Overview

If you are suffering a severe economic hardship due to unforeseen changes in your financial circumstances, you may apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for authorization to work off-campus.

Examples of Unforeseen Circumstances:

• Loss of financial support or on-campus employment
• Substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate
• Inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs
• Unexpected changes in the financial condition of your source of support, such a loss of a family business
• Excessive medical bills

Employment Authorization:

• The employment authorization is granted by USCIS in increments of one year at a time.
• The authorization allows you to work for any employer up to 20 hours per week while you are registered full-time.
• It also allows you to work more than 20 hours per week during semester breaks. This employment does not affect your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Employment authorization is automatically terminated if you graduate, fail to maintain status, or transfer to another school.

Eligibility:

• You must have been in F-1 status for one academic year
• You must be in good academic standing
• You must document that on-campus employment opportunities are unavailable or insufficient to meet your financial needs.

Other Resources

• On-Campus Jobs
• On and Off Campus Scholarships
• Broncos Care Basic Needs Program
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)