If other employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient, an eligible F-1 student may request employment authorization based on severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control. These circumstances may include a 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, inordinate increases in tuition and /or living costs, or unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses. Source: [8 C.F.R. 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(C)-(D) and (F)]
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply for employment based on severe economic hardship if:
You have been in F-1 status for one full academic year
You are in good academic standing and are taking a full course load
Employment will not interfere with your studies
You can demonstrate that the employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship due to unforeseen economic circumstances beyond your control
NOTE:You are required to have U-M approved health insurance while in F-1 status.
Documentation Needed to Apply
To apply for employment based on severe economic hardship, you must schedule an appointment with a U-M International Center advisor, and bring the following documents to your appointment:
A personal statement describing the unforeseen hardship situation and, if possible, attach backup documentation; for example, news articles, a letter from home telling of a change in family circumstances or proof of a currency devaluation in your country, etc.
Completed Form I-765, using the code (C)(3)(iii) at item 16. Do not date the form until you are ready to send the application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Copies of your current and previous I-20s
Copy of your latest I-94 card (both sides)
Copy of your F-1 visa page (except Canadians) or I-797 (approval of change of status to F-1), if applicable
Copy of your unofficial transcript available from Wolverine Access
How to Apply for Severe Economic Hardship Employment
Schedule an appointment with a U-M International Center advisor, and bring the documents listed in Documentation Needed to Apply to your appointment.
The U-M International Center advisor will review your documents.
The U-M International Center advisor will send your request to SEVIS electronically, and generate a new SEVIS I-20. The recommendation will be written on page 3 of the new I-20.
The U-M International Center will notify you when your new SEVIS I-20 is available.
Bring your U-M ID to the U-M International Center front desk to pick up your new SEVIS I-20.
