Severe Economic Hardship Request Form printable pdf download

International Student Services

Borough of Manhattan Community College

199 Chambers Street

The City University of New York

New York, NY 10007-1097

Admissions Office Room S-300

212-220-1265

SEVERE ECONOMIC HARDSHIP EMPLOYMENT

Severe economic hardship employment is off‐campus employment authorization for F‐1 students who

are experiencing severe financial difficulties caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond their

control. If authorized, this type of employment is limited to not more than 20 hours per week while

school is in session and full‐time during vacation periods.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

You may be eligible for Severe Economic Hardship Employment Authorization if you:

Have been in F‐1 status for at least one academic year,

Are in good academic standing,

Can show that you are experiencing severe financial problems caused by unexpected

circumstances beyond your control. These circumstances may include substantial fluctuations in

currency or exchange rates, large increases in tuition and/or living expenses, unexpected changes

in the financial ability of your sponsor, medical bills, or other substantial or unexpected expenses,

Have tried to get employment on‐campus.

APPLICATION PROCESSING

Application processing can take as much as 80 days! It is important you consider processing time when

looking for a job.

STEP 1: Obtain a Recommendation for Hardship Employment from the I.S.S.O

File your complete application with the International Student Services Office.

Your recommendation should be ready for you to pickup within one week.

STEP 2: Apply for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the Immigration

Naturalization Service.

Mail your Hardship Recommendation to the INS by certified mail, return receipt

requested, following the instructions you have received from the International Student

Services Office.

Once you have received your EAD card, ISSO will give you instructions on how to apply for

a social security card if you do not have one.

WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU OBTAIN HARDSHIP EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION BEFORE

LOOKING FOR A JOB!

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY: Should you suddenly get a job offer, you may request “Expeditious”

or Emergency processing of you application by submitting a letter from the employer with your

application. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that USCIS will respond to your request.

Severe Economic Hardship Request Form