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Off-Campus Work Based on Economic Necessity

According to BCIS, the following circumstances qualify for unforeseen economic need: loss of financial aid, scholarship, or fellowship; loss of an on-campus job; large increase in tuition or living expenses; unexpected changes in student's financial support; medical bills.

To be eligible to apply, students must have been in F-1 status for at least 9 months at the school they are currently attending, be in good academic standing (not on probation), and registered full-time. If a reinstatement was required at the current school, the 9 months counts from the date the reinstatement was granted. If a change of status took place at the current school, the 9 months is counted from the date the F-1 status was approved.

The employment must not interfere with the student's full-time status. The application for work authorization is made to BCIS. If the application is accepted, BCIS will issue an EAD card valid for one year (but not beyond the graduation date). Work is limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year, but may be full time in the summer. There is no restriction on the type of work. Renewals are possible, but the same application procedure must be followed. A transfer student who has an unexpired need-based employment card from another school may not use that card for employment while at TWU.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Student must have been in F-1 status and enrolled full time at least one full academic year (9 consecutive months) at the school currently attending.
2. Student must be in good academic standing (not on probation).
3. Student must be able to demonstrate unforeseen financial need.
4. Student must be enrolled full-time.
5. Student must have attempted to find a job on campus. If currently working on campus, the student must indicate to BCIS why that job is not sufficient to meet the financial need, and also that the on-campus job will cease on a certain date.

PROCEDURE:

1. SEVIS I-20
2. Proof of economic need. Write a letter to BCIS requesting the work authorization and detailing the reasons why you must work. Include in the letter a list of assets and expenses for the next year.
3. Evidence supporting the reasons given in the student's letter, such as a letter from the sponsor, a letter from the department indicating scholarship/assistantship will not be renewed, doctor bills.
4. Completed I-538
5. Completed I-765
6. Check made out to Department of Homeland Security for $340
7. 2 passport photos (for specific instructions see below on this page)
8. Copy of passport identity page or visa with photo
9. Copy of I-94 (front and back)
10. Copy of any previously issued EAD cards

International Office will:

1. Verify student is full time and in good academic standing and has been in F-1 status at TWU for at least 9 months.
2. Complete the I-538 and certify on it that no suitable jobs were available on campus.
3. Recommend the need-based employment on the student's SEVIS I-20
4. Mail to the BCIS the following:
1. Check for $340 payable to Department of Homeland Security
2. I-538
3. SEVIS I-20
4. I-765
5. Evidence of economic need
6. Student's letter
7. Photos
8. Copy of Passport ID
9. Copies of EAD, if any
10. Copy of both sides of I-94
5. Return the SEVIS I-20 to the student

BCIS will send a receipt notice to the address on the application in about two weeks. The EAD will be mailed to the same address, unless the BCIS is informed of a change of address. It is VERY IMPORTANT to notify BCIS of an address change since the Post Office will not forward mail issued by a government agency.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPH:

Two color photos with a white background taken no earlier than 30 days before submission to the BCIS. They should be unmounted, printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and unretouched. Your head should be bare unless you are wearing a headdress as required by a religious order to which you belong. The BCIS instructions are very specific, and applications will be refused if the photos are not correct.

NOTE TO STUDENT: