Severe Economic Hardship Employment Authorization
F-1 students who face unforeseen economic hardship beyond their
control, and have been unable to find sufficient on-campus
employment may apply to USCIS for permission to work off-campus.
Examples of severe economic hardship include loss of financial sponsorship
through no fault on the part of the
student, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange
rate, unexpected changes in financial
condition of the student’s source of support, medical bills, political
unrest or civil war, or other substantial and
unexpected expenses.
Employment authorization based on severe economic hardship is granted
in one-year intervals up to the
expected date of completion of the student’s current course of study.
USCIS approval must be renewed each year
in order for the employment authorization to be continued only if the student
has maintained their immigration
status and good academic standing.
Authorization is automatically terminated whenever the student fails to
maintain their immigration status.
Eligibility
You
must:
- Demonstrate to USCIS that your financial situation is unforeseen
and beyond your control.
- Maintain immigration status as an F-1 student for the past academic
year.
- Possess a valid passport, I-94 card, and I-20 document.
- Demonstrate that acceptance of employment will not interfere with
full-time enrollment.
To Apply
- Complete USCIS Form I-765.
- Write
a letter explaining your current situation. You must provide
evidence that your situation is (1)
unforeseen and (2) beyond your control. Evidence may include news articles
from the Internet, documentation
of currency devaluation, statements from your sponsor, and medical
bills.
- Include application fee of $175.00 in a check
or money order payable to “U.S.C.I.S.”
- Obtain two passport photos. Do not allow the photos
to be cut apart or trimmed.
- Make certain that on the back of each photo you write
your name and I-94 number in pencil.
- Schedule an appointment with the International
Studies Advisor. Make
sure to bring all completed forms
and photos, your cover letter, passport, I-94 card, and I-20. The International
Studies Advisor will review all
documentation, enter your request into SEVIS, print a new SEVIS I-20
document, and send your application
with supporting documents to the USCIS Service Center for processing.
You may not begin work off-campus until you receive written authorization
from USCIS.
