Economic need work permission is a type of employment authorization for F-1 students with severe unforeseen economic problems.

How do I qualify?

You must have been an F-1 student at SLC for a minimum of nine months. You will have to submit supporting information to demonstrate your economic need. For example, proof of substantial changes in the value of your home currency, the loss of a graduate assistantship, unexpected medical expenses, or other hardship that can be documented.

Do I need a job to get the approval for work permission?

No, you do not need a job offer. Further, this type of work is not limited to your field of major concentration

What items do I submit to the Office of International Student Advising?

1. A statement verifying your full-time status (if you are registered for 12-15 credits per semester –This information may also be available on system IS-400.)
   
   
2. Your SEVIS I-20 ID (All pages of I-20 issued to you during your studies in the U.S.), I-94 Form and passport.
   
   
3. An I-538 Form (Available at the Multicultural Office; section B of this form must be completed by your DSO). This form can also be downloaded from the official USCIS website.

Your DSO does not give approval for the application for economic need permission.

This is not a routine application, and each such petition is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Approved applications are mailed to the USCIS, which has the final authorization. There is a $175 non-refundable filing fee (subject to change). The DSO recommends the work permission for qualified students.

A student may work full-time during academic vacations, but only part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session.

You may not begin legal employment until you have received authorization from the USCIS. If you plan to travel outside the United States after this work permission has been approved, you may need to have a notation on your I-20, to show the change in your financial resources. You are advised to meet with your DSO to update your new I-20 form. This process is now being handled through the SEVIS Database, and must be appropriately entered by your DSO.