The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a series of regulations governing off-campus employment based on economic hardship. In order to be eligible for economic hardship you must:

• Be in valid F-1 status for at least one academic year (9 months)
• Be in good academic standing (2.0 average or above)
• Be enrolled as a full-time student (12 credits)
• Provide evidence of economic hardship based on unforeseen circumstances beyond your control
• Demonstrate that on-campus is not available or sufficient to meet your financial needs

Examples of unforeseen circumstances that may cause economic hardship include:

• The loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on your part
• Substantial fluctuations in the value of the currency or exchange rates
• Inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs
• Unexpected changes in the financial condition of your sponsor
• Medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses

Employment is limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session, and full time during holidays and vacation periods. You may work for any employer at any position, anywhere in the United States. A job offer is not required in advance of obtaining employment authorization. Employment authorization is automatically terminated when you fail to maintain status.

To obtain a SEVIS form for economic hardship

You will need to provide the following documents to ISSC to process your Form I-20 application for off-campus employment based on economic hardship:

• Completed I-765 form
• Current SEVIS I-20
• Written evidence of unforeseen circumstances causing economic hardship
• Completed hardship application form

Once the Form I-20 application for off-campus employment based on economic hardship is complete, ISSC will issue you a new Form I-20 with the authorization for economic hardship.

Submitting your application to USCIS

To receive your EAD card for economic hardship you will need to submit the following to the USCIS:

• Form I-765
• Copy of SEVIS I-20 listing the employment recommendation  for economic hardship.
• Copies of your current Form I-94
• Copy of your passport identification page
• Copy of your F-1 visa
• Written evidence of unforeseen circumstances causing economic hardship
• Two photos with a white background taken no earlier than 30 days before submission to USCIS; they should be:
  • Unmounted
  • Printed on thin, glossy paper
  • Unretouched
  • Identified with your name and admission number, if known, written on the back with pencil
• Check or money order for the US$410.00 filing fee payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”

Where to File (if you live in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania)

For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:

USCIS

Attn: I-765 C03

131 South Dearborn – 3rd Floor

Chicago, IL 60603-5517

For US Postal Service delivery (regular US mail):

USCIS

PO Box 805373

Chicago, IL 60680

Employment may not commence until you obtain your EAD.