ISSS News

On September 05, 2023 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a Federal Register Notice, explaining a suspension on certain F-1 student regulations for students who are South Sudanese residents that are experiencing severe economic hardship. Specifically, "employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 nonimmigrant student status," (Federal Register, Employment Authorization for South Sudanese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in South Sudan, 2023) In order to be eligible, students must meet all of the following conditions: Are citizens of South Sudan regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan). Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 status on the date of publication of the notice. Are enrolled at the University of Utah. Are currently maintaining F-1 status. Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the curent armed conflict and humanitarian crisis. The suspension will remain until May 03, 2025. For more information please refer to the Federal Register Notice and for additional information about Special Student Relief we encourage you to review this at ICE.gov/SEVP on "What is Special Student Relief?" In order to be eligible, students must meet all of the following conditions: Are a citizen of Sudan regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Sudan). Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 status on January 26, 2023. Are enrolled at the University of Utah. Are currently maintaining F-1 status. Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the curent crisis in Sudan. The suspension will remain until April 19, 2025. For more information please refer to the Federal Register Notice and for additional information about Special Student Relief we encourage you to review this at ICE.gov/SEVP on "What is Special Student Relief?"

On August 18, 2023 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a Federal Register Notice, explaining a suspension on certain F-1 student regulations for students who are Sudanese residents that are experiencing severe economic hardship. Specifically, "employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 nonimmigrant student status," (Federal Register, Employment Authorization for Sudanese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Sudan, 2023) In order to be eligible, students must meet all of the following conditions: Are a citizen of Sudan regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Sudan). Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 status on January 26, 2023. Are enrolled at the University of Utah. Are currently maintaining F-1 status. Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the curent crisis in Sudan. The suspension will remain until April 19, 2025. For more information please refer to the Federal Register Notice and for additional information about Special Student Relief we encourage you to review this at ICE.gov/SEVP on "What is Special Student Relief?"

On August 18, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a Federal Register Notice, explaining a suspension on certain F-1 student regulations for students who are Ukrainian residents that are experiencing severe economic hardship. Specifically, "employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 nonimmigrant student status," (Federal Register, Employment Authorization for Ukrainian  F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Ukraine, 2023) In order to be eligible, students must meet all of the following conditions: Are a citizen of Ukraine regardless of country of birth (or an indvidual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Ukraine). Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 status. Are enrolled at the University of Utah. Are currently maintaining F-1 status. Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the curent crisis in Ukraine. The suspension will remain until April 19, 2025. For more information please refer to the Federal Register Notice and for additional information about Special Student Relief we encourage you to review this at ICE.gov/SEVP on "What is Special Student Relief?"

On May 04, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a Federal Register Notice, explaining a suspension on certain F-1 student regulations for students who are Hong Kong residents that are experiencing severe economic hardship. Specifically, "employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 nonimmigrant student status," (Federal Register, Employment Authorization for Hong Kong F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Hong Kong, 2023)

The U.S Center for Disease and Control announced on Friday March 10, 2023 that the requirement to provide proof of a negative COVID test from travelers coming from the People's Republic of China (PRC) flying to the United States is no longer a requirement.