Permission to Work: Economic Necessity

Students in the U.S. on F-1 student visas are required to have adequate funding for their education. Occasionally, however, students' situations change after arriving in the U.S. and they have to seek alternative means of support. Under certain circumstances, the Department of Homeland Secutiry (DHS) will permit students to apply for permission to work due to economic necessity.

To qualify, two rules apply: (1) students must have been in the U.S. in F-1 status for one academic year, and (2) there must have been an unforeseen change in the students' economic situation.

What International Students and Scholars office Needs

1. Your passport
2. Your I-20 form
3. Your I-94 form (the small white card usually stapled in your passport)
4. Form I-765--available at the ISS
5. A check for $340 (as of 06/16/2008) made payable to "DHS."
6. Photocopies of previous EAD card IF YOU HAVE ONE.
7. Two "passport style" photos. These can be obtained at any photo shop.
8. A letter from you to DHS explaining clearly your situation and the reason for your need to work, and proving that it is due to unforeseen circumstances. Attach any supporting documents.
9. A budget showing your income and expenses for the past year and the income and expenses projected for the coming year. (Click here for a budget sample).

What the Student Needs To Do

• Complete all of form I-765. (See notes in box).

• Top: Check "Permission to accept employment."
• #3: CAUTION! Do not use your L&C address or any address from which you might move within the next four months. We suggest using the ISS office as your address. To do so, use the following:
  • Your name
    c/o International Students and Scholars-MSC 192
    0615 SW Palatine Hill Road
    Portland, OR 97219-7899
• #10: Use your I-94 number.
• #16: Enter the following code exactly: "(C) (3) (iii)

• Bring the completed I-765 form, photographs and all items listed above (1-9) to International Students and Scholars.

ISS Staff Will (Check list)

• Verify eligibility for the benefit.
• Check the I-765 to make sure it is completed correctly.
• Update SEVIS with a recommendation of employment.
• Print a new SEVIS I-20 which includes the DSO recommendation on page 3. (Student is required to sign).
• DSO may include letter of support.

• Write the name of the student on the back of the two photos and put in small envelop marked "Photos."
• Endorse the student's I-20 on the back to read: "Employment due to economic necessity recommended from date of approval for a period of one year."
• Make one copy of everything:

• I-765
• Info pages of passport
• Visa page of the passport
• I-94 (front and back)
• I-20 (all pages)
• Previous EAD cards (front and back), if applicable
• the pictures
• the check to INS

• Make one additional copy by running the photocopies again.
• Write the date that the forms are being sent on one copy and put it in the student's file.
• Mail the following to: INS Northern Service Center, PO Box 87765, Lincoln, NE 68501-7765.

• The letter of explanation from the student with supporting documents.
• The budget information from the student.
• Photocopy of I-20 ID (front and back)
• Photocopy of I-94 (front and back)
• Original pictures (in a small clear plastic envelope)
• Certified form I-538
• Original I-765
• Copy of passport information page
• Copy of F-1 visa page of the passport
• Check

News

• Always mail in a manila envelop and put the check on top.
• Use one paper clip, no staples.
• It can take up to three months to receive the EAD card.
• Your EAD will be mailed to whatever you list as your "mailing address" on form I-765. Think ahead. We suggest using the International Students and Scholars address.