Economic Hardship

Who May Apply

• F-1 International students who have completed two semesters and have a 2.0 GPA.
• Students must be in good status with the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Student must show effort by first applying to on-campus jobs (keep records of all attempts for your records).
• The need to work must be caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control.
• Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student
• Substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or in the
  exchange rate
• Unusually high increases in tuition and/or living
  expenses
• Unusually high medical bills
• Other substantial and unexpected expenses

Conditions of Work

• Job offers not required before applying.
• Work must not interfere with your studies.
• Work is not restricted to your field of study/major.
• Employment will only be granted for a maximum of 12 months or up to your expected date of graduation (whichever is less). If you wish to extend your work authorization and have not graduated, you need to apply again through the regular procedure.
• Employment is only authorized part-time (20 hours per week or less) while school is in session.
• Your employment authorization is automatically terminated if you fail to maintain your full-time student status, if you are no longer in good academic standing, or if you transfer to another school.

How to Apply
1. See a International Student counselor so they may evaluate your situation.

2. Submit all materials to ISO for review with a supporting letter.

3. Mail complete packet to Immigration Service Center:

USCIS California Service Center
P.O. Box 10765
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-0765

4. Authorization by Immigration Service is not final until you have received an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. The EAD card will have your photograph and will also indicate the exact dates of your authorized employment. Please remember that you are required to obtain your EAD before you begin employment.

Important Information

• This type of work permission will not affect Post-Competition Practical Training.
• Employment based on economic hardship can be renewed only by USCIS and only if you are maintaining full-time status and in good academic standing.