On Sept. 5, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted notices announcing the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students from South Sudan who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of the current crisis and humanitarian crisis. This notice extends Special Student Relief (SSR) for eligible South Sudanese students from Nov. 4, 2023, until May 3, 2025.
?These notices temporarily suspend applicable on-campus and off-campus employment regulations for eligible South Sudanese students. DHS will continue to monitor the situation in South Sudanese and will announce any additional modifications or extensions to these notices in the Federal Register.
?These notices apply exclusively to F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet all of the following conditions:
?Are citizens of South Sudan regardless of country of birth (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan);
- Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 nonimmigrant status on the date of publication of this notice;
- Are enrolled in a Student and Exchange 糖心视频or Program (SEVP)-certified school;
- Are currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and
- Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current armed conflict and humanitarian crisis.
?The suspension of these requirements will remain in effect until May 3, 2025, for South Sudanese students.
?Please refer to the notice for more information regarding:
?The specific SSR action effective with this notice;
- Who is covered by these SSR actions;
- Why DHS took these SSR actions; and
- How to apply for employment authorization under this SSR action.
For details of this SSR and to apply, students should first make an appointment with an ISS advisor to determine eligibility and to receive the authorization.
