Employment due to Economic Hardship​

For guidance and details about applying for off-campus employment authorization due to Economic Hardship, please visit https://www.ice.gov/sevis/employment​.  After reviewing this information, if you are considering applying for employment authorization due to economic hardship, please contact [email protected] to discuss your case and the application process. 

     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:

Before you apply, please collect all of the following documents. Then, make an appointment with your DSO to review all information. Your DSO will recommend your application in SEVIS and send you an updated I-20.​             

  • Review Form I-765​. For #27 Eligibility Category, ​enter (c)(3)(iii). 
  • Application fee​. You may pay by check, money order, or credit/debit card​. 
  • Form I-20, with DSO's recommendation for economic hardship employment
  • Passport style photo. See U.S. Department of State photo requirements.  DOS also has a photo check tool that you can use. 
  • Most recent I-94 Admission Record 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 (not applicable for Canadian citizens) or I-797 (approval of change of status to F-1), if applicable
  • Photocopies of any previously-issued EAD cards​

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