To apply for Severe Economic Hardship (SEH) work authorization, an F-1 student must demonstrate being in F-1 status for one full academic year, maintaining good academic standing, carrying a full course load, and having unforeseen circumstances beyond their control that make on-campus work insufficient. These circumstances could include loss of aid, tuition increases, or medical costs. Applicants must submit documents like photos, an I-765 form, expense breakdowns, bills as evidence, and a $380 fee to the Global Education Office-Immigration Services. If approved, a new I-20 will be issued to reflect off-campus work permission.

1. Steps to Apply for Severe Economic Hardship
What is Severe Economic Hardship (SEH)?
If other employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient, an eligible F-1
student may request off-campus employment work authorization based upon severe economic
hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control. These circumstances
may include 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, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student’s source
of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.
Who is eligible for SEH?
• The student has been in F-1 status for one full academic year
• The student is in good standing and is carrying a full course of study as defined in our
document, Helpful Reminders for VCU International Students
• The student has demonstrated that acceptance of employment will not interfere with the
student’s carrying a full course of study
• The student has demonstrated that the employment is necessary to avoid severe economic
hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control (as detailed
above), and has demonstrated that on-campus employment is unavailable or otherwise
insufficient to meet the needs that have arisen as a result of the unforeseen circumstances
How do I apply for SEH?
To apply for Severe Economic Hardship, please submit the following information to the GEO-IS
1. Two photographs (see USCIS requirements)
2. Form I-765 (downloadable from www.uscis.gov)
3. Letter from student explaining economic circumstances
4. If applicable, letter from student’s sponsor explaining why can no longer provide
funding
5. Chart-like breakdown of all monthly expenses (e.g. electricity, heat, gas, apt. lease,
phone, groceries etc…)
6. Compare breakdown of monthly expenses with breakdown of and all monthly income,
including approximately how much the student thinks he can earn by working 20 hours a
week off campus,
7. Copies of all previously issued I-20s (front and back)
8. Copies of F-1 visa stamp, passport identification page and I-94 (front and back)
9. Copies of supporting materials (e.g. bills, letters, articles, etc.)
10. A check in the sum of $380 written to “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services”
11. Copy of SEVIS Form I-20, endorsed to reflect off-campus employment request (we will
issue this to you after evaluating your application, items 1-7)
Updated 2010
Global Education Office-Immigration Services
817 W. Franklin Street, P.O. Box 843043, Richmond, VA 23284 Fax: (804) 828-2552 Tel: (804) 828-0595