Generally, international students are only allowed to work on-campus for not more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. However, a student facing economic hardship may be able to seek work authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work off-campus for not more than 20 hours. Like every immigration benefit, the applicant must meet certain eligibility criteria, and this can be done through documentary evidence and written personal statement, preferably a sworn statement. The applicant must show that he or she is suffering from severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the applicant's control. 8CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(c). 

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Economic Hardship employment authorization, you must prove that:

• You have been in valid F-1 status for at least one academic year (two semesters). 
• You are experiencing economic hardship based on unforeseen circumstances that arose after you obtained F-1 status. 
• You are currently in good academic standing and are carrying a full course load. 
• Part-time Canadian border commuter students are not eligible for Economic Hardship work authorization. 
• Employment opportunities on campus are unavailable or insufficient. 
• Acceptance of employment will not interfere with your full-time study.

What is “Unforeseen Circumstances”

• Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment resulting from circumstances beyond the student's control.
• Substantial fluctuations in the exchange rate or devaluation of home country's currency. This is very common for students from developing countries.  
• Unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's financial sponsor. Because of the global economic crisis, many sponsors are unable to meet their responsibilities.  
• Unexpected medical bills 
• Other substantial and unexpected expenses

We have helped students obtained work authorization based on economic hardship and we can help you too. If you are suffering from severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, call our office for consultation.