Severe Economic Hardship

Definition

According to Title 8, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 274a. 2(f)(9)(ii)(C) students under F-1 status may request off-campus employment authorization. This request is based upon severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control. These circumstances may include loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, unexpected increases in tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student’s source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unforeseen expenses.

Eligibility

F-1 students under F-1 status are eligible to apply if they have been enrolled full-time (except for summer semesters) for the last nine months, and have been otherwise “in status,” i.e. Form I-20 or passport hasn’t expired, etc.

Procedures

The following items should be presented to the Coordinator of International Students, Office of Admissions, GC 3 ½ East:

• Form I-765. Item 16 should be (c) (3) (iii).
• Original form I-20 ID.
• Copy of passport valid for 6 months.
• Copy of front and back of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure record.
• Copy of all previously issued Form I-20’s and/or EAD’s
• 2 Passport pictures.
• $340.00 check or money order payable to Department of Homeland Security.
• $10 check or money order payable to ORU for processing fee.
• A letter, written by the student, explaining the following:
• The unforeseen circumstances which are causing the student to apply for off-campus employment.
• The off-campus employment (not exceeding 20 hours per week) will not interfere with the student’s course of study (make a schedule, including your classes and work hours).
• The employment is needed in addition to the support being provided by the sponsor to meet the financial demands of the full-time study.
• Provide evidence that the supporting sponsor is no longer able to support you. Explain the reason. Submit the letter from your sponsor describing the economic hardship they are experiencing and how this will affect your financial support as a student.
• List of all expenses and income (make a budget, include bills, i.e., electric, telephone, credit card, insurance, etc.).
• Documentation showing that part-time employment opportunities through on-campus employment were insufficient or not available. (i.e. submit copies of your paychecks)

• If the student has been at ORU for 9 months, and has maintained F-I status, the DSO will recommend Severe Economic Hardship on page 2 of a new Form I-20.

• The Coordinator of International Students will send the I-765, check, pictures, copies of Form I-20 and I-94 card to the DHS office.

• Student receives the EAD card in the mail. Processing time is typically 2-4 months. This is authorization that the student may begin working part-time.