The Redesignation and Extension of Special Student Relief to Hong Kong Resident Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
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)
In order to be eligible, students must meet all of the following conditions:
- Are Hong Kong residents, regardless of country of birth
- 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 Hong Kong
The suspension will remain until February 05, 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, May 04). Employment Authorization for Hong Kong F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe
Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Hong Kong.
Image: LeeYiuTung, Getty Images, Hong Kong flag with urban background, Canva.com, accessed May 04, 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.