Although international students on an F-1 or J-1 student visa are required to show proof of financial support for the duration of their studies, unexpected financial hardships can happen. UW–Madison has a variety of resources available to students who face hardship in meeting their basic needs while in the U.S. There are also federal employment authorization options specifically to address severe financial hardship.
UW–Madison Financial Assistance Resources
- Basic Needs Student Support
- Office of Student Assistance and Support
- University Health Services
- Additional Resources
Basic Needs Student Support is a list of resources available to students who face hardship in meeting their basic needs. Basic needs include food, clothing, housing, internet and technology, childcare resources and more. International students on a U.S. student visa are eligible for most resources; however, certain state and federal financial assistance programs may only be available to eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
How to Request Basic Needs Assistance
- Submit the Basic Needs Assistance Request online. The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) will assess your eligibility for resources and make personalized suggestions for you to explore.
The Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) offers a variety of different resources for students for a number of different situations, both on and off campus. Students can use OSAS’ guides as a detailed central resource to connect students to support in academics and life.
Unexpected hardships and challenges can cause stress beyond financial needs. University Health Services (UHS) is committed to supporting students whether it is through preventative care, mental health support or emergency care.
UW–Madison offers a detailed list of Health Resoruces to support students from mental health services, dental care, recovery and crisis support.
- Schools and Colleges across campus may offer support for students in emergency situations. Students should work with their School/College to explore emergency support options.
- Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) houses a vast number of scholarships and grants. International students may not be eligible for all opportunities and should carefully review requirements when applying. Students can learn more about WiSH here.
- The Bursar’s office offers BadgerPay as a payment plan option for students to pay down their student account balance through smaller, scheduled payments.
Federal Regulatory Options
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a separate immigration status that addresses the needs of people whose countries are going through emergency situations such as famine, natural disaster, and/or armed conflicts. TPS is designated by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland of Security (DHS). This status allows an individual to have temporary protection from removal from the United States, apply for U.S. employment authorization, and to receive travel authorization. This designation is for a specific period of time with the possibility of renewal if the conditions in the specified country continue.
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Eligibility Requirements:
Eligible individuals must apply for TPS status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) according to the instructions in the Federal Register notice announcing the designation. Please consult the USCIS website for information about which countries are currently designed for TPS, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
How to Apply:
USCIS is responsible for approving or denying a TPS application. As this is a separate immigration status from F-1/J-1 student status, ISS recommends working with an immigration attorney to assist you with this process. ISS cannot advise on the TPS application.
Students in F-1/J-1 status should continue to abide by the regulations of their respective status even if they are applying for or receive approval for TPS. ISS does not recommend applying for or using a TPS Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for employment while still in F-1 or J-1 status.
Severe Economic Hardship (SEH)
Severe Economic Hardship (SEH) is a type of employment authorization available to F-1 international students who have been enrolled full-time for one academic year. This type of employment authorization is available to international students who are experiencing unforeseen financial hardship. Employment under SEH does not need to be related to your major.
The application process for SEH takes time. It is not a quick solution to support financial need. You cannot begin working until the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is received.
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About Severe Economic Hardship:
- Is granted one year at a time
- Allows an approved student to work for any employer:
- 20 hours per week while enrolled full-time
- Over 20 hours per week during breaks (summer, winter break, spring break)
- Does not affect eligibility for F-1 post-completion work authorization (Optional Practical Training)
- The authorization for SEH automatically terminated upon graduation, failure to maintain status, or transfer to another school
- Keep a copy of your full application for your records
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must:
- Have been in valid F-1 status for at least one academic year
- Be in good academic standing
- Demonstrate that on-campus employment opportunities are unavailable or not sufficient to meet your financial needs
- Be experiencing unforeseen financial hardship. Examples include:
- Loss of financial support or on-campus employment
- Substantial fluctuations in the value of home country currency or exchange rate
- Drastic increases in tuition or living costs
- Unexpected changes in financial support (for example, death or incapacitation of sponsor, loss of family business)
- Excessive medical bills
How to Apply:
Applying for SEH requires two applications: one to ISS in Terra Dotta and one to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Do not submit your application to USCIS until you receive the new I-20 from ISS. Applying without the I-20 will result in your application being denied by USCIS.
Before you start the application process, make an appointment with your assigned ISS advisor to discuss your eligibility and application for SEH. To apply, follow these steps:
- Submit the Severe Economic Hardship request in Terra Dotta
- ISS will review your eligibility and issue you an I-20 with a recommendation for work authorization
- Do not submit your USCIS application until ISS provides your updated I-20.
- One the I-20 has been issued, submit the I-765 application for employment authorization to USCIS
- Note for the I-765: the employment category is c 3 iii
- Full instructions for submitting the I-765 application to USCIS are available in the Terra Dotta request
Students on a J-1 visa should contact their ISS advisor for information if they are interested in applying for Severe Economic Hardship work authorization.
Special Student Relief (SSR)
Special Student Relief (SSR) is a program that allows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to suspend certain regulatory requirements for F-1 students from countries experiencing emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or financial crises, granting them benefits like reduced course load and increased employment authorization.
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About Special Student Relief:
Students approved for SSR may be able to:
- Work more hours: Work on-campus for more than the usual 20 hours per week.
- Work off-campus: Apply for off-campus employment authorization, even if they haven’t completed one academic year.
- Take fewer courses: Enroll in a reduced course load (e.g., 6 credits per term for undergraduates or 3 credits per term for graduates).
- Maintain F-1 Status: Students can maintain their F-1 status while taking advantage of these benefits.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for SSR, a student must be:
- F-1 visa status
- A citizen of a country designated in an SSR notice.
- Currently enrolled in a full course of study (unless taking advantage of the reduced course load benefit).
- Experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the designated crisis in their home country.
- Enrolled in an academic institution that is certified by SEVP to enroll F-1 nonimmigrant students.
- Currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status.
- Lawfully present in the U.S. on the date of designation for their location.
Special Student Relief Eligible Countries: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/whats-new
How to Apply:
- Meet with your ISS Advisor to discuss your situation.
- Send an email to iss@iss.wisc.edu to request an I-20 for Special Student Relief.
- Prepare your materials for your I-765 application with USCIS: Forms Available to File Online | USCIS
- Apply to USCIS.
- Wait for Authorization from USCIS and notify ISS when you receive your approval and your EAD card.
- ISS will add remarks to your I-20 when you are approved for Special Student Relief
Resource: Special Student Relief – International Student Services
Please review the government website for Frequently Asked Questions F-1 Special Student Relief Fact Sheet | ICE
ISS Emergency Financial Assistance
International Student Services (ISS) offers emergency funding support to international students on F-1 and J-1 visas. Students should reach out their assigned ISS advisor to begin an application.
ISS funds are extremely limited and meant for emergency financial assistance due to unforeseen circumstances. ISS Emergency Funds should only be requested when all other resources and options have been exhausted. It is not meant to pay tuition or student insurance fees since these are not unexpected costs.
If you are awarded emergency assistance, funds may be disbursed in one of two ways: either requiring repayment after graduation with no tax obligations, OR requiring no future repayment with immediate tax obligations. When awarding, ISS will determine how the funds will be provided and share all required next steps.
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Examples of unforeseen financial circumstances may include:
- Loss of financial support or on-campus employment
- Substantial fluctuations in the value of home country currency or exchange rate
- Drastic increases in tuition or living expenses (rent, food, etc.)
- Unexpected changes in your financial support (loss of family sponsorship)
- Excessive medical bills
- Substantial and unexpected expenses
- A family crisis requiring an unexpected round-trip airfare home
- Fire or other destruction or theft of property
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be:
- In active F-1 or J-1 student visa status
- In good academic standing
- Enrolled in a current semester at UW–Madison
- Experiencing a current and unexpected financial emergency
What Are My Options When Finances Are Too Tight?
Our main funding opportunities page provides information on scholarships and grants for international students.
We have compiled information about educational loans on our main funding page.
Educational loans must be paid back.
Sometimes, students take a break from school to relieve the financial burden of their student status. This requires students to request a leave of absence from school and can impact their visa. We recommend that you speak with an advisor if you are considering this option.