Employment due to Economic Hardship​

There ar​e some guidance and details at https://www.ice.gov/sevis/employment​  Here is the list of information you should know before you reach out to your DSO and discuss about this option:​

     Examples of unforeseen circumstances:

  • Loss of financial support or on-campus employment
  • Substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate
  • Inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs
  • Unexpected changes in the financial condition of your source of support, such a loss of a family business
  • Excessive medical bills

​    Eligibility:

          (1) You have been in F-1/J-1 status for one full academic year;

          (2) You are in good standing as a student;

          (3) You are carrying a full course of study;

          (4) Acceptance of employment will not interfere with your carrying a full course of study;

          ​​(5) The employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control; and

          (6) On-campus employment is unavailable or is not sufficient to meet the needs that have arisen due to the unforeseen circumstances.​

    How to Apply:

​Now you can apply for employment authorization with USCIS online. You must create an account at my.USCIS.gov​ before you can do so. Before you apply online, please complete all the following and make an appointment with your DSO to review all information. Your DSO will recommend your application in SEVIS and send you the updated I-20.​             

  • Form I-765​ (write (c)(3)(iii) - This is a mock form. Your DSO will review it once you complete it, so you have accurate information when apply online with my.USCIS.gov
  • Application fee​ (you will pay with a U.S. issued credit card at the end of your online application)
  • Form I-20, with your DSO's recommendation for economic hardship employment
  • Passport style photo​
  • Most recent I-94 Admission Number print out from CBP​​
  • A letter describing your financial difficulties and why on-campus employment opportunities are unavailable or insufficient; include supporting evidence
  • Photocopy of passport identification page
  • Photocopy of visa page
  • Photocopies of any previously-issued EAD cards​

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