Merrill Lynch PWM for F1 student unpaid - NEED work authorization?? Help!

Hey guys,

I am a sophomore and scheduled to work with Merrill Lynch PWM this summer (starting in 2 weeks). I am an international student on F1 Visa and was initially receiving pay, however rejected it because I didn't want to use my opt and heard that unpaid interns would not need work authorization.

However, a couple days ago I received forms to register for the position, and was shocked to see that they needed an I-9 form that checks to see if you're work authorized. I sent a couple of emails to my bosses assistant and the recruiting people to see if I can work as a volunteer without work authorization, however they have not replied me (voicemailed many times). Because I start in 10 days, if I DO need authorization, I have to get it ASAP via CPT.

So my question is, do Merrill etc typically need work authorization even if it's unpaid? Any chance I can persuade my way in to not need authorization? Or is Merrill too strict?

Thanks guys appreciate it

Also, on a side note, for a CPT, my school requires you to do an independent study in the fall that links to my job. I am actually very interested in doing a study on new laws in Myanmar/international trade/etc. However, I'm not sure if this relates. If you guys have any ideas to a topic that relates, I would appreciate some help.

4 Comments
 

you definitely need CPT. they will want you to pay for the internship independent study. it also happens that if you get paid during the internship you will pay for the internship as college credit. Go get the CPT Now!!!

All things are possible with Him i have to deal
 

Officia debitis eum aut. Occaecati culpa aspernatur distinctio animi. Vitae vero architecto quasi earum odit et delectus. Doloribus aut qui nisi possimus ut nihil.

Qui aspernatur non enim est iusto. Non quia quas eveniet rerum soluta accusamus. A rerum fugit natus accusamus hic expedita.

Aut consequuntur provident quis in et excepturi porro necessitatibus. Quia et reiciendis totam iure atque tempora velit beatae. Ea sed atque sint neque odio aut ratione. Sit voluptatem voluptatibus debitis dolor earum officiis quis. Maiores officiis dolor velit cum impedit aut. Eveniet dolores et quo dolore quas.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”