Severe Economic Hardship
Individuals who obtain an F-1 visa to study in the United States are expected to be able to support themselves financially. F-1 visa holders will need to prove their financial ability in order to get the I-20 and approval for the F-1 visa.
F-1 students who have been in the U.S. for a minimum of one year and who experience unexpected, uncontrollable changes in their economic situation can apply for a temporary, part-time work permit for off-campus employment during their studies. This application is through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and, if approved, will result in a special work permit based on severe economic hardship.
Work Hours
This work permit allows the student to accept off-campus employment. With the Severe Economic Hardship authorization, students can work for max. 20 hours a week while school is in session, and over 20 hours a week during semester breaks such as summer break, winter break and official campus holidays.
Duration
USCIS may grant the authroization in one-year intervals. Renewal may be approved by
USCIS if students continue to maintain the F-1 status and have the economic hardship.
Eligibility
Students do not need to have a job offer to apply for Severe Economic Hardship. Students will need to show USCIS that they:
- Have been in an F-1 status for one full academic year
- Are in good academic standing
- Have experienced unforeseen changes in your financial situation that were out of your control
- Cannot obtain suitable or on-campus employment to meet your new need
How to Apply
Request for Severe Economic Hardship endorsement here. Please allow 2-3 business days
for us to process. You may be asked to provide additional information.
Required documents:
- Form I-765 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-765)
- Application Fee. Check the USCIS I-765 website for the most updated amount
- Copy of I-20 with DSO endoresemnt on severe economic hardship. The endorsement must be dated within 30 days
- Copy of transcript showing you have been enrolled for one full academic year and met the F-1 enrollment requirement
- A statement outlining the unforeseen hardship situation and explanation for why on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient to meet the financial need
- Two identical passport-sized photos
- Copy of the most recent I-94
- Copy of the passport
- Copy of the F-1 visa page or I-797 Approval of Change of Status to F-1, if applicable
- Copy of previous EAD cards, if applicable
- Other documentation deems necessary for your application. Check the USCIS I-765 website