(1) Speak to an OISS advisor and obtain an OISS Recommendation. In order to obtain an OISS Recommendation, you must come to the OISS with the following documents:

• Your I-20 or DS-2019, I-94 card, 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 OISS advisor will review your application materials. This is not a routine application and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. At times, an OISS advisor may recommend that you obtain further supporting evidence to document your claims. Note that the USCIS scrutinizes Economic Need applications extremely carefully; as a result, the more evidence you can provide to establish the unforeseen and unexpected nature of your economic situation, the better.

If the OISS agrees to recommend you for Economic Need work permission, F-1 students will receive a new SEVIS I-20, and J-1 students will receive a work authorization letter for this purpose.

(2) Apply to the USCIS. Once you have received an OISS recommendation, you can then apply for Economic Need work permission. Do not prepare these materials until you have received an OISS recommendation for Economic Need work permission. Your complete application packet will include:

• F-1 students: an original SEVIS I-20 from the OISS, with a recommendation for Economic Need work permission.
• photocopies of all I-20s previously issued (even from other schools)
• photocopies of the passport bio and visa pages and photocopy the back and front of the I-94 card
• a check or money order made payable to Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $340.
• a completed Form I-765 (PDF) Application for Employment Authorization
• two photographs (must meet USCIS specifications)
• a letter of explanation from you, addressed to the USCIS

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