Types of Off-Campus Employment
A student may be authorized for off-campus employment under the following circumstances:
These types of off-campus employment are separate from off-campus employment that may be authorized through practical training. This off-campus employment must be recommended by a Designated School Official (DSO, usually the ISS advisor) and adjudicated and approved by USCIS, which issues an Empolyment Authorization Document (EAD card). A student cannot begin the off-campus employment until s/he receives the EAD from USCIS.
Severe Economic Hardship
This employment 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 s/he is currently attending and after all potential employment opportunities have proven to be insufficient.
Examples of unforeseen economic hardship include:
- loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student
- substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate
- 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
Conditions
- Student must have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year.
- Must prove to USCIS that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond his/her control that arose after obtaining F-1 status.
- Designed for off-campus employment but may be used for on-campus.
- Granted in increments of one year, or until the program end date, whichever is shorter.
- Authorization ends if a student transfers schools.
- Limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; can be over 20 hours during official school breaks.
- Can be in any job. Does not have to be related to course of study.
- Offer of employment not required to be eligible.
- Must apply for EAD from USCIS, and receive EAD before employment begins
Application Procedures
For ISS:
- Set up an appointment with an advisor to discuss the process and eligility.
- if eligible for this benefit, collect and fill out all documents required by USCIS. Submit application packet to ISS for review.
- If approved for recommendation by ISS, an I-20 will be issued with the recommendation on page 3.
- ISS advisor may also attach a letter supporting the application.
For USCIS:
- Document the circumstances causing the need. Write a statement describing the unforeseen hardship situation and attach supporting documents if possible. Explain why other employment options are unavailable or insufficient.
- Complete Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization, using the code: (c)(3)(iii) at item 16.
- 2 passport-quality photos
- Check or money order for I-765 fee
- Copy of Form I-20 with recommendation on page 3
- Copy of I-94 front and back
- Copy of passport ID pages
- Copy of previously issued EAD, if applying for renewal
- Letter of support from ISS advisor (if provided)
- Mail application and all documents to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox.
After USCIS receives the application, a receipt will be sent to the student with a specific number. Use the receipt number to track the application online at the USCIS website.
Employment with an International Organization
This is a type of employment authorization for F-1 students who have been offered an internship with a recognized international organization. Such organizations include the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Organization of American States, and others. These international organizations are listed in 8 CFR 316.20.
Conditions
- Student is eligible as soon as s/he is in F-1 status; no waiting period.
- Must be with a qualified international organization
- Granted in increments of no more than one year, or until expected date of employment completion, whichever is shorter
- Can be approved for full-time employment
- Does not have to relate to course of study
- Must have written offer of employment from a qualifying international organization
- Must apply for EAD from USCIS, and receive EAD before employment begins
- Must continue to maintain a full course of study in F-1 status during the period of employment
Application Procedures
For ISS:
- Set up an appointment with an advisor to discuss the process and eligility.
- if eligible for this benefit, collect and fill out all documents required by USCIS. Submit application packet to ISS for review.
- If approved for recommendation by ISS, an I-20 will be issued with the recommendation on page 3.
- ISS advisor may also attach a letter supporting the application.
For USCIS:
- Obtain written certification from the international organization on the organization's letterhead that the proposed employment is within the scope of the organization's sponsorship.
- Complete Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization, using the code: (c)(3)(ii) at item 16.
- Check or money order for I-765 fee
- 2 passport quality photos
- Copy of I-20 with recommendation for employment with international organization on page 3 from ISS
- Copy of I-94 front and back
- Copy of passport ID pages
- Copy of previously issued EAD, if applying for renewal
- Mail application and all documents to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox.
After USCIS receives the application, a receipt will be sent to the student with a specific number. Use the receipt number to track the application online at the USCIS website.
Special Student Relief
This is also known as "emergent circumstances." When there is a world event that impacts a group of nonimmigrants, the Secretary of DHS may publish a special notice in the Federal Register and grant special relief. The notice will give details on who is included in the group and the eligibility requirements. The Secretary can waive any restrictions on F-1 student employment. Such notices are posted on the USCIS website and provide details on employment authorization.