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Home » Academics » Academic Centers » Office of Global Engagement » International Student Services » F-1 Student Employment Options » Severe Economic Hardship (SEH)

Severe Economic Hardship (SEH)

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)]

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.

If you believe you qualify for Severe Economic Hardship and would like to apply, please schedule an appointment with an International Student Services (ISS) DSO to discuss before proceeding with the application process detailed below.

Step 1: Internal (Elmhurst University) Process

*Please meet with a DSO to discuss Severe Economic Hardship and your eligibility prior to submitting your request*

  • Log in to myElmhurst Portal and access the Etrieve app
  • Click the F-1 Severe Economic Hardship & Special Student Relief Requests form
  • Input your details and choose “Severe Economic Hardship”
  • Attach required evidence, including letter of explanation for request and supporting documentation
  • Click “submit” when your application is complete and all required documents are attached
  • ISS will receive the completed form to provide a final review
  • If you meet eligibility requirements, the DSO will generate a new I-20 with the SEH recommendation on page 2 of the new I-20
  • The requested I-20 will be produced and emailed to you

Step 2: External (USCIS) Process

  • Assemble application materials
    • Two color passport photos taken within past 30 days
    • Application Payment or Waiver Request
      • Waiver Option: Form I-912
        • This can add a few months of extra processing time, but can result in the waiver of the application fee if approved. If denied or undesired, pay the Form I-765 filing fee to proceed.
      • Form I-765 filing fee paid by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
        • If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
    • Printed copy of completed Form I-765 (typed)
      • Use code (C)(3)(iii) at item 16.
      • Do not date the form until you are ready to send the application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
    • Printed copy of Form G-1145 (typed)
    • Copy of signed Severe Economic Hardship I-20
    • Photocopy of the passport identity page
    • Photocopy of F-1 visa page
    • Copy of Form I-94
    • Copy of any previously issued EAD cards
    • Typed letter to USCIS explaining specific situation
    • Supporting documentation as evidence
  • Mail your completed I-765 and application documents
  • Application processing times vary four to six months.
  • Approval is not guaranteed – do not begin working unless and until you receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
  • Authorization allows you to work for any employer for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (Fall/Spring); full-time employment over 20 hours per week is permitted during periods of break (including J-Term/Summer term).
  • Employment authorization is typically limited to a maximum of one year at a time or until you complete your program, whichever comes first
  • Severe Economic Hardship employment does not affect your eligibility for curricular practical training or optional practical training
  • Employment authorization is automatically terminated if you graduate, fail to maintain status, or transfer to another school.

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