Severe Economic Hardship

Severe economic hardship employment allows you to work off campus if you face unexpected financial problems, and if other employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient. Authorizations are granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

You will receive your work authorization from USCIS as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You may only begin working after you receive your EAD and only during the dates listed on the card.

Eligibility

You may apply if all of the following are true:

• You have been in valid F-1 status for at least one academic year (two semesters)
• You are in good academic standing and enrolled full time
• You experience severe, unexpected financial hardship after arriving in the U.S.
• On-campus jobs are not available or do not provide enough income
• Working will not affect your ability to study full time

Examples of Unexpected Financial Hardship

You must show that your situation is beyond your control. Examples include:

• Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment
• Large changes in your home country’s currency value
• Sudden loss of support from your sponsor
• Unexpected medical expenses
• Other significant and unplanned costs

Key Guidelines

• Duration:
  • Work authorization is granted in increments of up to one year, or until your program end date, whichever comes first
  • Your authorization will automatically end if you graduate, fail to maintain status, or transfer to another school
• Hours per week:
  • You may work up to 20 hours per week during required semesters (fall & spring)
  • You may work full time during official school breaks
• Type of work: You may work in any job off campus. The position does not need to be related to your field of study.
• Offer of employment: You do not need a job offer to apply
• Approval process: You must not work until you receive your EAD and the start date is valid
• Enrollment: You must continue to maintain full-time enrollment and be in good academic standing
• Travel: It is not recommended to travel outside the U.S. while your application is pending with USCIS. After your application is approved and you have received your EAD, you may travel internationally.
• CPT & OPT Eligibility: Receiving Severe Economic Hardship employment authorization does not affect your eligibility for CPT and OPT.

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

You are responsible for showing that you meet all eligibility requirements for this work authorization. You must write a personal statement addressed to USCIS explaining how unexpected circumstances caused financial hardship. You should also gather clear supporting documents that confirm and strengthen the information in your statement.

Your statement should explain:

• What happened and why it was unexpected
• Why you are not at fault
• Your short-term plan to resolve the situation
• How you will continue full-time study
• Why on-campus work is not available

Step 2: Submit Your Severe Economic Hardship Request

1. Log in to accessVIS using your NetID and password.

2. Select Employment & Training from the left menu.

3. Submit the Severe Economic Hardship request.

• You'll be required to upload the following documents:
  
  • Form I-94
  • Passport
  • F-1 visa (if applicable)
  • Personal statement addressed to USCIS
  • Documents/supporting evidence showing your financial hardship

Step 3: Receive Your Severe Economic Hardship I-20

VIS typically processes requests within 5–7 business days. If your request is approved, you will receive a new I-20 recommending economic hardship employment. Review it carefully, then print and sign it.

Step 4: Prepare Application to USCIS

Apply to USCIS by completing the I-765 and providing the required evidence. USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of your Economic Hardship I-20 issuance.

Processing times are typically 3–6 months. 

Do not submit your I-765 application to USCIS until you have received your I-20 recommending economic hardship.

Review I-765 Application Guidance

Step 5: Mail Your Application to USCIS

You must file Form I-765 by mail. Online filing is not allowed for this category.

• Send your application to the correct USCIS Lockbox using FedEx or UPS
• USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the I-20 issue date

Step 6: Track Your Application & Report Your Approval

• Receive a receipt notice within 2–5 weeks
• Use the USCIS case status tool to track your application
• Contact your VIS advisor if you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or you find errors on your EAD
• Upon approval, send a copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to your VIS advisor