Special Employment Situations

F-1 immigration regulations permit an F-1 student to apply to USCIS for an Economic Hardship Employment Authorization document in cases of "severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control. These circumstances may include loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases of tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses."

Processing of this authorization requires a Form I-20 recommendation of an ISSS adviser, supporting documentation, and an application to USCIS which can take 90 days or more. Students must have been in F-1 status for at least 1 academic year, and employment is limited to a total of 20 hours of work per week while school is in session, including any on-campus employment. Employment can be full-time during official school breaks. 

To discuss your situation and determine if you qualify for this authorization please speak with an International Student Advisor during advising hours, or schedule an appointment.

F-1 regulations allow F-1 students to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in order to work in an internship with a recognized international organization within the meaning of the International Organization Immunities Act. See the full list of designated International Organizations. In most cases, CPT is a more appropriate choice for students with internships.

Processing of this authorization requires a Form I-20 recommendation of an ISSS adviser and an application to USCIS which can take 90 days or more. There is no academic-year waiting period, and eligibility is immediate if a student has an offer by a recognized international organization. This type of employment is only available during the degree program, not post-completion. This type of employment can be full-time or part-time. However, the student must remain a full-time student, enrolled in full course of study and maintain F-1 immigration status.

To discuss your situation and determine if you qualify for this authorization please speak with an International Student Advisor during advising hours, or schedule an appointment.

Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of certain regulatory requirements by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for an F‑1 student from parts of the world that are experiencing emergent circumstances. These circumstances could be a natural disaster, war and military conflicts, or national or international financial crises. Regulatory requirements that may be suspended or altered for an F-1 student include: duration of status, full course of study and employment eligibility. 

• Learn more on Study in the States
• List of countries with SSR notices (scroll to middle of the page)

Students should review the country-specific Federal Register Notice carefully to understand if you are eligible. If you determine you are eligible and are interested in applying for SSR, schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor.

J-1 students who have received their DS-2019 document from Babson College may be eligible to request Economic Necessity Work Authorization, off-campus work authorization due to unforeseen financial need. This type of work authorization allows J-1 students to work off-campus in a part-time job during the academic year, or in a full-time job during semester breaks. The job does not need to be related to the student's field of study.

Documentation required for this authorization include a personal statement, immigration documentation, and supporting documentation to prove the existence of your hardship and how it was unforeseen. Some examples include a signed affidavit from sponsor(s) explaining why they can no longer provide financial support, your current budget, recent newspaper articles, medical bills, recent exchange rate reports, etc.

There is no time limit associated with the Economic Hardship work authorization. If a student can demonstrate financial need, they are eligible to apply as long as the need exists. Economic Hardship work authorization does not affect a student's J-1 Academic Training eligibility.

To discuss your situation and determine if you qualify for this authorization please speak with an International Student Advisor during advising hours, or schedule an appointment.

The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country's nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. Some examples may include:

• Ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war)
• An environmental disaster (such as earthquake or hurricane), or an epidemic
• Other extraordinary and temporary conditions

USCIS may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the United States. Eligible individuals without nationality who last resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS.

Learn More & Review Countries Currently Designated for TPS (USCIS)

The Glavin Office or International Student Advisors are not able to provide guidance on applying for TPS; if you wish to seek further information or file an application you should consult with an immigration attorney.