Severe Economic Hardship

Work authorization for Severe Economic Hardship

If your financial situation has changed since entering the United States and you need to find employment due to severe, unexpected financial difficulties, you may be able to receive authorization to work off campus.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants this authorization for F-1 students. The Office of International Services grants the authorization for J-1 students on an IU DS-2019.

It is generally difficult to obtain this authorization for F-1 and J-1 students. To learn more, make an appointment with an OIS advisor by calling 812-855-9086.

Work authorized due to urgent and unforeseen economic circumstances does not need to be in your field of study.

What do I need to know if I am granted Severe Economic Hardship authorization?

If you apply for and are granted this type of authorization, you will be eligible to work up to 20 hours per week (including all employment held on and off campus) during the academic year and full time during university vacation periods.

Please note the following requirements:

  • You need to maintain your F-1 or J-1 status.
  • If you are an F-1 student, you need to have been enrolled full time for at least one academic year.
  • You need to continue full time enrollment during fall and spring semesters while pursuing employment.