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….
Category: Government Update
Government updates and notifications
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…
DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from Syria
Summary On January 29, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Syria through September 30, 2025. The original SSR notice was set to expire on April 01, 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….
Department of State Extends SSR for J-1 Students from Ukraine
Summary On October 31, 2023, the Department of State announced that the U.S. government and the government of Ukraine have agreed to extend Special Student Relief (SSR) to J-1 students from Ukraine through April 19, 2025. The original SSR notice was set to expire on October 23, 2023. What is Special Student Relief? Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for J-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country. SSR…
USCIS Issues Policy Guidance for 2-year Foreign Residence Requirement for J Exchange Visitors
On October 24, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued policy guidance related to the 2-year Foreign Residence requirement for certain J exchanger visitors. The guidance clarifies 1) how USCIS determines whether the requirement has been met and 2) the evidence a benefit requestor may submit to show compliance with the requirement among other issues. What is the 2-year Foreign Residence Requirement? Some J-1 Exchange Visitors are subject to a 2-year foreign residence requirement. This is sometimes referred to…
DHS Updates Tip Sheet to Help Avoid Form I-765 delays
The Department of Homeland Security’s CIS Ombudsman unit recently released an update to their tip sheet to help F-1 students avoid Form I-765 delays. This tip sheet provides guidance for F-1 students applying for OPT work authorization. What are the key points in the tip sheet? Check USCIS’ website for updates before you submit your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Make sure Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is signed, dated, and endorsed for the correct…
DHS Extends Special Student Relief for Students from Cameroon
Summary On October 06, 2023 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to F-1 students from Cameroon, effective from December 08, 2023 through June 07, 2025. The original SSR notice was set to expire on December 07, 2023. 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…