F-1 students, in certain circumstances, may be eligible to apply for permission to work off-campus if they are experiencing severe economic hardship because of unforeseen circumstances  outside of their control. 

Examples of unforeseen economic need include hardship created by sudden changes in currency exchange rates, unexpected loss of funding support from a parental sponsor due to unemployment or medical issues, unexpected medical or health care costs not covered by student insurance, unexpected natural disasters, or related circumstances. However, any economic need arising out of planned or foreseeable situations - such as an anticipated expiration of a scholarship or fellowship - is not considered unforeseen.

If you are experiencing unforeseen economic hardship, you may be able to apply for employment authorization permitting off-campus work up to 20 hours per week. This may be granted if on-campus employment is not available or sufficient to meet your financial needs. This type of employment authorization requires an application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) with the recommendation of International Student and Scholar Services

Eligibility

• You must be an F-1 student in good standing and have completed at least one academic year of full-time study in your Brown program.
• You have a valid, unexpired passport and Form I-20.
• You must continue to full-time enrollment and make normal progress toward your degree objective even while working off-campus.
• You must be able to show that your economic need is due to unforeseen or unexpected circumstances.

Restrictions

• Under this type of employment, you are restricted to 20 hours per week while school is in session, including hours spent in any on-campus job; you may, however, work over 20 hours per week during the summer vacation and winter break.
• This type of employment allows you to work in any job that will help you with your financial need; it does not need to be related to your major. However, you may not start working until you have been approved by USCIS and received an I-766 employment authorization document (EAD) card, and the start date on the card has been reached.
• This employment type does not impact your ability to engage in curricular practical training and does not reduce your eligibility for optional practical training.
• Employment authorization is limited to a maximum of one year at a time or until you complete your program, whichever comes first.

Application Procedure

Please contact your ISSS advisor for more information, if you would like to be considered for this type of employment authorization.