Sometimes students face unexpected financial hardships during their studies, such as a parent’s job loss, a sponsor’s business affected by natural disaster, or currency collapse due to political turmoil. If your financial support is impacted, you may qualify for certain benefits.
F-1 Authorization for Economic Hardship
To apply for Severe Economic Hardship work authorization, you must file I-765 with USCIS, including the filing fee and required documents. Approval is not guaranteed and typically takes 3–5 months.
Eligibility requirements:
- Maintain F-1 status for one full academic year (9 consecutive months).
- Be in good standing and enrolled full-time.
- Show that employment won’t interfere with studies.
- Prove employment is needed due to unforeseen hardship beyond your control, and on-campus jobs are unavailable or insufficient.
You must meet with an ISSO Advisor to obtain a new I-20 endorsed for Severe Economic Hardship.
Once approved, you may work off-campus part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during the term and full-time during breaks, for up to one year. You must continue full-time study and maintain F-1 status; work authorization ends if you complete your program, withdraw, are suspended, or violate your status.
J-1 Authorization for Economic Hardship
To receive off-campus work authorization due to economic necessity, you must meet with your ISSO advisor and bring the following:
- Personal Letter explaining your unforeseen financial hardship
- Supporting Documents proving the hardship (e.g., sponsor affidavit, budget, medical bills, exchange rates)
- Current and previous DS-2019(s)
- Passport and original I-94 arrival record
ISSO Authorization:
After approval, ISSO will provide a letter authorizing your off-campus employment. You may not begin work before receiving this letter. Work must comply with specified dates and hourly limits during the academic term.
Renewing Authorization:
To renew, repeat this process and demonstrate ongoing hardship. Authorization cannot extend past your program end date.