New York University Skip to Content Skip to Search Skip to Navigation Skip to Sub Navigation
Main Navigation

Economic Need Employment

In order to qualify for Economic Need work permission employment, you must meet the following criteria

  • Have been a full-time student at NYU for at least one academic year.
  • Have a DS-2019 issued by NYU.
  • Be able to document that the circumstances which led to your economic situation were unexpected and beyond your control. Examples include evidence of unexpected currency fluctuations, or the unexpected loss of employment or unexpected medical expenses incurred by you or your financial sponsor.
  • Be capable of continuing full-time studies and maintaining J-1 status while engaged in Economic Need work permission.
  • You do NOT need a job offer to apply for Economic Need work permission.

Procedure to Apply

In order to obtain OGS recommendation, you must come to the OGS with the following documents:

  • Your DS-2019, I-94 record, and passport
  • a completed F-1 / J-1 Student Budget Sheet
  • A letter of explanation detailing your present economic need and the unforeseen and unexpected circumstances which led to your present economic situation
  • Supporting evidence that documents the above

An OGS advisor will review your application materials. Please allow for up to 10 days processing time. This is not a routine application and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. At times, an OGS advisor may recommend that you obtain further supporting evidence to document your claims.

If the OGS recommends Economic Need work permission, J-1 students receive a work authorization letter for this purpose.

Social Security Number

Need to apply for a Social Security Number?

Learn how to get one as an international student.
Read More

Restrictions

  • You may work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school year, full-time (over 20 hours per week) during vacation periods.
  • Economic Need work permission is not limited to employment in your field of study - you may accept any type of lawful employment once you have received your OGS letter.
  • You may not start employment until you have received your OGS letter. You must stop employment by the end date on the letter or by the date you finish your studies, whichever is earlier. You may, however, apply for a renewal of Economic Need work permission if you are still a full-time student and if the conditions underlying the original application remain in place.
  • You must remain a full-time student and make full-time progress toward degree completion while on Economic Need work permission.
  • If you transfer to another institution, your work permission becomes invalid as of the date the transfer takes place.
NYU Footer