F-1 on-campus employment
Special Circumstances
Under F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations, there are limited circumstances in which students may apply for special employment authorization due to economic hardship or other unforeseen situations. These options are intended to assist students who experience a significant and unexpected change in their financial circumstances that makes it difficult to continue their academic program without additional employment.
Please note that many students who may be eligible for these authorizations often choose to pursue F-1 Curricular Practical Training or J-1 Academic Training instead, as these options are typically faster, simpler, and less expensive to obtain through the ISO. You are encouraged to meet with an ISO advisor to discuss your situation and determine the most appropriate path forward.
Severe Economic Hardship
One condition of approval for F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant status is that a student shows the ability to pay for his or her education and support while in the United States. The Severe Economic Hardship employment authorization benefit is intended to address situations where a financial need beyond the student’s control arises, which was unforeseen at the time the student applied to the school he or she is currently attending and after all other potential employment opportunities have proven to be insufficient.
Severe Economic Hardship employment authorization is available to F-1 and J-1 students who experience a serious, unexpected financial difficulty that makes it hard to continue their academic program. If you find yourself in such a situation, please meet with an ISO Advisor as soon as you can. Severe Economic Hardship employment might be one of several options available to you, depending on your circumstances.
The hardship must be unforeseen, severe, and beyond your control. Please note that loss of funding due to poor academic performance does not qualify. Examples of Severe Economic Hardship include:
- Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment through no fault of your own
- Significant changes in currency value or exchange rates
- Large, unexpected increases in tuition or living expenses
- Sudden changes in family or sponsor financial support
- Unexpected medical expenses
You must also demonstrate that the financial hardship was not anticipated when you began your academic program, that on-campus or other available employment is insufficient to meet your needs, and prove that any employment will not interfere with your studies. You must complete at least one full academic year of full-time enrollment before you may be eligible for the Severe Economic Hardship authorization.
Economic Hardship employment comes with some conditions. You can work for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, but you’re allowed to work full-time during vacation periods.
If you are an F-1 student, work authorized under this category doesn’t count toward the F-1 on-campus employment limit, and it doesn’t affect your eligibility for practical training (CPT or OPT). It’s also not tied to your field of study and can be used with any U.S. employer.
If you transfer your SEVIS record to another school or fail to maintain valid status, your Economic Hardship authorization will end automatically, even if your EAD card still appears to be valid.
In addition to the documentation listed above, which proves your financial need, your application will need a recommendation from the ISO. To request a recommendation please use the Economic Hardship/SSR e-form in Urcompass to submit your eligibility documents for review from ISO.
Economic Hardship employment authorization requires approval and ISO support. Depending on your immigration status, the process does differ slightly:
- F-1 Students Economic Hardship/SSR E-form:
- Authorization is approved by USCIS and requires an EAD card. You will submit your application to USCIS under eligibility category (c)(3)(iii).
- USCIS processing typically takes several months and you may not work until your authorization is approved. You must wait until you receive approval from USCIS in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) before you may start working. If authorization is granted, it would be given in increments of one year at a time or until the program end date, whichever is shorter. So, you should make sure to pay attention to the authorization end date, and be sure to renew it when needed.
- J-1 Students Economic Hardship/SSR E-form:
- Authorization is approved by the program sponsor with ISO recommendation
Special Student Relief
The U.S. government may offer support to international students affected by natural disasters, wars, political unrest, or major economic crises in their home countries. When the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues a Special Student Relief (SSR) Federal Register Notice, eligible students may request employment authorization and, once approved, enroll in a reduced course load.
To qualify, a student must be a citizen of a country named in a current DHS notice and must have lawfully resided in the United States during the dates specified. Students must also have maintained full-time enrollment, currently hold valid immigration status, and be facing severe economic hardship directly caused by the situation in their home country. Additional details and eligible countries are listed on the DHS website. To request a recommendation and review please use the Economic Hardship/SSR e-form in Urcompass to submit your eligibility documents for review from ISO:
- On-Campus Employment: students can work more than 20 hours per week without applying for an EAD. ISO will update SEVIS and issue an I-20/DS-2019 showing the authorization.
- Reduced Course Load (RCL): SSR also allows a reduced course load while maintaining F-1 and J-1 status. Students approved for SSR employment (on- or off-campus) may take advantage of this RCL.
- F-1 students only: Off-Campus Employment (Severe Economic Hardship): F-1 students must apply to USCIS for an EAD. You cannot begin work until it is approved. You will then submit your application to USCIS under eligibility category (c)(3)(iii).
Students who already hold USCIS authorization for severe economic hardship or who have employment authorization through Temporary Protected Status (TPS) may access the reduced course load option without submitting an additional employment request.
F-1 Internship with an International Organization
This F-1 employment benefit allows students to work for recognized international organizations listed under the International Organization Immunities Act. Unlike other types of F-1 work authorization, students may apply for this option as soon as they arrive in the U.S. in F-1 status. Any time approved by USCIS for this type of employment does not impact a student’s Optional Practical Training (OPT). Authorization by USCIS in increments of no more than one year, or until expected date of employment completion or program completion, whichever is shorter
To qualify, the position must be an internship with a recognized international organization and fall within the scope of that organization’s sponsorship. Students must be in good academic standing. Employment is limited to 20 hours per week while classes are in session but may be full-time during official breaks. This authorization is only available while a student is still completing their academic program.
To apply, an offer letter must be provided to ISO, up to 90 days before your intended start date. The letter must include a description of the internship, the employment dates, the work location, and the number of hours per week. ISO will review your request and issue a new Form I-20 with the employment recommendation. You will then submit your application to USCIS under eligibility category (c)(3)(ii). USCIS processing may take 2-5 months or longer, and you may not begin working until you receive your approved EAD card. If you would like to pursue this option, please meet with your ISO advisor for further guidance and next steps.