Additional off-campus work authorization can be provided for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to: 

• Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment (through no fault of your own); 
• Substantial fluctuations in currency value or exchange rate; 
• Inordinate increases in tuition or living costs;
• Unexpected changes in the financial condition of your source of support;
• Medical bills; and 
• Other substantial and unexpected expenses. 

To be eligible, students must: 

• have been F-1 for at least one year, 
• are in good academic standing, 
• can demonstrate the need for employment due to a severe economic hardship beyond their control, 
• and that the hardship arose after obtaining their F-1 status 

The student will be required to provide a written statement to ISSS describing the hardship and should, if possible, provide supporting documentation. Examples include a letter from home telling of a change in family circumstances or proof of a currency devaluation in the student's country. Students will also need to explain why other employment options are unavailable or insufficient and show that the additional employment authorization will not impact their ability to maintain full-time enrollment.  

If approved by ISSS, the student will need to submit an I-765 application to USCIS and pay the USCIS fee. Authorization is granted on a one-year basis and must be reapplied for each year. If a student needs uninterrupted work authorization, they are advised to reapply in advance – at least 90 days, but no more than six months. If employment is authorized, USCIS will issue an EAD card to the student.  

For questions regarding this process or to begin applying for Severe Economic Hardship Work Authorization, please contact ISSS.