On February 18, 2025, the Department of State announced an Interview Waiver Update that changes the eligibility requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants who may qualify for an in-person visa interview waiver. Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions. Check the U.S. embassy or consulate in your region for detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures. What is the new policy? Consular officers have the authority and discretion to waive the…
Category: Government Update
Government updates and notifications
DHS Announces Special Student Relief for Students from Lebanon
Summary On October 17, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Lebanon experiencing economic hardship due to the current crisis in the country. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations from July 26, 2024 and is set to expire on January 25, 2026. What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation…
DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from Somalia
Summary On July 19, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Somalia experiencing economic hardship due to the current crisis in the country. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations and is set to expire on March 17, 2026. What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country….
DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from Yemen
Summary On July 08, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Yemen experiencing economic hardship due to the current crisis in the country. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations and is set to expire on March 03, 2026. What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country….
DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from Haiti
Summary On June 28, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Haiti experiencing economic hardship due to the current crisis in the country. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations and is set to expire on February 03, 2026. What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country….
DHS Announces Special Student Relief for Students from the Palestinian Territories
Summary On April 12, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to Palestinian F-1 students experiencing economic hardship due to the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian Territories. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations and is set to expire on June 13, 2025. What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country….
DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from Ethiopia
Summary On April 12, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Ethiopia through December 12, 2025. The original SSR notice was set to expire on June 12, 2024. What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country. SSR typically provides eligible students flexibilities related to employment and enrollment requirements….
DHS Extends Special Student Relief (SSR) for Students from Burma
Summary On March 22, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Burma through November 25, 2025. The original SSR notice was set to expire on May 25, 2024. What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country. SSR typically provides eligible students flexibilities related to employment and enrollment requirements….
DHS Extends Special Student Relief (SSR) for Students from Venezuela
Summary On March 11, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Venezuela through September 10, 2025. The original SSR notice was set to expire on March 10, 2024. What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country. SSR typically provides eligible students flexibilities related to employment and enrollment requirements….
USCIS Increases Filing Fee for Form I-765
On January 30, 2024 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced adjustments to filing fees for certain immigration requests including Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization. The I-765 is used by both F-1 and J-1 international students for various employment benefits such as Optional Practical Training and J-2 dependent employment authorization. What is the change? The finalized fee adjustment is as follows: Filing Type Current Fee New Fee Difference Paper-filed $410 $520 +27% Online filed $410 $470 +14.5% Why are…