F-1 ECONOMIC HARDSHIP EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION
What is Economic Hardship Employment Authorization?
Economic Hardship employment authorization is employment available to F-1 students who due to unforeseen circumstances are unable to meet all of their financial obligations.
Am I Eligible?
In order to qualify for Economic Hardship work authorization you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be able to maintain full-time enrollment at RBHS while authorized for economic hardship employment
- You must have been enrolled full-time at RBHS for at least one academic year
- You must have a valid I-20 form and an active SEVIS record
- You must demonstrate that the economic hardship is due to circumstances entirely beyond your control. Unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in your home country's currency; unexpected loss of employment by your sponsor; unforeseen expenses incurred by yourself or your sponsor
- The employment authorization is not limited to your program of studies
Limitations
- Economic Hardship employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Full-time employment is permissible during official breaks
- You must have received the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) prior to commencing employment
- The employment authorization is not limited to your field of studies
- The employment must cease on the expiration date indicated on the EAD
Procedures
Students wishing to apply for Economic Hardship work permission must submit the following documentation to the OIS: (PLEASE DO NOT STAPLE YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS)
- Form G-1145
- Letter from the student explaining the circumstances that make it necessary to apply for employment authorization
Supporting documentation demonstrating the need for employment authorization
- Form I-765
- Copies of current I-20 form
(pgs 1&2 on new form)
- Photocopy of all previously issued I-20 forms (pgs 1&3 on old form, pgs 1&2 on new form)
- Photocopy of biodata page in passport, I-94 card (front and back) and most recent visa
- Two "passport style" photos.
- Check or money order in the amount of $410.00 payable to the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
Once you have completed all the appropriate forms, you must make an appointment with a Designated School Official at the OIS and submit the documentation.
Special Notes
- USCIS' normal processing time is 90 days from the date your application is receipted
- It is your responsibility to demonstrate that your financial difficulties were unforeseen and beyond your control
- Under no circumstance should you begin employment prior to receiving authorization from the USCIS
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