Go back

Severe Economic Hardship

If you are suffering a severe economic hardship due to unforeseen changes in your financial circumstances, you may apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for authorization to work off-campus.

Examples of unforeseen circumstances:

Authorization information:

Eligibility:


How to apply:

  1. Consult an ISS DSO to discuss your financial situation.
  2. After your ISS appointment, request an I-20 by filling out the Severe Economic Hardship Request Form.
  3. Gather the application documents to mail to USCIS:
    • Form I-765 (write (c)(3)(iii) in item 16)
    • Form I-765 filing fee paid by money order, personal check and make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
    • Photocopy of Form I-20, with your ISS adviser’s recommendation for economic hardship employment
    • Two passport style photos (write your full name and I-94 number on the back)
    • Photocopy of I-94
    • A letter describing your financial difficulties and why on-campus employment opportunities are unavailable or insufficient; include supporting evidence
    • Photocopy of passport identification page
    • Photocopy of visa page
    • Photocopies of any previously-issued EAD cards
  4. After you receive your updated I-20 from ISS, make a copy. Include the copy of your new I-20 along with the other documents listed above.
  5. If your I-765 mailing address is in Tennessee (including 365bet ISS) mail the entire application to:
    • USCIS
      P.O. Box 660867
      Dallas, TX 75266

Application processing times vary between two to four months. Do not begin working until you receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).


Other Resources

Miller SGA Emergency Loan Fund