by a recognized international organization within the meaning of the International Organizations Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669), must apply for employment authorization with USCIS. A student seeking employment authorization under this provision is required to present a written certification from the international organization that the proposed employment is within the scope of the organization’s sponsorship, Form I-20 or successor form with employment page completed by DSO certifying eligibility for employment, and a completed Form I-765 or successor form, with the fee required by 8 CFR 106.2(a)(32).”

To Summarize:

  • The International Organizations Immunities Act of 1945 [59 Stat. 669; 22 U.S.C. 288], together with the federal regulation “Internship with an International Organization” [8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(iii)], allows eligible F-1 students to apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to engage in off-campus work/employment authorization with an eligible international organization.
    • NOTE: The regulation [19 CFR 148.87(b)] provides the official list of designated international organizations that qualify for this category of U.S. work/employment authorization, and the specific Presidential Executive Orders under which each organization was approved.

CRITICAL REMINDER: Engaging in unauthorized work/employment (paid or unpaid) violates U.S. immigration regulations and can result in severe consequences, including termination of a student’s immigration status, requiring their immediate departure from the U.S.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This type of U.S. off-campus work authorization DOES NOT reduce or affect an F-1 student’s future eligibility for CPT or OPT, including their time limits.

Back to Top

Required Meeting with an ISO Advisor

Before pursuing ANY opportunities related to off-campus work/employment authorization with a designated international organization, an F-1 student MUST first receive an official offer letter from that organization.

  • After receiving the offer letter, the student MUST email their ISO Advisor to schedule a meeting to ensure compliance with all U.S. immigration rules and institutional requirements.
    • NOTE: Before meeting with the ISO Advisor, the individual MUST email the advisor a copy of the offer letter from the eligible international organization.
    • The earliest an individual may apply for this category of off-campus work/employment authorization is 90 days BEFORE the official employment start date with the organization.

ATTENTION: The earliest an individual may apply for this category of off-campus work/employment authorization is 90 days BEFORE the official employment start date with the organization.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some international organizations have specific policies that may affect students in F-1 status seeking work/employment with them. These policies may include restrictions on F-1 participation or requirements to change to another nonimmigrant U.S. immigration status, such as A or G.

Back to Top

II. LIST OF ELIGIBLE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Overview of Designated Organizations

IMPORTANT: As mentioned above, all work/employment under this category of off-campus work/employment [8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(iii)] can ONLY be granted with organizations designated as “public international organizations” under 19 CFR 148.87(b). Individuals seeking work/employment authorization under this category are REQUIRED to submit specific documentation to their Designated School Official (DSO) and U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).

Examples of Eligible Organizations

  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
  • International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF)
  • Organization of American States (OAS)
  • Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
  • United Nations (UN)
  • United Nations Educational, Scientific, & Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
  • World Bank (IBRD)
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
    • NOTE: For the complete list of designated international organizations, review the U.S. Federal Registrar’s website [here].

Back to Top

III. ELIGIBILITY, REQUIREMENTS, & LIMITATIONS

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this category of off-campus U.S. work/employment authorization, an individual MUST meet all of the requirements below.

  • 1) Immigration Status Specific:
    • The individual MUST be physically present in the U.S. in a valid F-1 status.
      • NOTE: The usual requirement to complete one (1) academic year (fall and spring terms) DOES NOT apply for this category of off-campus work/employment authorization.
    • The individual MUST be in good academic standing and meet all applicable F-1 regulatory requirements, including maintaining full-time enrollment.
      • NOTE: The work/employment CANNOT delay or interfere with the student’s academic progress or degree completion.
  • 2) Academic Department Approval:
    • Eligible students require approval from the academic department to confirm they are in good academic standing, have maintained full-time enrollment in an MIT degree-seeking program, and will complete all degree requirements. 
  • 2) Location Requirements:
    • This work/employment authorization CANNOT be used for work/employment outside the U.S. All work/employment activities MUST take place in the U.S. 
    • The work/employment authorization MUST occur BEFORE completion of the F-1 student’s degree requirements.
  • 3) Timing Requirements:
    • The work/employment authorization can ONLY be granted for up to one (1) year at a time.
    • The work/employment authorization can NEVER exceed the following hours per week limits:
      • For Required Academic Terms: During a program’s required academic terms (e.g., fall and spring), individuals can ONLY engage in part-time work/employment (LESS than 20 hours per week).
      • For Official Vacation Terms: During a program’s official vacation terms (e.g., summer or IAP), individuals can engage in full-time work/employment (MORE than 20 hours per week), but ONLY if their program DOES NOT require coursework or enrollment during those terms.
  • 4) Work/Employment Requirements:
  • 5) Application & Authorization Requirements:
    • The individual MUST obtain a Form I-20 recommendation from the ISO, after which they MUST apply to USCIS for authorization. Refer to the details listed [here].

CRITICAL WARNING: Before starting any off-campus work/employment (paid or unpaid), eligible F-1 students MUST 1) submit an application to USCIS, 2) receive USCIS approval, and 3) receive the physical Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: USCIS processing can take 3–5 months, and expedited processing is NOT available for this category of off-campus work/employment authorization.

Back to Top

Authorization Documentation & Requirements

Authorization for this category of off-campus U.S. work/employment authorization requires all of the following:

  1. Required Materials: Follow the instructions on this webpage and obtain the following materials (items 2-4).
  2. Letter from the International Organization: Individuals MUST obtain a certification letter from a designated international organization that meets the following criteria.
    • The Letter MUST:
      • a) Be on the organization’s official letterhead.
      • b) Clearly state that the proposed employment/internship is allowed and within the scope of the organization’s sponsorship.
      • c) Describe the position and the duties to be performed.
      • d) List the employment/internship start and end dates.
      • e) List the location of employment/internship where the activities will take place.
      • f) List the number of hours per week.
      • g) List a supervisor’s name, phone number, and email address.
        • Refer to the example of an acceptable Employer Offer Letter [here].
          • NOTE: Letters should be NO MORE than 1-3 pages in length.
  3. Departmental Support Letter: Obtain a Departmental Support Letter on departmental letterhead, signed by the student’s academic department administrator/program coordinator in consultation with the appropriate faculty/advisor, confirming:
    • a) The student is in good academic standing.
    • b) The student is enrolled full-time in their degree program at MIT, including the degree level and major field of study that will be earned.
    • c) The date and term the student is expected to complete their MIT degree program. For immigration purposes, this is called the “Program of Study End Date,” which refers to the point at which students have fulfilled ALL degree requirements.
  4. Meeting with an ISO Advisor: After receiving the offer letter from the international organization and the academic department, the student MUST email their ISO Advisor to schedule a meeting to ensure compliance with all U.S. immigration rules and institutional requirements.
  5. Submit Request via iMIT: F-1 students MUST follow the instructions below to request the required Form I-20 at least two (2) weeks before the intended submission date to USCIS. NOTE: ISO document processing times remain ten (10) business days (excluding weekends and holidays).
    • a) Log in to iMIT using “Full-Client Services for Current Students”.
    • b) Select ”F-1 Student Services” from the left-side menu.
    • c) Complete the ”Request Replacement of Form I-20” e-Form.
      • (i) Select a reason for the new document request as “Travel Signature”.
      • (ii) [IMPORTANT] In the box “If needed, further explain the reason for a replacement Form I-20”, an individual MUST write “I am applying for off-campus work/employment authorization with a designated international organization.”
      • (iii) Upload ALL required documentation:
        • NOTE: In the financial section of the e-Form, input the information that is listed on the most recently issued Form I-20, and upload the certification letter from the organization.
    • d) Review all information and documentation to ensure they are correct and up to date and select “Submit”.
      • If approved, the ISO will issue a new Form I-20 with the international organization work/employment recommendation on page 2.

ATTENTION: Individuals who have an updated passport and/or previous EAD card(s) for work/employment authorization with a designated international organization MUST also upload these documents to iMIT, under the “Immigration Documents” section. 

TIP: For issues with iMIT or uploads, refer to the ISO iMIT Issues – Troubleshooting Steps webpage [here].

Back to Top

Limitations & Special Considerations

CRITICAL REMINDER: All F-1 students are REQUIRED to complete all degree requirements by the end date listed on their most recently issued MIT Form I-20.

Academic & Work/Employment Limitations: As mentioned above, an individual MUST maintain full-time enrollment and ensure that the work/employment with the international organization DOES NOT delay or interfere with the student’s academic progress or degree completion.

  • For Required Academic Terms: During a program’s required academic terms (e.g., fall and spring), individuals can ONLY engage in part-time work/employment (LESS than 20 hours per week).
  • For Official Vacation Terms: During a program’s official vacation terms (e.g., summer or IAP), individuals can engage in full-time work/employment (MORE than 20 hours per week), but ONLY if their program DOES NOT require coursework or enrollment during those terms.

Post-Degree Limitations & Special Considerations: All work/employment under this category is NOT allowed after degree completion. For post-degree opportunities, individuals MUST pursue one of the following options:

  1. Apply for F-1 Post-Completion OPT or
  2. Inquire whether the organization can sponsor them under an A or G nonimmigrant U.S. immigration category.

Back to Top

V. APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Individuals MUST follow the instructions below and place each item in the correct order when preparing the application to mail to USCIS. They MUST also have the updated MIT Form I-20 from the ISO for this work/employment category BEFORE sending any application to USCIS.

CRITICAL ALERT: USCIS MUST receive the application no later than 29 calendar days AFTER the MIT Form I-20 is issued with the ISO recommendation for work/employment with an international organization.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Applications for this category [8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(iii)] of off-campus U.S. work/employment authorization CANNOT be submitted online to USCIS. They MUST be filed by mail.

Required Forms & Documentation

Arrange the documents in the following order (no staples, sticky notes, folds, or bindings):

  1. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization: Individuals MUST submit the Form I-765 by mail, NOT ONLINE [see the Mailing Instructions & Restrictions section below].
    • Individuals MUST follow the USCIS Tips for Filing Forms by Mail webpage and the ISO I-765 Additional Tips handout.
    • EXTREMELY IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
      • For question #27 (page 3 of the Form I-765), individuals MUST enter the small letter “c”, the number “3”, and the lowercase Roman numerals for the number two “ii” = (c)(3)(ii).
      • Use the most recent edition of Form I-765 and carefully review the instructions on the USCIS website.
      • It is strongly recommended that responses be typed before printing the form. If filling out by hand, use black ink ONLY.
  2. Form I-765, Application Fee: Verify, in advance, the current USCIS Form I-765 application fee.
    • All applications for this work/employment category MUST be submitted by mail, and the filing fee MUST be paid electronically in advance by U.S. debit or credit card. Instructions for payment are available on the USCIS Form I-765 webpage [here].
      • CAUTION: Students should notify their U.S. bank or credit card provider in advance to avoid fraud alerts that could result in payment denials. Incorrect card details (e.g., wrong card number or expiration date) will also result in application denial or rejection.
  3. E-Notification of Application Acceptance: The (optional) Form G-1145 enables students to receive a text/email notification when USCIS receives their application.
    • NOTE: Individuals should ONLY use a personal email, NOT an @mit.edu address, and a U.S. mobile number.
  4. Passport Photos: MUST be taken within 30 days of mailing the application to USCIS.
    • Mail-In Application: Follow the USCIS document upload requirements under the Tips for Filing Forms by Mail webpage.
      • TIP: Individuals should write their name and SEVIS ID number lightly in pencil or felt pen on the back of each photo (toward the bottom to prevent damage) and securely paperclip the photos and payment to the top of the application (no staples).
  5. Copy of Form I-20: Individuals MUST provide pages 1 and 2 of the Form I-20 showing the ISO recommendation for work/employment with an international organization.
    • REMINDER: Individuals are REQUIRED to print and hand-sign their Form I-20s in wet ink. U.S. immigration regulations strictly prohibit electronic signatures on Form I-20s.
  6. Copy of International Organization’s Offer Letter: Individuals MUST provide a copy of the international organization’s offer letter.
    • REMINDER: Review the Authorization & Documentation Requirements section above (#2) to confirm all the requirements are met.
  7. Copy of Form I-94 Entry/Arrival Record: Students MUST provide a copy of their most recently issued I-94 Entry/Arrival Record for both online and mail-in applications.
  8. Copy of Current Passport: Students MUST provide a copy of the most recently issued passport, as listed under “Citizenship” on the Form I-20, for both online and mail-in applications. The passport copy MUST be valid/unexpired and include the student’s name, photo, date of birth, passport number, issuance date, and expiration date.
    • NOTE: Students who have a new passport and an old passport with their F-1 visa sticker/stamp, please include copies of both and label them accordingly (e.g., “Old Passport” / “New Passport”).
  9. Copy of F-1 Visa Sticker/Stamp: Students MUST provide a copy of their most recently issued F-1 visa sticker/stamp (except for citizens of Canada and Bermuda) for both online and mail-in applications.
    • NOTE: A valid F-1 visa sticker/stamp is NOT required to apply.
  10. Copies of Previous EAD Cards (if applicable): Students MUST provide a copy(s) of all previously approved F-1 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cards, including both the front and back of each card.

CRITICAL REMINDER: Individuals MUST be physically present in the U.S. both when applying to USCIS – AND – when USCIS receipts the application. USCIS can confirm whether a student is physically inside the U.S. at the time of filing by reviewing their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: The required USCIS application is used to determine an F-1 student’s eligibility for off-campus work/employment authorization under the designated international organization category. Individuals MUST review this webpage carefully to ensure they meet all eligibility and application requirements.

Back to Top

Payment Reminders

Form I-765, Application Fee: Verify, in advance, the current USCIS Form I-765 application fee.

  • All applications for this work/employment category MUST be submitted by mail, and the filing fee MUST be paid electronically in advance by U.S. debit or credit card. Instructions for payment are available on the USCIS Form I-765 webpage [here].
    • NOTE: The fee amount will be listed by the “General Filing for initial, replacement, or renewal Employment Authorization Document (EAD), unless noted below” section, under the “Paper Filing Fee” section.

ALERT: Individuals should notify their U.S. bank or credit card provider in advance to avoid fraud alerts that could result in payment denials. Incorrect card details (e.g., wrong card number or expiration date) will also result in application denial or rejection.

Back to Top

Mailing Instructions & Restrictions

  • There is no online filing option for this work/employment category.
  • A complete application package MUST be mailed to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility.
    • Mail the application to the USCIS Lockbox address listed in the Form I-765 Instructions under “Where to File” (www.uscis.gov/i-765).
      • The correct Lockbox filing address can be found under the “Foreign Students” section, category “(c)(3)(ii) – F-1 offered off-campus employment under the sponsorship of a qualifying international organization”.
        • NOTE: The correct Lockbox filing address varies depending on the delivery method (USPS vs. FedEx, DHL, or UPS).
  • Always use express and trackable mail.
  • Keep copies of:
    • The entire application for immigration records.
    • The mailing receipt as proof of submission and tracking.

ATTENTION: On the application (Form I-765), in the ‘U.S. Mailing Address’ section, individuals MUST input a U.S. mailing address that will be valid for, and they will have access to, at least five (5) months* into the future.

*For individuals who plan on changing their U.S. address within five (5) months of their application to USCIS, it is advisable to list the U.S. address of a trusted friend or family member. Students CANNOT use the ISO office address.

Back to Top

Social Security Number (SSN)

The ISO provides detailed instructions on our Social Security Number (SSN) webpage to help students complete their SSN applications.

  • Individuals with an SSN: DO NOT need to apply again. An SSN is valid for life.
  • Individuals without an SSN: Can apply for an SSN in one of two ways (NOT both):
    • 1) Apply through the Form I-765 application. If an individual applies for an SSN through the Form I-765, the SSN card will ONLY be issued AFTER their EAD card has been approved and mailed.
      • NOTE: Individuals are NOT required to request an SSN with their Form I-765 application. Instead, they can visit any SSA office in the U.S. once they have received their approved EAD card (see #2 below).
    • 2) In person at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office, no earlier than 30 days BEFORE the start date on their approved EAD card.

Back to Top

Key Application & Submission Reminders

  • Information Review: Review this webpage (thoroughly), including all handouts, links, and instructions.
  • ISO Request: Gather all required documents and materials to submit a request to the ISO (via iMIT).
  • New Form I-20: Obtain the new Form I-20 with the international organization recommendation from the ISO.
    • MIT Form I-20 Processing Times: 10 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).
  • Confirm U.S. Address (IMPORTANT): Remember, individuals MUST provide a U.S. mailing address on the Form I-765 that they will have access to at least five (5) months into the future.
    • NOTE: The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) CANNOT forward USCIS government mail.
      • Also, using the USPS Mail Forwarding Service and/or the AR-11 Online Form DOES NOT guarantee a mailing address update for an application with USCIS. Therefore, changing a U.S. address while an application is pending is NOT recommended.
      • If individuals need to update their U.S. mailing address AFTER submitting their USCIS application, they should contact their ISO Advisor for more information.
  • Photocopies: Individuals are strongly advised to retain copies of ALL immigration documents and receipts, especially for an international organization application, as part of their personal immigration records.
    • Do NOT send original identity documents (e.g., passports, letters, etc.) unless specifically requested by USCIS.
  • Fee: Be ready to pay the required fee. Verifying the correct fee in advance.
  • Gather Required Documents: Individuals MUST gather and ensure that all required documents, materials, and information are accurate, complete, and comply with all requirements.
  • Location Specific: The individual MUST be physically present in the U.S. when USCIS receives and receipts the application.
  • Mailing Application: The U.S. Postal Service CANNOT forward USCIS mail, even with a forwarding request.
    • NOTE: When mailing paper applications, do not staple, fold, hole-punch, bind, or attach documents with adhesives or clips.
  • NO WORK/EMPLOYMENT-RELATED ACTIVITIES: Individuals CANNOT begin any work/employment-related activities (paid or unpaid) until the EAD card has been issued, received, and the start date printed on the card has been reached.
    • Engaging in work/employment without proper authorization can have serious consequences, including, but not limited to, jeopardizing an individual’s ability to complete their MIT degree program, and affecting future eligibility for U.S. immigration statuses and benefits (e.g., OPT, H-1B, O-1, etc.).
  • After Submitting the Application:
    • USCIS Processing Times: 3–5 months. Expedited processing is not available.
    • Application Receipt Notice: After USCIS receives the application, the individual will be mailed an official Form I-797C Receipt Notice approximately 4–6 weeks later. This notice includes the case number and instructions for checking the case status online through the USCIS website.
  • After Application Approval: USCIS will mail the individual an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) to the address listed on their Form I-765.

IMPORTANT: Applying for this category of work/employment authorization with an international organization can be complicated. The international organization may suggest or require that the individual change to another nonimmigrant U.S. immigration status, such as A or G. Changing to another immigration status would terminate the individual’s F-1 status and affect their F-1 status immigration benefits.

Back to Top

VII. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Start of Employment & EAD Requirements

Once the start date on the approved EAD card is reached, individuals MUST report their work/employment details to the ISO through iMIT within 10 calendar days. Below are step-by-step instructions for logging in to iMIT and submitting the required information:

  • [Step 1] Log into iMIT: Go to the iMIT “Full Client Services for Students” webpage
  • [Step 2] Complete Relevant e-Forms: After logging in to iMIT, select ‘F-1 Practical Training’, ‘OPT/STEM OPT Reporting’, ‘Start a New Request’, and complete the two (2) e-Forms below:
    • (i) ‘Submit OPT/STEM OPT EAD Card’ e-Form: Submit a copy of the EAD card.
      • File formats accepted: PDF, JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG (maximum 2MB).
    • (ii) ‘Add New Employer Information on OPT/STEM OPT’ e-Form: Enter the international organization work/employment information.
      • (iii.1) ‘Edit/End Current Employer Information on OPT/STEM OPT’ e-Form: ONLY submit this e-Form if the work/employment with the international organization changes.

TIP: For issues with iMIT or uploads, refer to the ISO iMIT Issues – Troubleshooting Steps webpage.

Back to Top

VIII. IMPORTANT REMINDERS & RESOURCES

Key Reminders:

  • Maintaining a U.S. immigration status is an F-1 student’s RESPONSIBILITY.
  • NEVER begin paid or unpaid work/employment without proper authorization.
  • Report ALL changes and updates in iMIT within 10 calendar days.
  • Keep copies of ALL immigration and employment documentation ever issued.

ISO/MIT Resources:

USCIS, DHS & ICE Resources:

  • USCIS F-1 Student Resource webpage
  • USCIS Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students webpage
  • DHS Working in the United States webpage
  • DHS Internship with an International Organization FAQ webpage
  • DHS Training Opportunities in the United States webpage
  • ICE Travel webpage

Back to Top

Disclaimer: The information on this webpage is only for MIT-sponsored students.

For additional questions, students should first review the ISO Employment web pages thoroughly. They are encouraged to use the ISO search tool (located at the top of the ISO website) or consult the comprehensive FAQ section in the ISO Knowledge Base. MIT students may also contact their designated ISO Advisor directly for assistance.

Back to Top

MIT Division of Graduate and Undergraduate Education