ISSS Link (e-forms)

Other Student Employment Options

Severe Economic Hardship

On rare occasions, students are faced with a sudden change to their financial situation completely beyond their control, such as the outbreak of war, a dramatic devaluation of the currency in their home country, or the death or loss of employment of their primary supporter. 

Students facing these types of unforeseen financial difficulties can apply for off-campus work authorization. Authorization is granted for one year at a time. If granted, students can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year, and full time during breaks. This type of employment doesn't need to be related to the student's field of study.

F-1 students facing unforeseen financial difficulties can apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for work authorization based on severe economic hardship. There is a fee to file an I-765 with USCIS, and there is no guarantee that the employment authorization will be granted. USCIS processing time varies, but the typical processing time is about 90 days. Current USCIS processing times are posted on their website. 

Eligibility

To qualify, students need to:

  • Have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year (30+ weeks of class time).
  • Prove to USCIS that off-campus employment is necessary due to the severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond their control.
  • Demonstrate that these circumstances arose after the students was granted F-1 status.

For more information, F-1 students should visit the Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States website.

Procedure

  1. Fill out an I-765 form and gather the required application documents (see below).
  2. Schedule an appointment with an ISSS advisor. 
  3. Bring the following documents to the appointment:
    • A written description of the unforeseen financial hardship and an explanation of why on-campus employment options aren't sufficient to meet the student's needs
    • Documentation of the financial circumstances (for example, a letter from home about a change in family circumstances, or proof of a currency devaluation)
    • 2 passport-style photos. US passport photo requirements
    • Completed form I-765
    • I-765 Filing Fee
      • Can be paid by personal check, cashier's checks, money order or credit card.
      • Make checks/money orders payable to "US Department of Homeland Security"
      • For the most up to date fee amount, visit the USCIS website. 
    • Copies of all previously issued I-20s (pages 1 and 3)
    • Copies of any previous EAD cards (front and back)
    • Copy of most recent I-94
    • Copy of Most Recently Issued Passport Biographical ID Page
    • Copy of most recent visa
  4. During the appointment with ISSS the following will occur:
    • The ISSS advisor reviews the documents and discusses the student's eligibility. 
    • ISSS creates a new I-20 for the student to sign.
  5. ISSS mails the application to USCIS.
  6. If the application is approved, USCIS mails an EAD card to ISSS.
  7. ISSS emails the student when the EAD card is ready for pick up.

Eligibility

Students can apply for work authorization based on economic necessity if they:

  • Are in good academic standing
  • Maintain a full course load, except during school breaks
  • Will work no more than 20 hours a week (except during breaks, when they can work full time)
  • Show evidence of their urgent, unforeseen financial circumstances

Procedure

  1. Schedule an appointment with an ISSS advisor.
  2. Bring financial documentation to the appointment.
  3. If the application is approved, ISSS will write a letter that will serve as proof of employment authorization.

International Organizations (F-1 students only)

F-1 students who have received a written offer of employment from an international organization such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, or others, can apply for employment authorization through US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Students are eligible as soon they are in F-1 status; no academic-year waiting period is required. The employment authorization is valid for one year.

Eligibility

An F-1 student can apply for authorization to work with an international organization if the student:

  • Has been offered a position with an employer on the list of approved international organizations.
  • Maintains full-time enrollment during the employment period.
  • Does not begin working until they receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) from USCIS and the EAD start date has passed.

  1. Fill out an I-765 form and gather the required application documents (see below).
  2. Schedule an appointment with an ISSS advisor.
  3. Bring the following documents to the appointment:
    • Job offer letter from an approved international organization. The letter must include a job description as well as the start date and end date
    • 2 passport-style photos. US passport photo requirements
    • Completed form I-765
    • I-765 Filing Fee
      • Can be paid by personal check, cashier's checks, money order or credit card.
      • Make checks/money orders payable to "US Department of Homeland Security"
      • For the most up to date fee amount, visit the USCIS website.
    • Copies of all previously issued I-20s (pages 1 and 3)
    • Copies of any previous EAD cards (front and back)
    • Copy of most recent I-94
    • Copy of Most Recently Issued Passport Biographical ID Page
    • Copy of most recent visa
  4. During the appointment with ISSS the following will occur:
    • The ISSS advisor reviews the documents and discusses the student's eligibility.
    • ISSS creates a new I-20 for the student to sign.
  5. ISSS mails the application to USCIS.
  6. If the application is approved, USCIS mails an EAD card to ISSS.
  7. ISSS emails the student when the EAD card is ready for pick up.

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