Economic Hardship

During your studies in the U.S., you may encounter severe, unforeseen economic difficulties that make it hard for you to continue your studies. When this happens, you should make plans to speak to an advisor at the Office of International Programs.

Working on campus or seeking Curricular Practical Training may be helpful options. For more information on other employment authorizations for F-1 and F-3 visa holders, please visit the “Work” menu of our website or make plans to speak to an international student advisor at the Office of International Programs. If these options are not feasible, you may want to apply for economic hardship.

Economic hardship is:

• designed for off-campus employment but there is no specific prohibition to it being used on-campus
• Granted by USCIS in increments of one year at a time, or until the program end date, whichever is shorter; authorization ends if a student transfers schools
• Limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; can be full-time during official school breaks
• Employment does not have to be related to course of study
• You do not need a job offer to apply
• You are required to maintain full-time status as a student while working
• Can be renewed if needed

 Eligibility

• Have been in F-1 status for one full academic year
• Be in good academic standing
• Be enrolled in a full course of study. Border commuter students are not eligible for economic hardship
• Show that working will not adversely impact the ability to attend school full-time and maintain academic standing
• Show severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control Examples are:
  • Unexpected changes in the financial conditions for a student’s sources of financial support
  • Large increases in tuition or living costs
  • Substantial decrease in the relative value of currency the student depends upon to pay expenses
  • Unexpectedly large medical bills not covered by insurance

Processing time and cost

Economic hardship is approved by USCIS. However, your school must give you an I-20 with a notation recommending you for economic hardship.

To apply, you must:

1. Review your eligibility
2. Schedule an appointment with  an advisor at the Office of International Programs by calling 915-747-5664 or sending an email to oip@utep.edu
3. Request I-20 for economic hardship
4. Prepare packet and mail it to USCIS. For mailing address, visit the USICS direct filing addresses for I-765 form
5. Your packet must include:
   1. Copy of I-20 with recommendation for economic hardship employment
   2. Copy of your passport biographical page
   3. Copy of front and back of I-94 or print out from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
   4. Original form I-765 using code (c)(3)(iii) on item 16 of form
   5. Two  U.S. passport sized pictures
   6. Documentation stating the circumstances causing the economic need and explaining why other employment options are not available or insufficient. You can write a statement and if possible attach back up documentatio
   7. Check or money order for I-765 form fee. You can apply for a fee waiver if you qualify. 

Processing time can vary. USCIS usually asks for three months to process the I-765 form.  If the application is approved, USCIS will issue an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) to you. If the application is denied, you will be notified by USCIS in writing but you may not appeal. The fee is nonrefundable. You may not begin employment until you have received the EAD. The EAD may be renewed only if you are maintaining status and are in good academic standing. The employment authorization is automatically terminated if you transfer from one school to another one or if you fail to maintain status.

Useful resources

• Economic hardship basic guidelines (See Off-Campus Employment)
• Economic hardship work hours and period of authorization
• I-765 form, instructions and fee
• Fee waiver
• Where to file