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ECONOMIC HARDSHIP

This information is designed for Bryant University international students in F-1 status.

Definition of Economic Hardship

If on-campus employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient, you may be eligible for off-campus work authorization caused by unexpected financial difficulties which are beyond your control. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), these unexpected financial difficulties may include loss of on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases in tuition and/or living expenses, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.

Limit of Work Authorization

The USCIS can approve employment authorization based on economic hardship in one-year (12 months) periods up to the expected date of completion of your current course of study. Students have permission to engage in off-campus employment based on economic need only after receiving authorization from the USCIS. The off-campus employment is not restricted to being in the student's field of academic study, and may involve more than one employer. The employment authorization is automatically terminated if the student fails to maintain F-1 visa status. For more information, go to: Maintaining Legal Status. Once the authorization is granted by USCIS, students may work during the following periods.

• Full-time during annual summer vacation periods
• Part-time (up to 20 hours a week) while school is in session

Student Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to apply for this type of work authorization, you must:

• Have been in F-1 status for one full academic year
• Be in good academic standing
• Demonstrate that acceptance of employment will not interfere with your full course of study
• Make a good faith effort to locate employment on campus
• Be able to document the unexpected financial difficulties beyond your control

The documentation used to prove the financial need varies depending on each individual situation. You must thoroughly document that the economic need is unforeseen and is beyond your control. Statements from your financial sponsor, affidavit from a financial aid officer, articles from newspapers or financial journals and personal explanations have all been used to document the economic need.

When to Apply

The application involves several steps: preparing materials for the application, obtaining a recommendation from the Intercultural Center for International Education and Multicultural Affairs (ICC), mailing the application to the USCIS and finally receiving an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The USCIS, depending on how busy they are, may take between two and three months to issue your EAD card.

Application Process:

1. School Recommendation The application process for this type of work authorization requires an appointment with the ICC. Bring to the appointment the letters and documentation explaining the unexpected financial difficulties which are beyond your control. At the appointment, you will be asked to complete form I-765. When it is determined that you meet all the requirements, you will be recommended for an employment on your SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) I-20 employment page. The employment authorization may be granted in one-year intervals.
2. Photographs: You are required to submit two color photographs of specific format with your application. For more information, go to:travel.state.govThere are a number of different locations at which you can obtain this type of photograph (photography stores and others). If you submit a photograph that does not meet these specifications, your application will not be processed by USCIS. It is advisable to put your name on the back of the photograph.
3. Application:Mail completed application material to the USCIS District Service Center having jurisdiction over your place of residence (for Rhode Island the address is below). It is advisable to mail the application from a U.S. post office by "certified mail / return receipt", and to make photocopies of the entire application for your own records. Your application must be received by the USCIS no later than 30 days from the date of the signed SEVIS I-20 employment page. Your F-1 Economic Hardship application to the USCIS should include the following documents:
   • A completed form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
   • A personal check of $180 made out to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
   • SEVIS I-20 employment page with recommendation by the ICC
   • Photocopy of the front and back of your I-94 card
   • Photocopy (must be readable) of the identification page from your passport
   • Photocopy of current visa stamp in your passport
   • Two photographs (which meet the BCIS specifications - see above)
   • Your cover letter of explanation and all documentation about your financial need situation

Mail application to:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
ATTN: I-765
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

Note: You must provide a mailing address. The USCIS will contact you regarding the EAD card approval at the address you use in your application. It is advisable to use an address off campus where you will be able to receive mail for up to three months from the date of application.

Employment Eligibility Verification

When you begin work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9), which the employer retains. In order to complete this form, you will be required to show the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and a Social Security card to your employer. For more information on obtaining a Social Security card, go to:Social Security Numbers