The Redesignation and Extension of Special Student Relief to Cameroonian Resident Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
On October 06, 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 Cameroonian 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 Cameroonian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe
Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Armed Conflict and Current Humanitarian
Crisis in Cameroon, 2023)
In order to be eligible, students must meet all of the following conditions:
- Are citizens of Cameroon regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Cameroon).
- 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 June 7, 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?"
Department of Homeland Security. (2023, October 09). Employment Authorization for Cameroonian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe
Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Armed Conflict and Current Humanitarian
Crisis in Cameroon .
Image: Wavebreak, Getty Images Signature, Cameroon national flag against bright blue sky with clouds, Canva.com, accessed October 09, 2023,
Disclaimer
This news is not a substitute for legal advice nor international student advisors are immigration lawyers. For complex situations, we encourage you to discuss with an immigration attorney.