To qualify for economic hardship employment, immigration regulations require that
you meet the following conditions:

1. You are a full-time student in good standing and have been in valid F1 status for
   at least one full academic year.

2. You must be able to document the circumstances which led to your economic situation
   were unexpected and beyond your control.

3. You must be capable of continuing full-time studies and maintaining F1 status while
   engaged in economic hardship work permission.

Immigration regulations state that unforeseen circumstances must “include substantial
fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, unexpected changes in the
financial conditions of the student’s source of support, medical bills, or other substantial
and unexpected expenses.”

Procedure:

meet with the ISO to confirm your eligibility and review the conditions and procedures
for applying. It is recommended that you bring a draft of a letter explaining your
economic need and supporting evidence that documents this.

If USCIS authorizes your hardship employment application, you will receive an Employment
Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS granting you permission to work off-campus.
This is usually granted for one year. Please also remember the following:

1. You are limited to working up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. 

2. You may work in any job, related or not related to your studies.

3. You may not start work until you have received the EAD or before the start date indicated
   on the card.

4. If you transfer to another school, your EAD becomes invalid