Employment: Economic Hardship 

If on-campus employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient, an eligible F-1 student may request employment authorization based on severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control. These circumstances may include a loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases in tuition and /or living costs, or unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be in F-1 status for one full academic year.
  • Student is in good academic standing and taking a full course of study.
  • Employment will not interfere with studies.
  • Ability to demonstrate that the employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship due to unforeseen economic circumstances beyond your control.

Bring following documents to appointment with International Advisor:

  1. Personal letter describing the unforeseen hardship situation and, if possible, attach backup documentation; for example, news articles, a letter from home telling of a change in family circumstances or proof of a currency devaluation in your country, etc.
  2. Complete the I-765 Form.
  3. Use the code (C)(3)(iii) at item 16; DO NOT date the form until you are ready to send the application to U.S.CIS
  4. 2 passport photos
  5. Copies of your current and previous I-20s
  6. Copy of your latest I-94 card (front & back)
  7. Copy of passport page
  8. Copy of visa page
  9. Copy of your F-1 visa page (except Canadians) OR approval of change of status to F-1 (I-797) if applicable
  10. Copy of your unofficial transcript
  11. Check for $180.00 made out to U.S.CIS
  12. SEVIS I-20 recommending economic hardship (completed by Immigration Advisor)  

After Applying for Economic Hardship:

  • If the application is approved, an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) will be issued to you by U.S.CIS. If the application is denied, you will be notified by U.S.CIS in writing but you may not appeal. The fee is nonrefundable.
  • You may not begin employment until you have received the EAD. Authorization is granted in one-year interval (dates are to be determined by USCIS) up to the expected date of completion of studies. You are allowed to work part time with the EAD when school is in session but you must be enrolled as a full time student. You may work full time with the EAD during summer terms and holidays.
  • The employment does not have to be related to course of study and it does not count towards the 20-hour on campus maximum.
  • The EAD may be renewed only if you are maintaining status and are in good academic standing.

The employment authorization is automatically terminated when the student transfers from one school to another one or when student fails to maintain status.

 


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