F-1 nonimmigrant classification is granted to students to pursue a full course of study to achieve specific educational or professional objective(s) at an approved U.S. academic institution. F-1 students are sponsored by an academic institution, often a university. The student’s sponsoring institution recommends or approves work permission. All F-1 students coming to NIH must possess work authorization.
F-1 students are eligible for all
Visiting Program designations, provided they have the proper work authorization.
F-1 students must consult with a Designated School Official (DSO) in the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office at their academic institution to determine work authorization eligibility.
Sponsoring institutions may require a job offer from NIH before authorizing work permission. In these instances, the NIH Institute may issue a tentative offer letter to the F-1 student and concurrently send a case to DIS without the work authorization documentation. See the relevant
NIH Manual Chapter per designation for a template letter.