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Economic Hardship

• Off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship, limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; can be full-time during official school breaks.
• Granted by CIS (formerly called INS) in increments of one year at a time; authorization ends if a student transfers schools.

Am I eligible for Economic Hardship?

To be eligible to apply, the student must:

• have been in F-1 status for one academic year
• demonstrate to CIS that other employment options such as on-campus employment,
  are unavailable or insufficient
• prove to CIS that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship
  caused by circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as:
  1. Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student
  2. Substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate
  3. Inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs
  4. Unexpected changes in financial condition of the student’s source of support
  5. Medical bills or other substantial and unexpected expenses

How do I apply for Economic Hardship?

1. Complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (PDF Format), using the code “(c) (3) (iii)” at item 16.
2. Write a statement explaining the circumstances causing the economic need, including back-up documentation such as a letter from home telling of a change in family circumstances or proof of a currency devaluation in your country. The written statement should also include a brief explanation that other employment options are unavailable or insufficient.
3. Obtain two photos passport style photos
4. Submit a $180 check payable to Department of Homeland Security (DHA) 
5. Submit a photocopy of your I-20
6. Submit a photocopy of both sides of your I-94.
7. Submit a photocopy of the ID page, and visa page from your passport
8. Submit a photocopy of any previously issued EAD’s

Submit all of the above to the International Admissions Evaluator. She will create a new I-20 recommending employment due to severe economic hardship and mail the application materials to CIS.

If employment is authorized, CIS will issue you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You cannot begin employment until you receive the EAD.