Off Campus Employment Based on Unforeseen Financial Change

Off-campus work permission is authorized by USCIS and is based on a student's unforeseen change in financial circumstances, their ability to demonstrate economic hardship, and their ability to document that they were unable to obtain on-campus employment or that such employment is insufficient.

  • Authorization covers a period of one year or less, depending on the student's completion date of theirprogram.
  • Authorization allows a student to work up to 20 hours per week on or off the campus and full-time during the semester breaks and the summer vacation period.
  • Employment under this type of authorization does not need to be related to a student's field of study.
  • An extension of off-campus work permission is possible if the student is still pursuing the same program of study at the same school and can document that the financial situation still exists.

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Eligibility

  • In legal F-1 status at the University of Minnesota for at least one academic year
  • Have a valid passport
  • Most recent I-20 prepared must have been processed at least nine months prior to application

Students must also be able to document:

  • Unforeseen change in financial circumstances
  • Economic hardship
  • Inability to obtain on-campus employment and/or the salary of on-campus employment is insufficient

Application

An ISSS advisor, during scheduled walk-in hours or a scheduled appointment, will provide the application materials as well as discuss documentation required to accompany the application.

  • ISSS must process a recommendation on the application before it can be mailed to USCIS.
  • It may take USCIS up to 120 days to process an application.
  • There is an application fee  and it is not refundable if the application is denied. Click here for I-765 filing fee. You do not have to pay the biometric fee.
  • A completed application consists of the items below and must be submitted to an ISSS advisor during scheduled walk-in hours or a scheduled appointment.
  • It will take ISSS up to one week to process the recommendation.

Application Forms

Authorization

  • If USCIS approves the application, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will be issued that reflects the dates of the employment authorization.
  • A student cannot begin employment until they are in possession of the EAD.
  • Off-campus work permission becomes void if a student completes all degree requirements, begins a new degree program, or transfers to another school.
Last updated: February 7, 2024