F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus employment if they will participate in an internship with an eligible international organization under category (c)(3)(ii). Unlike other off-campus employment authorizations, F-1 students do not need to wait a full academic year before they become eligible to apply for this benefit from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and it can be requested multiple times. This employment authorization does not reduce the available periods of future practical training.
Basic eligibility criteria:
- The internship must be with a recognized international organization that falls within the International Organization Immunities Act as designated in the Code of Federal Regulations [ 8 CFR 316.20(c) ]
- Students must be in good academic standing with the University
- F-1 students may not work more than 20 hours per week during the academic year
- The employment authorization will not be granted for more than one (1) calendar year at a time
Guidance on eligibility and the USCIS application process for requesting work authorization for an internship at a qualifying international organization should be provided by an immigration attorney. Contact an immigration attorney or Student Legal Services at +1 614-247-5853 with questions.
If you need to request the necessary I-20 with the recommendation for your internship with an international organization to include with your application to USCIS, please contact an immigration coordinator at iss@osu.edu or schedule an advising appointment.