F-1 Student Employment with an International Organization

F-1 students are eligible to obtain authorization to engage in employment with a recognized international organization. This type of employment authorization is only available to students who have been offered a position with an organization listed in the International Organization Immunities Act. A complete list of eligible organizations is available in the Notre Dame Immigration Services Office.

Eligibility Requirements

Students should confirm that the position with the international organization qualifies for employment authorization and that the student is eligible to obtain authorization.

● The student must have a written offer of employment from the qualifying organization.
● The Employment authorization may only be granted during the student’s academic program.
● The student must maintain full-time enrollment as required during the employment.
● The employment does NOT have to be directly related to the student’s major field of study.
● There are no minimum enrollment requirements; the student does NOT need to be enrolled for at least one full academic year to qualify for this benefit.

Application Process

To apply for employment authorization with an international organization, the student should first consult with an ISO advisor to discuss the opportunity in detail and determine eligibility for this benefit. The student must then submit the following documents to the Notre Dame Immigration Services Office:

□ Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
□ I-765 filing fee (currently $340.00 USD)
□ Two passport style photos
□ Written offer of employment from qualifying international organization
□ Copies of the student’s following documents:
□ All I-20 forms issued to the student
□ Passport (biographical and issuance/expiration information)
□ I-94 card (front and back)
□ Visa (most recent, if available)
□ Copies of any previously issued Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)

● The student initiates application by submitting request to ISO including evidence of the economic hardship and completes process by mailing application to USCIS.
● Current USCIS processing time is approximately 2-3 months.
● Authorization is granted in 12-month intervals and is renewable for duration of employment and academic program.
● Does not affect eligibility for OPT.
● Employment is not required to be related to student’s major field of study.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Students must continue to enroll in a full course of study during the academic year while authorized for employment.

Employment off campus may not begin until student receives EAD and start date has passed.