Severe Economic Hardship

• Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student
  
• Substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate
  
• Inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs
  
• Unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support
  
• Medical bills
  
• Other substantial and unexpected expenses

Eligibility:

• F-1 scholars who can provide documentation that one of the above situations is true may apply for off-campus employment.
  
• To qualify, you must have been in F-1 status for one academic year ( nine months) and be in good academic standing.
  
• To apply, you must meet with the International Program Center Director to discuss your situation.
  
• If the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service, approves your application they will issue you an Employment Authorization Document, which includes your photo and will be valid for one year, and is renewable upon application.

A final note: The application for off-campus employment authorization is burdensome to compile, and the Immigration & Naturalization Service requires about one month to process such applications. Most students who need employment find work on the campus, where no permission procedures are necessary

Severe Economic Hardship Application