Special Student Relief is the suspension of certain regulatory requirements by the secretary of Homeland
Security for F-1 students from parts of the world that are experiencing emergent circumstances. Examples of
emergent circumstances include natural catastrophe, war and military conflicts, and national or international
financial crises.
Examples of unforeseen circumstances include (but are not limited to):
• Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment (through no fault of your own);
• Substantial fluctuations in currency value or exchange rate;
• Inordinate increases in tuition or living costs;
• Unexpected changes in the financial condition of your source of support;
• Medical bills; and
• Other substantial and unexpected expenses
Important Reminders
• Economic Hardship Employment Authorization is limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session and 40 hours per week during school breaks.
• Economic Hardship employment authorization is normally issued for one year.
You may submit a request to the USCIS for renewal of work authorization by following the same procedures outlined in this handout. The earliest you may request a renewal is 120 days before your current EAD expires. Please remember to send a copy of your current EAD along with the other documents listed above to the USCIS.
• Employment authorization is automatically terminated when you graduate, transfer to another university or violate your F-1 status in any way (e.g. not registering as a full-time student).
