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Internships with a Recognized International Organization

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F-1 students are eligible to seek paid employment if the employment is with a recognized international organization (e.g., The World Bank, Organization of American States, African Development Fund, International Bank for Reconstruction & Development). F-1 students are eligible as soon as they obtain F-1 status and the work does not have to be related to his/her field of study. The period of work for an international organization will also not be deducted from the 12-month period of OPT.

Eligibility Criteria

  • The employment is for an internship with a recognized international organization
  • The student is in good academic standing
  • The employment is not more than 20 hours per week while school is in session (and can be full-time during vacation breaks)
  • Authorization is only available while the student is in F-1 status before the completion of the program

If you are interested in such an internship, you should meet with an International Student Advisor at Bechtel International Center regarding the application process. You must get authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before starting your internship.