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Severe Economic Hardship
Economic Hardship is an immigration term that refers to a specific definition for the need to work. Under F-1 student visa regulations, the meaning of this term includes such criteria as “a severe and unforeseen circumstance” which results in a demonstrated need for employment.
For example, such circumstance could be a devaluation of your home country’s currency (usually more than 25%) against the U.S. dollar. To prove the economic impact, you would have to show that your family or government was sponsoring you, and that because of the devaluation of your currency, an insufficient amount of funding is now available to you to pay for your studies and living expenses. You must show a loss of your personal source of financial support for your studies and living expenses.
In addition, there are certain time-related issues for eligibility. F-1 students are generally not eligible to apply for Economic Hardship in their first year of study.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible to apply for employment based on severe economic hardship if:
You have been in F-1 status for one full academic year
You are in good academic standing and are taking a full course load of study
The employment will not interfere with your studies
You can demonstrate that the employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship due to unforeseen economic circumstances beyond your control
Documentation Needed to Apply
A personal statement describing the unforeseen hardship situation and, if possible, attach backup documentation; for example, news articles, a letter from home telling of a change in family circumstances or proof of a currency devaluation in your country, etc;
Completed Paper Form I-765, using the code (C)(3)(iii) at item 16. Do not date the form until you are ready to send the application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
Copies of your current and previous I-20s;
Copy of your current I-94 record;
Copy of most recent visa stamp or I-797 (approval of change-of-status to F-1), if applicable;
Copy of your unofficial transcript available from Populi.
How to Apply for Severe Economic Hardship Employment
Since the process for F-1 obtaining employment under Economic Hardship is treated differently, you will need to make an appointment with a International Student Services Department Advisor. This personal advising session will enable the advisor to fully discuss your needs and eligibility for this type of employment.
Schedule an appointment with an International Student Services Advisor. To make an appointment to discuss Economic Hardship you can set an appointment online here or contact issd@sfbc.edu or 954-637-2294 to request an appointment.
Bring the documents listed in Documentation Needed to Apply to your appointment.
The International Student Services Advisor will review your documents.
The International Student Services Advisor will process a new SEVIS I-20 with a recommendation for Economic Hardship work authorization noted on page 2 of the new I-20.
The International Student & Scholar Advisor will notify you when your new I-20 is available and send it to you electronically.
Sign your name on the I-20 immediately.
Send your request to USCIS. Refer to Submitting Your Severe Economic Hardship Request Application to USCIS below.
Submitting Your Severe Economic Hardship Application to USCIS
Once you have requested a Severe Economic Hardship Employment recommendation and received your new I-20 from the International Student Services Department, you will need to prepare and submit the following list of items to USCIS:
Form I-765 (paper form only – online filing not available for Economic Hardship) using the code (C)(3)(iii) at item 16;
Current application fee (check or money order made out to US Department of Homeland Security);
Two full-face passport style photos. Photos must meet frontal passport specifications and should be on a white background taken no earlier than 30 days prior to submitting your application;
Put photos in an envelope. You should attach the fee and the photo envelope on top of the entire application (on the upper left-hand corner). Please do not staple the fee and the photos;
A copy of the new I-20 with Economic Hardship employment recommendation;
Copies of your previous I-20(s);
Copy of your current I-94 record;
Copy of your passport page showing your biographical information and the expiration date;
Copy of your most recent F-1 visa stamp or I-797 (approval of change-of-status to F-1), if applicable;
A personal statement describing the unforeseen hardship situation and, if possible, attach backup documentation; for example, news articles, a letter from home telling of a change in family circumstances or proof of a currency devaluation in your country, etc.
Mail to USCIS Chicago Lock Box – NOTE: Verify Current Direct Filing Address
If using U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: I-765 C03
P.O. Box 805373
Chicago, IL 60680-5374
If using FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373)
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
Employment Authorization Card (EAD)
If the application is approved, USCIS will issue an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) to you. If the application is denied, you will be notified by USCIS in writing.
You may not begin off-campus employment until you have received the EAD and the dates are valid.
Economic Hardship Authorization is granted in one-year intervals up to the expected date of completion of studies.
For the duration of the EAD Card, those with Economic Hardship Authorization may work part-time while school is in session (20 hours per week or less), which must be balanced with any on-campus work, meaning that on-campus work and off-campus work under economic hardship cannot combine to exceed 20 hours of work per week during Fall and Spring semesters.
Those with Economic Hardship Authorization may work full-time during official college breaks of 1 week or longer (Spring Break, Summer Break, and Winter Break).
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