Severe Economic Hardship

If an eligible F-1 student is experiencing severe, unexpected financial hardship beyond their control, they may apply for temporary off-campus work authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The job does not need to be related to the student’s major.

General Overview

If USCIS approves your request, you may work:

• Up to 20 hours per week while school is in session
• Up to 40 hours per week during official school breaks

You may work only while your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is valid. If you do not maintain F-1 status or transfer to another school, your work authorization ends and you must stop working immediately.

Required Conditions

• You must have been in F-1 status for one full academic year 
• You must be in good academic standing 
• You must prove to USCIS that work authorization is necessary because you are in severe hardship caused by circumstances beyond your control and were unpredictable.  
• You must prove that other employment opportunities such as on-campus jobs are unavailable or insufficient.  
• You must demonstrate that employment will not interfere with your full-time study.

How to Apply

1. Meet with your International Advisor to discuss your situation and eligibility.  
2. Prepare all required documents to submit to USCIS. File your application online or by mail.
   • Complete Form I-765 using the code (c)(3)(iii) in the Eligibility Category. 
   • Pay the Form I-765 filing fee:
     • By credit or debit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transaction 
     • By ACH debit transactions from a U.S. bank account using Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transaction.  
   • Two (2) passport photos.  
   • A letter explaining your severe economic hardship, how your circumstances are beyond your control and why on-campus work opportunities are unavailable or insufficient.   
   • A copy of your I-20 with your International Advisor’s recommendation for Severe Economic Hardship  
   • Photocopies of your valid passport picture page, F-1 visa, and your most recent I-94 record.  
3. If you are filing paper application to USCIS: 
   • Make a copy of everything for your reference.  
   • Mail the documents to:  
     • USCIS Chicago Lockbox using U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
       • USCIS 
       • Attn: I-765 C03 
       • P.O. Box 805373 
       • Chicago, IL 60680-5374 
     • FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries (allows tracking):
       • USCIS 
       • Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373) 
       • 131 South Dearborn – 3rd Floor 
       • Chicago, IL 60603-5517 

Contact your International Advisor if you have any questions.  

Last Updated April 10, 2026