S t e p s t o A p p l y f o r S e v e r e E c o n o m i c H a r d s h i p

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)

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