As a foreign student in the U.S. in F-1 status, you are normally expected to support yourself. But if unforeseen circumstances arise, you might be able to get permission to work part-time at an off-campus job, the eligibility rules for which are discussed in When F-1 Students Can Work in the U.S. Here, we'll explain the nuts and bolts of how to apply for this work permit (officially called an employment authorization document or EAD card.)
If you have decided to apply for a work permit based on severe economic hardship, you will need to prepare or obtain the following government forms:
Form I-765 is the main form used by all temporary immigrants applying for work permission. The following tips apply to the version of the form that was set to expire on 05/31/2020.
In Part 1, "Reason for Applying," check "Initial permission to accept employment." However, if you had a previous EAD under another program, check the box for renewals.
Questions 1-7: Self-explanatory.
Question 8: You will have an Alien registration number (A-Number) only if you have been in deportation or removal proceedings or have submitted certain immigration applications, particularly for permanent residence. If you were in proceedings or had any immigration applications denied, especially for reasons such as fraud, be sure to see an immigration lawyer. If you do not have an A-number, enter the number from your Form I-94 (and before the actual number, write "I-94#").
Question 9: You would have a USCIS Online Account Number only if you applied for certain types of immigration benefits. If you don't have one, don't worry about leaving this blank.
Question 13: You will probably not have a Social Security number unless you are changing from a visa or status that allowed you to work. If you don't have a number, enter "None."
Question 14: If you don't have a Social Security number yet, it's a good idea to ask for one here.
Question 21.a. You should be able to obtain your I-94 entry document number from the CBP website.
Question 24: List the type of visa on which you last entered the United States. It was probably an F-1 student visa, unless you entered as a visitor or on another temporary visa and then applied for a Change of Status to become a student.
Question 25: Your current immigration status is "F-1 student."
Question 29: Your eligibility category depends on the basis for your work permit. If applying for off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship, your category is (c)(3)(iii).
Questions 30 and 31.b: If you have any criminal arrests on record, see an immigration attorney before submitting this application. You are at risk of removal from the United States.
To accompany your work permit application, you will need to attach the following:
Because your eligibility for a work permit depends entirely on your personal circumstances, you will have to explain these circumstances to USCIS, in a written statement. Your statement will most likely be believed if you:
You must also explain why other employment options are not available to you. For example, as an F-1 student, you are authorized to work part-time in an on-campus job during the semester. You will need to explain why an on-campus job won't be sufficient.
This is not a legal document, so try to use the type of language that you would use in speaking, rather than trying to make it sound official. (That would more likely make it sound stilted and insincere.)
You might, want to sign it in front of a notary public. Your school's financial aid or housing office should have a notary. Notaries usually charge about $15 for their services (the notary stamps the document to confirm that it was really you who signed it).
When you have assembled your application for a work permit based on severe economic hardship, send it to the USCIS Lockbox listed on the USCIS website.
Certified U.S. mail or courier (such as FedEx or DHL) is the best way to send anything to USCIS, preferably with a request for a return receipt. If the application is lost at USCIS (not uncommon), the tracking services included in these mailing methods will help you to prove that it was received in the first place.
You should get a receipt notice from USCIS within two to three weeks. The receipt will include a case number that allows you to check its status online. When your work permit is approved, you will receive a wallet-sized plastic card in the mail with your photo on it. The permit will be good for one year. You can work only during the dates shown on the card, and you cannot start work until you receive the card.
A final warning: If you apply to USCIS for a work permit, DO NOT leave the U.S. until it is approved. (Many of the employment possibilities for students require you to apply to USCIS for a work permit.) The agency might take weeks or even months to reply. During this time, you might be tempted to leave the United States—perhaps to take a vacation or return home for a visit—especially during summertime. Don't leave! Doing so will automatically cancel your work permit application. (In fact, leaving the United States is almost always considered an abandonment of applications filed with USCIS.
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