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 a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session, and over 20 hours per week during semester breaks such as summer break, winter break and official campus holidays.

Duration

If granted by USCIS, the authorization is valid for one year. Renewal may be approved by USCIS if students continue to maintain the F-1 status and continue to experience 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 their financial situation that were out of their control
Cannot obtain suitable on-campus employment to meet their new need

How to Apply

Request an endorsement from ISS for Severe Economic Hardship here. Please allow 2-3 business days for us to process. You may be asked to provide additional information.

Off-Campus Employment Application

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 endorsement 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 deemed necessary for your application. Check the USCIS I-765 website