The Redesignation and Extension of Special Student Relief to South Sudanese Resident Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship
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?"
Department of Homeland Security. (2023, September 19). Employment Authorization for Sudanese F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe
Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in South Sudan.
Image: Sezer Ozger, Getty Images, Flag of South Sudan waving in the wind against white cloudy blue sky, Canva.com, accessed September 19, 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.