F-1 Special Employment Authorizations

Off-Campus Employment for Severe, Unforeseen Economic Necessity

If other employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient, an eligible F-1 student may request off-campus employment work authorization based upon severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control.

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

Application Information and Procedures

  • Set up an appointment with an advisor to discuss your eligibility.
  • If eligible for this benefit, your ISS Advisor will assist you in applying to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the work permit.

 

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

  • Set up an appointment with an advisor to discuss the process and eligibility.
  • If eligible for this benefit, your ISS Advisor will assist you in applying to USCIS for this work permit.

 

Special Student Relief (SSR)

This category is for specific groups of students from parts of the world experiencing emergent circumstances, such as severe natural disaster, war, etc. The Department of Homeland Security may choose to suspend or alter rules regarding duration of status, full course of study, and employment eligibility, for these select groups for specific periods of time. In these cases, DHS may allow additional on-campus or off-campus employment authorizations. Read more about SSR on the DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.

Application Procedures

  • Set up an appointment with an advisor to discuss the process and eligibility.
  • If eligible for this benefit, your ISS Advisor will assist you with the work authorization. There is no application to USCIS.