SEVIS This Operating Instruction (SOI) contains guidelines for Designated School Officials (DSO) on the subject of off-campus employment for F 1 students. If you are unfamiliar with any of the terms or acronyms, consult the glossary. 1.1. What is off-campus employment for F 1 students? Off-campus employment for F-1 students is defined at 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(9)(ii)(A). Generally, it is employment that is for economic need and is not required to be related to the students academic course of study. 1.2. When is off-campus employment available? F 1 students are allowed to enter the United States for academic studies. They are required to show that they will be able to afford the costs of school and living expenses prior to entry and should not plan on being allowed to work off-campus. Off-campus employment is authorized only in cases of severe economic hardship occurring subsequent to a students enrollment in an academic program or in emergent circumstances as defined by DHS. 1.3. What are emergent circumstances? Emergent circumstances are also referred to as Special Student Relief. When there is a world event that impacts a group of nonimmigrants, the Secretary of DHS may publish a special notice in the Federal Register and grant special relief. The notice will give details on who is included in the group and the eligibility requirements. The Secretary can waive any restrictions on F 1 student employment. 1.4. What are the guidelines for off-campus employment of F 1 students based on severe economic hardship? Off-campus employment is a case-by-case exception made for students who can show that new, unexpected circumstances beyond the students control have created severe economic hardship. These may include: Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment if it is not the students fault; Large increases tuition in or living costs Substantial decrease in the relative value of currency the student depends upon to pay expenses; Unexpected changes in the financial conditions for his or her sources of financial support; Unexpectedly large medical bills not covered by insurance; or Other substantial, unexpected expenses. F 1 students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and be in good academic standing before they can be authorized to work off-campus. They must be unable to get on-campus employment or the pay from available on-campus employment must be insufficient to meet the students financial needs. You must recommend approval of each request and provide the F 1 student with a Form I20 endorsed to that effect.
The F 1 student must file a Form I-765 and pay a fee to USCIS. This should be done within 30 days of the day you endorse the Form I-20. If the application is approved, the student will receive an EAD card and can begin working. Approval for off-campus employment is good for one year. If the F 1 student needs to continue working off-campus, he or she mus...