Off-Campus Employment Authorization Due to Severe Economic Hardship

If employment opportunities are not available on-campus or the employment is not sufficient for the student, they may request employment authorization based on severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control. Circumstances may include a loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student. Additionally, substantial fluctuations in currency value or exchange rates, inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses may qualify.

Students must apply for employment authorization from USCIS with the assistance of a designated school official to be eligible for this option.

Employment may not begin until the student receives employment authorization approval from USCIS.

Approval for Severe Economic Hardship employment is intended for off-campus employment. On-campus employment is also permitted.

Eligibility

  • You must have been in F-1 status for one full academic year.
  • You must be in good academic standing and enrolled full-time.
  • Employment must not interfere with your studies.
  • You must demonstrate that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond your control that arose after obtaining F-1 status.
  • Retirement of a sponsor is not a valid reason to apply.

Important Information

  • Authorization is granted by USCIS in one-year increments or until the program end date, whichever is shorter. Authorization ends if the SEVIS record is transferred to another institution.
  • Students may not work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session.
  • Students may work full-time during summer and winter breaks.
  • Employment does not need to be related to the course of study.

Steps to Apply

  1. Application
    • Complete all forms included in the Severe Economic Hardship application packet. Review the application materials listed below to ensure the submission is complete.
  2. Make an appointment with the Center for International Studies
    • All paperwork must be completed before scheduling an appointment. Incomplete applications will require rescheduling.
    • A designated school official in the Center for International Studies will review the completed documents.
  3. The Center for International Studies advisor will submit the request in SEVIS and issue a new SEVIS I-20. The recommendation will appear on page 2 of the new I-20.
  4. The Center for International Studies will notify you when the new I-20 is available.
  5. Bring your St. Cloud State University ID to the Center for International Studies front desk to pick up the new I-20.
  6. Sign the I-20 immediately upon receipt.
  7. Submit the application to USCIS. Refer to the section below for USCIS submission instructions.

Required Documents for Your Appointment

  • Completed Form I-765 (instructions).
  • Copy of the current I-20 (pages 1 and 2).
  • Copy of Form I-94 (front and back).
  • Copy of U.S. visa.
  • Two passport-style photos with a white background and your I-94 number written lightly on the back in pencil.
  • Copy of a valid passport.
  • $470 application fee payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security".
    • Students unable to pay the fee may submit a fee waiver request, though approval is not guaranteed and processing time may increase.
  • Letter from the sponsor explaining why previously promised funds are no longer available, if applicable.
  • Letter from the student describing the unforeseen hardship, with supporting documentation if available.
    • Examples include proof of sponsor death or documentation of currency devaluation. The letter should also explain why other employment options are unavailable or insufficient.
  • Completed budget form comparing income and expenses.
  • Copies of all previous Employment Authorization Documents.

Submitting Your Severe Economic Hardship Application to USCIS

After receiving the new I-20 with the employment recommendation from the Center for International Studies, submit the following items to USCIS:

  • Copy of the new I-20 with employment recommendation.
  • Copies of all previous I-20s.
  • Copy of Form I-94.
  • Copy of passport biographical and expiration pages.
  • Copy of F-1 visa page or Form I-797, if applicable.
  • Form I-765 and the required filing fee.
  • Two passport-style photos taken within 30 days of filing.
    • Place photos in an envelope and attach it to the top of the application packet. Do not staple.
  • Personal statement and supporting documentation.

Mailing to USCIS

The application must be mailed within 30 days of the SEVIS recommendation date shown on the I-20.

U.S. Postal Service
USCIS
PO Box 805373
Chicago, IL 60680

Express Mail and Courier Services
USCIS
Attn: I-765 C03
131 South Dearborn Street, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517

Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

If approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If denied, USCIS will notify the student in writing.

Employment may not begin until the EAD is received and the authorization dates are valid. Authorization is granted in one-year intervals up to the expected completion date of studies. Students may work part-time during the academic year and full-time during official university breaks.