Prepare the following documents for your application:

  • I-765: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765. The eligibility category is (c)(3)(iii), #27 in part 2 of the form.
  • Application fee: The correct filing fee for Form I-765 must be included, unless the student wishes to request a fee waiver, in which case the student should also include a properly completed and documented Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. The student should review USCIS guidance on fee waivers before completing Form I-912.
    • Submitting the fee waiver may cause delays as USCIS will review your request for a waiver and may deny it. However,  the fee is high and your request may be approved, given the fact you are documenting severe economic necessity
    • The application fee is $410.00 You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Make sure the date on the check is written as “Month/Day/Year”. 
  • Copies of all previously issued I-20s 
    • If you are missing any I-20s, you can include a brief letter explaining which I20s are missing.
  • I-94 - You can find your I-94 online: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/
  • A letter from you explaining your severe, unforeseen economic necessity. The emphasis in your letter should be on how the change in your funding was unforeseen, that there was no way you could incorporate it into your budget planning.
  • Documentation of unforseen circumstances, this should be documentation to support what you wrote in your letter of explanation.
  • Academic history: Log into TUportal, under Self-Service Banner, you'll find your academic history. 
  • Any previously issued EAD card(s) or related notices issued by USCIS. You would have an EAD card if you previously applied for OPT. You would have notice(s) from USCIS if you received a change of status in the U.S. 
  • Copy of your F-1 visas
  • Copy of biographical page of passport
  • Copy of most recent entry stamp - the one matches the I-94 card
  • E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance: Use this form to request a text message and/or email when USCIS accepts your form . The form is available at https://www.uscis.gov/g-1145.
  • Two U.S. Passport Style Photos: You will need to send in two U.S. passport style photos with your application to USCIS. You can obtain the photos from certain UPS, FedEx, CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid locations.