Economic Hardship

Off-Campus Work Permit

Providing work authorization based on "severe economic hardship" is permissible for students who suffer unforeseen financial difficulties to remain in status and continue their education. Severe economic hardship could include the loss of a scholarship, the substantial fluctuation in the value of foreign currency or exchange rates, tuition increases, medical bills, sponsor's inability to fully support, and other unforeseen hardship.

Eligibility Requirement

You may apply for off-campus work if:

• You are maintaining lawful F-1 status
• You have been a full-time student for at least nine months continuously
• ISO has certified that on-campus employment does not meet your economic needs
• You have acceptable documentary proof of economic hardship

Application and Authorization Procedure

Application materials is available online. The student should arrange an appointment with an International Student Advisor to discuss Economic Hardship and application procedures. The following documents are needed for the appointment with an international advisor:

• Passport
• SEVIS I-20
• A completed I-765 form -- on line 16 put (C) (3) (iii)
• Previous EAD Card (if you received one)
• I-94 card's copy of both sides
• Two photos (1-1/2" x 1-1/2", 3/4 front post: right ear showing)
• $120 fee payable to BCIS
• Unofficial Transcript
• Original old I-20 from MSU and other schools

If you meet all the eligibility requirements, the ISO staff will print a new I-20 and recommend economic hardship employment on your SEVIS I-20. Plan on the application and renewal to take 90 days.

Your application materials are to be sent to:

U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration (BCIS)
Nebraska Service Center
P.O. Box 87765
Lincoln, NE 68501-7765

Paper clip together (do not staple) in the following order:

• $120 check made payable to BCIS
• 2 photographs with name and I-94 number written on the back
• Complete I-765 form
• SEVIS I-20
• Documents proof of economic hardship
• Photocopies of I-94 front & back
• Photocopies of passport pages
• Photocopy of old I-20 from MSU and other schools

ISO recommend sending certified mail. Permission to begin employment is not valid until you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card from BCIS Service Center. You must be careful not to continue employment beyond the date of expiration on the EAD. If approved you can work 20 hrs/week and 40 hrs/week during summer vacation and breaks. The card becomes invalid if you transfer schools.

While BCIS regulations provide limited opportunities for you to be employed during your time in F-1 status, working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of your status. You should consult with an ISO advisor before accepting any employment.

Note: To verify out about your application status, use your LIN number which you will find in your receipt and call 402-323-7830 (24 hours line) or you can check it at: https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp

U.S Immigration & Naturalization Service Photos

These are some of the places in Mankato where you can get your photo taken.

• Sears Roebuck and Co.
  Portrait Studios
  (507) 389-4469
  $14.95 for two photos
• Kodak Quality Photo
  (507) 345-7196
  Midwest Plaza, Mankato
  Mon-Fri 8:30am - 8:00pm
  Sat 9-5 Sun 12-5
  $8.00 for two photos and $100 for every photo after that
• Visualedge Productions
  (507) 388-3777
  P.O. Box 2138
  North Mankato, MN 56002
  $15.00 for two photos

For more information, please contact:

International Student Office
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 389-1281
Fax: (507) 389-6225
or use our contact form