SEH Authorization Eligibility Requirements

 

Severe Economic Hardship Authorization is a type of off-campus work authorization that may be issued by USCIS to an F-1 student. The student must show that unforeseen circumstances have created a temporary severe economic hardship. If approved, the student will be issued an employment authorization document (EAD) which will allow them to work off-campus up to 20 hours per week during fall and spring semesters and full-time (more than 20 hours) during official school breaks such as the summer semester. The student must continue to enroll full-time during the academic year.

To be eligible, a student must:

• Demonstrate that unforeseen circumstances have created a temporary severe economic hardship
• Have been enrolled full-time for a minimum of one academic year (one fall and one spring semester)
• Be in good academic standing
• Be enrolled in a full course of study and otherwise maintaining F-1 status

Please Note:

• Students with SEH authorization can work in any position (does not have to be related to major)
• Students with SEH authorization may work more than one job as long as they do not exceed 20 hours per week during fall and spring terms
• SEH does not affect eligibility for on-campus employment, CPT, or OPT

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