Employment Based on Severe Economic Hardship

Employment based on severe economic hardship is authorized by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is designed to address situations which are beyond the student’s control; which were unforeseen at the time the student was admitted at the school; and after all other options (financial aid, on-campus employment) have been exhausted.  The USCIS makes case-by-case decisions for off-campus employment authorization for students who can show that new, unexpected circumstances beyond their control have created severe economic hardship. These may include the following:

  • Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment (if the student is not at fault)
  • Large increases in tuition or living costs
  • Substantial decrease in the relative value of currency the student depends upon
  • Unexpected changes in the financial conditions for a student's sources of financial support
  • Unexpectedly large medical bills not covered by insurance
  • Other substantial, unexpected expenses

Contact Diana Dimitrova for more information.