Lori Meadows
International students facing financial difficulties may be able to obtain off-campus employment authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by applying for Severe Economic Hardship. This option is available to F-1 students who can demonstrate that their financial hardship was caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond their control and that on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient or unavailable. The application process typically involves meeting with an international student advisor to discuss eligibility, providing supporting documentation, and submitting an application packet to the USCIS, which includes various forms and a fee. While economic hardship employment can provide some financial relief, it may not meet all financial needs, and students must maintain their full-time enrollment and academic standing to remain eligible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student status | F-1 student status for one academic year (fall and spring semester) |
| Academic standing | Good academic standing, with a GPA of at least 2.00 for undergraduates and 3.00 for graduates |
| Employment status | Unable to find on-campus employment |
| Application process | Meet with an international student advisor, provide documentation, and submit an application packet to USCIS |
| Application fee | $410 or $520 made payable to the US Department of Homeland Security |
| Application processing time | Up to 3-4 months |
| Employment authorization | Granted by USCIS in one-year intervals, allowing up to 20 hours of work per week while registered full-time |
| Renewal | May be authorized by USCIS if students remain in good academic standing |
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What You'll Learn
Meet with an international student advisor
If you are an international student facing severe economic hardship, the first step is to meet with an International Student Advisor (ISA) to discuss your situation and understand your options. This meeting will help you determine your eligibility for economic hardship benefits and the next steps in the application process. Here's a step-by-step guide to prepare for and navigate your meeting with an ISA:
Understand the Role of an International Student Advisor
International Student Advisors are professionals who provide guidance and support to international students studying in a particular country. They are typically employed by universities or colleges, or they may work for an international student advisory service. ISAs are knowledgeable about the laws, regulations, and procedures related to international student visas, academic standing, and employment. They can help you navigate the specific requirements and processes for applying for economic hardship benefits.
Prepare the Necessary Documentation
Before meeting with your ISA, it is essential to gather and organize all the relevant documentation that demonstrates your economic hardship and academic standing. This may include financial records, bank statements, proof of income or loss of income, and any other evidence that supports your situation. Additionally, you may need to provide transcripts or other proof of your academic progress and good standing. Review the economic hardship application requirements provided by your educational institution to ensure you have all the necessary documents.
Discuss Your Specific Circumstances
During your meeting with the ISA, be prepared to discuss your specific circumstances openly and honestly. Explain the factors that have led to your economic hardship, including any unforeseen changes in your financial situation. It is important to provide as much detail as possible so that the ISA can properly assess your eligibility for benefits. Discuss any efforts you have made to find on-campus employment and why those opportunities are unavailable or insufficient. The ISA will evaluate your situation based on the documentation you provide and the information you share during this discussion.
Understand the Application Process and Next Steps
Your ISA will guide you through the application process for economic hardship benefits, which may vary depending on your country of study and the specific regulations in place. They will inform you of any forms you need to complete, letters or statements you must provide, and the evidence required to support your application. In some cases, you may need to demonstrate that accepting off-campus employment will not interfere with your ability to continue a full course of study. Ask your ISA about the timeline for the application process and any potential delays you should be aware of.
Follow-Up and Maintain Communication
After your initial meeting, maintain open communication with your ISA. They may request additional information or documentation to support your application. Follow their instructions and provide any necessary follow-up information promptly. If you have any further questions or concerns throughout the process, don't hesitate to reach out to your ISA for clarification or updates. Their guidance will help ensure your application is comprehensive and has the best chance of success.
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Prepare supporting documents
To prepare supporting documents for your application, you will need to demonstrate that your economic hardship is due to unforeseen circumstances that arose after you obtained F-1 status. This could include a loss of financial aid or on-campus employment, substantial fluctuations in the value of exchange rates or national currency, or unexpected changes in the financial condition of your source of support.
- A photocopy of Form I-20, with your ISS adviser's recommendation for economic hardship employment. Make sure to sign and date the Student Attestation section.
- A letter describing your financial difficulties and why on-campus employment opportunities are unavailable or insufficient, along with supporting evidence.
- A cover letter explaining your situation and addressing the unforeseen hardship you are facing. Include a reasonable plan to get yourself out of financial and academic trouble, and explain how employment will not impact your ability to maintain a full course load.
- Documentation of your current expenses and evidence of your economic hardship, such as copies of past and present currency exchange charts showing the devaluation of your country's currency.
- If relevant, a letter from your sponsor showing that their funding has been discontinued.
- Two identical natural colour photographs of yourself, taken within 30 days of your application. Write your name and I-94 number lightly on the back of each photo.
- Original Form I-765, with all seven pages signed.
- Application fee of $520 in the form of a personal check or money order made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Write the 11-digit number from your I-94 on your check or money order, and don't forget to sign and date it.
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Submit application packet
Once you have determined your eligibility for applying for economic hardship as an international student, you will need to submit an application packet. The application packet should be mailed to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The time taken for processing the application can vary between two to four months, and the authorization is granted by the USCIS in increments of one year at a time.
The application packet must include the following:
- Your I-20, with a recommendation for Economic Need work permission.
- Photocopies of all I-20s previously issued (even from other schools).
- A check or money order made payable to the US Department of Homeland Security. The application fee is $520, although one source states it to be $410.
- A completed Form I-765 (PDF) Application for Employment Authorization. Write “(c) (3) (iii)” in item 16 of Form I-765 and use an address where you can receive mail over the next three months.
- Form G-1145, in order to receive an e-notification of application receipt from USCIS.
- Two passport-style photos taken within the past 30 days. Write your name and I-94 admission number on the back of each photo. Put photos in an envelope.
- Copy of your most recent I-94 Record.
- Copy of your F-1 visa (if you applied for the F-1 visa abroad), or a copy of the I-797 Change of Status to F-1 approval notice form (if you changed your visa status in the US).
- Copy of the biographical page of your passport.
- Copy of the new I-20 with the Special Student Relief recommendation (make sure you sign it)!
- Copies of your previous I-20s (for your current degree level).
- Copy of your unofficial transcript.
- Copy of any previously issued EAD cards (if applicable).
- Supporting documentation confirming the circumstances that led to your economic situation. For example, a letter from doctors showing that a family member has undergone surgery, exchange rate data showing currency devaluation, or documentation showing a significant disaster in your country, such as newspaper clippings.
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Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
To receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you must determine whether you fall into a category eligible for work authorization under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations. Common categories include asylum seekers, students, temporary protected persons, and refugees.
To apply for an EAD, you must complete Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization. Start by downloading the most recent version of Form I-765 from the USCIS website. It is crucial to fill out this form with accurate and complete information, as errors can lead to delays in processing. You will need to attach all necessary documentation that validates your eligibility for an EAD, including proof of your current immigration status, your identity, and your eligibility category. Additionally, you'll need to gather supporting documents, which may vary depending on your specific eligibility category.
If your EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you may request a replacement by filing a new Form I-765 and filing fee (if required), unless a fee waiver is requested and approved. If your EAD contains incorrect information due to a USCIS error, you will not need to submit a new Form I-765 or a filing fee. Instead, you may submit a service request via the USCIS website.
If you wish to renew an existing EAD, you should file Form I-765 within 6 months of the expiration date on your current EAD. You can renew your EAD by filing Form I-765 at least 90 days before the expiration date.
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Begin working
Once you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS, you may begin working. The EAD will specify the date from which you are authorized to start working, and you must not begin employment before this date. The EAD will also specify an expiration date, and you must stop working by this date or by the date you finish your studies, whichever is earlier.
The EAD is typically issued for one-year intervals, and you will need to renew it if you wish to continue your employment beyond that timeframe. Renewals may be authorized by USCIS if you remain in good academic standing. However, it is important to note that employment authorization will be automatically terminated if you fail to maintain your status, graduate, or transfer to another school.
The EAD allows you to work for any employer up to 20 hours per week while you are registered as a full-time student. You are also permitted to work more than 20 hours per week during quarter breaks and your annual vacation quarter.
It is important to remember that economic hardship employment might not be sufficient to meet all your financial needs, and you should not rely solely on this source of income during your time as a student.
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Frequently asked questions
You must be an F-1 student, have been in F-1 status for one academic year, be in good academic standing, and be unable to find on-campus employment. You must also be able to prove that your financial situation has changed unexpectedly and that employment is necessary.
You will need to submit a completed Form I-765, two passport-style photos, a copy of your I-94 Record, a copy of your F-1 visa or I-797 form, a copy of your passport biographical page, a copy of your new I-20 with a recommendation for economic hardship, copies of your previous I-20s, a copy of your unofficial transcript, and copies of any previously issued EAD cards. You will also need to provide supporting documentation confirming the circumstances of your economic hardship.
You will need to mail your application packet to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The mailing address may vary depending on your location, so be sure to review the USCIS mailing instructions to find the correct filing location.
