Economic Hardship Work Permit
Although rare, F-1 international students may apply for off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship. This type of off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study, and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security’s emergent circumstances. Emergent Circumstances are world events that affect a specific group of F-1 students and which causes them to suffer severe economic hardship, including, but not limited to natural disasters, wars and military conflicts, national or international financial crises.
To be eligible a student must prove to the satisfaction of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that:
- the employment is necessary to address a financial need beyond the student’s control;
- the need was unforeseen at the time the student applied to the school; and
- all other available employment opportunities are insufficient.
Apply for an Economic Hardship Work Permit
To begin the application process, students should contact the International Student Director. If issued, the work authorization is valid for one year. During the regular academic year (Fall, Winter, Spring terms) it is a part-time work permit allowing no more than 20 hours of employment per week. During official summer and holiday breaks the permit may be used for full-time employment. This type of permit does not affect practical training eligibility. Applications for a renewal follow the same criteria. Renewals are not guaranteed. Students may not begin working off-campus until they have received a valid permit (EAD card).