If you are facing economic difficulties you may be able to request F-1 off-campus employment based on economic hardship. The process requires an application to US Citizenship and Immigration Services and you will be required to pay an application fee. You will be limited to work for 20 hours a week during the academic year and full-time during school breaks.
You must schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor at the International Center to discuss this option and learn about the application process. You can request an appointment by sending an email to internationalcenter@uci.edu.
To be eligible for Severe Economic Hardship you must:
- Be in good academic standing at UCI
- Be in F-1 status for one full academic year
- Provide proof that circumstances that caused the hardship were beyond your control
- You are able to demonstrate on-campus and or other employment was not available
- USCIS will grant the Employment Eligibility Document (EAD) for one year or the program end date (whichever is shorter).