What is Economic Hardship employment?

FAQ.

Answered by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center

Last updated: July, 2026

What is Economic Hardship employment?

If you face severe, unexpected financial difficulty, you may apply to USCIS for off-campus employment authorization based on economic hardship. Approval isn't guaranteed and the requirements are strict — work closely with your DSO and exhaust other options first.

Eligibility

• You've completed one full academic year

• You can demonstrate serious, unforeseen economic hardship

• The hardship results from unexpected events outside your control

Application process

• Your DSO verifies that you meet eligibility requirements.

• You submit an I-765 application to USCIS.

• USCIS reviews whether the hardship was truly unexpected and severe.

• You provide extensive financial documentation and explain why on-campus work is insufficient or unavailable.

Reference: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(C)