Severe Economic Hardship Information

Eligibility

• Students must have been in F-1 status for one full academic year
• Students are currently in good standing
• Students must prove that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond students' control.  These circumstances arose after obtaining F-1 status

Other Information

• Severe Economic Hardship is designed for off-campus employment.  However, it is can be done on-campus
• Severe Economic Hardship is granted by USCIS in increments of one year at a time.  Students need to renew Severe Economic Hardship application if necessary
• Students are allowed 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Students may work full-time during break periods
• Students can work in any job
• Students cannot begin employment until he/she receives approval from USCIS