Economic Hardship Work Authorization

Work Authorization can be granted based on the economic hardships that the F-1 student is struggling with due to unexpected circumstances. This authorization allow the F-1 student to work off while maintaining the student’s legal status in the US.

What circumstances are considered unexpected?

  • Significant fluctuation in the exchange rate of the home currency’s value
  • Unexpected medical conditions resulting in expensive medical bills
  • Unforeseen changes in the financial state of the student’s financial sponsor
  • Others

To learn more about Severe Economic Hardship work authorization, you can visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement webpage here, or contact to the Center for Intercultural Advancement.

 

  • Be in a valid F-1 status
  • Be in a good academic standing and doing full load course of study
  • Employment opportunities are insufficient (or unavailable at all)
  • Have an unexpected economic hardship as explained above
  • Arrange a meeting with Aly Hathaway, the Director of the Center for Intercultural Advancement Office, to discuss your eligibility for obtaining a work authorization based on severe economic hardships.
  • Receive an endorsement on your I-20 for Severe Economic Hardship work authorization.
  • Fill out a paper copy of the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. To complete the application, you will need to send in the following with your application:
    • Your new signed I-20
    • Passport
    • Photos
    • I-94
    • All evidence demonstrating severe economic hardship
  • The I-765 filing fee is $520.