Severe Economic Hardship is new, unexpected circumstances beyond your control creating severe economic hardship. These may include:
- Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment (if you are not at fault)
- Devaluation of the currency you depend upon to pay expenses
- Unexpected changes to your sources of financial support
- Unexpected large medical bills
- Other substantial, unexpected expenses
The employment authorization is granted by USCIS in increments of one year at a time. The authorization allows you to work for any employer up to 20 hours per week while you are registered full-time. You may work more than 20 hours per week during breaks and summer. Economic Hardship employment authorization is automatically terminated when you graduate, fall out of status, or transfer to a new school. This employment will not affect your OPT.