
Possible Expanded Opportunities for Employment Authorization for F-1 Students During the Pandemic
Ordinarily, students on F-1 visas are very limited in their employment opportunities. Typically international students are only allowed to work on their college campuses. Under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9), however, USCIS has discretion to allow students on F-1 visas to request employment authorization to work off-campus due to severe economic hardship because of unforeseen circumstances beyond your control.