Helpful Tips for International Students

Economic Hardship

Off-Campus Work Permit

Providing work authorization based on "severe economic hardship" is permissible for students who suffer unforeseen financial difficulties to remain in status and continue their education.

Severe economic hardship could include the loss of a scholarship, the substantial fluctuation in the value of foreign currency or exchange rates, tuition increases, medical bills, sponsor's inability to fully support, and other unforeseen hardship

Eligibility Requirements

• You are maintaining lawful F-1 Status
• You have been a full-time student for at least nine months continuously
• ISO has certified that on-campus employment does not meet your economic needs
• You have acceptable documentary proof of economic hardship

Application and Authorization Procedures

Application materials may be picked up at the International Student Office. The student should arrange an appointment with the International Student Advisor to discuss Economic Hardship and application procedures. The following documents are needed for the appointment with the Intl. Student Advisor:

• Passport
• SEVIS I-20
• A completed I-765 Form - On line 16th put (c) (3) (iii)
• Previous EAD card (if you received one)
• I-94 copy of both sides
• Two photos (11/2 X 11/2, ¾ front pose: right ear showing)
• Signature card
• $ _______ fee payable to BCIS
• Unofficial Transcript
• Original Old I-20 from Riverland CC and other schools

Paper clip together (do not staple) in the following order:

• $________ Check made payable to BCIS
• I-765 signature card (sign within the box)
• 2 photographs with name and I-94 number written on the back
• Compete I-765 form
• SEVIS I-20
• Documents proof of economic hardship
• Photocopy of I-94 front and back
• Photocopies of passport pages
• Photocopy of old I-20 from RCC and other schools

ISO recommends sending certified mail.

Permission to begin employment is not valid until you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card from BCIS Service Center. You must be careful not to continue employment beyond the date of expiration on the EAD. If approved you can work 20hs/week and 40 hrs/week during summer vacation and breaks. The card becomes invalid if you transfer schools.

If you meet al the eligibility requirements, the ISO staff will print a new I-20 and recommend economic hardship employment on your SEVIS I-20. Plan on the application and renewals to take 90 days. Your application is to be sent to:

U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration (BCIS)
Nebraska Service Center
P.O. Box 87765
Lincoln, NE 68501-7765

While BCIS regulations provide limited opportunities for you to be employed during your time in F-1 status, working improperly or without authorizations is a serious violation of your status. You should consult with an ISO advisor before any employment

For more information, please contact:

International Student Office (ISO)
Riverland Community College
1900 8th Ave. N.W.
Austin, MN 55912
Phone: (507) 433-0558
Fax: (507) 433-0515
E-mail: mmorem@riverland.edu

NOTE: To verify out about your application status, use your LIN number which you will find in your receipt and call 402-323-7830 (24hrs. line) or you can check by typing this website address: Https://egov.immigration.gov/graphics/cris/jsps/caseStat.jsp