F-1 Employment Based on Severe Economic Hardship
Eligibility
USCIS allows students facing severe economic hardship to apply for limited off-campus employment to address a financial crisis. To qualify, a student must be in F-1 status for at least one academic year. The student must prove to USCIS that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond his/her control that arose after obtaining F-1 status. This authorization is granted by USCIS in increments of one year at a time or until the program end date, whichever is shorter. Employment in this category need not relate to the student's field of study. Work is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session but may be full-time during official school breaks. This 20 hour limit includes any on-campus employment. Please note: this authorization is very rarely granted by USCIS.
Procedures
Bring the following documents to an appointment with your International Student Advisor:
- Statement describing the unforeseen hardship situation and an explanation of why other employment options are insufficient to meet this need
- Documentation of the economic circumstances (for example, a letter from home telling of a change in family circumstances or proof of a currency devaluation in your country)
- Completed I-765 Form [#16 = (c) (3) (iii)]
- Check for $380 payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”
- Photocopy (pages 1 and 3 only) of ALL previously issued I-20 Forms
- Photocopy of any previous EAD cards
- Photocopy (both sides) of I-94 card (white card in passport)
- Photocopy of the biographic page of your passport and any extension pages
- Photocopy of your most recent F-1 visa
Your International Student Advisor will review your documentation and verify your eligibility for the benefit. If your advisor determines that you are eligible, he or she will email you when the new I-20 is ready to be signed. ISSS requires five business days for processing. Once you have signed your new I-20, ISSS will mail the application to USCIS. If your application is approved, an EAD will be mailed to ISSS and your International Student Advisor will let you know that it is ready for pick up.