03/03/2022 Special Student Relief for F-1 Students

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Cameroon

Effective Date: June 7, 2022, through December 7, 2023

Details on 87 FR 34701

General Eligibility criteria:

Summary:

  • Citizens of Cameroon regardless of country of birth (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Cameroon);
  • Lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 nonimmigrant status on June 7, 2022;
  • Enrolled in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school;
  • Currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and
  • experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crises in Cameroon.

Afghanistan

Effective Date: May 20, 2022, through November 20, 2023

Details on: 87 FR 30971 (5/20/2022)

General Eligibility criteria:

Summary:

  • Be a citizen of Afghanistan, regardless of country of birth (or be an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan);
  • Have been lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on May 20, 2022;
  • Be currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status;
  • Be enrolled in an SEVP-certified academic institution; and
  • Be experiencing severe economic hardship “as a direct result of the current situation in Afghanistan”

Ukraine

Effective Date: April 19, 2022, through October 19, 2023

Details on: 87 FR 23189 (4/19/2022)

General Eligibility criteria:

Summary:

This notice announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) is suspending certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Ukraine, regardless of country of birth (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Ukraine), and who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine. The Secretary is taking action to provide relief to these Ukrainian students who are lawful F-1 nonimmigrant students, so the students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while the school is in session and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain their F-1 nonimmigrant student status. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student who receives employment authorization by means of this notice to be engaged in a “full course of study” for the duration of the employment authorization, if the nonimmigrant student satisfies the minimum course load requirement described in this notice.

Criteria:

  • Are a citizen of Ukraine regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Ukraine);
  • Were lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i), on the date of publication of this notice;
  • Are enrolled in an academic institution that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified for enrollment for F-1 nonimmigrant students;
  • Are maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and
  • Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine.

South Sudan

Effective Date: March 3, 2022, until November 3, 2023

Details on: 87 FR 12182  (March 3, 2022)

General Eligibility criteria:

  • Be a citizen of the Republic of South Sudan regardless of country of birth or “an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan”
  • Have been lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on March 3, 2022
  • Be enrolled in an institution certified by SEVP for the enrollment of F-1 students
  • Be currently maintaining F-1 status; and
  • Be experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan

Hong Kong

Effective Date: November 26, 2021

Details on: 86 FR 67485 (November 26, 2021)

General Eligibility criteria:

  • Be a resident of Hong Kong, regardless of country of birth;
  • Have been lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on November 26, 2021;
  • Be currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status;
  • Be enrolled in an SEVP-certified academic institution; and
  • Be experiencing severe economic hardship “as a direct result of the emergent circumstances in Hong Kong”

Yemen

Effective September 4, 2021 until March 3, 2023

Details on: 86 FR 36288 (July 9, 2021)

General Eligibility criteria:

  • Be a citizen of Yemen, regardless of country of birth;
  • Have been lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on September 4, 2021;
  • Be currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status;
  • Be enrolled in an SEVP-certified academic institution; and
  • Be experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Yemen

Venezuela

Effective April 22, 2021 until September 9, 2022

Details on:  86 FR 21328 (April 22, 2021)

General Eligibility criteria:

  • Be a citizen of Venezuela, regardless of country of birth;
  • Have been lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on April 22, 2021;
  • Be currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status;
  • Be enrolled in an SEVP-certified academic institution; and
  • Be experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current humanitarian crisis in Venezuela

Syria

Update

Redesignation of Special Student Relief (SSR) effective October 1, 2022, through April 1, 2024,

Details on: 87 FR 46975 (08/01/2022)

[Initial SSR designation effective April 22, 2021, through September 30, 2022]

General Eligibility criteria:

The notice applies exclusively to F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet all of the following conditions:

  • Are citizens of Syria regardless of country of birth (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Syria)
  • Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 nonimmigrant status on Aug. 1, 2022
  • Are enrolled in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school
  • Are currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and
  • Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the civil war in Syria.

The suspension of these requirements will remain in effect until April 1, 2024, for Syrian students.

Somalia

Effective September 18, 2021 through March 17, 2023

Details on: 86 FR 38739 (July 22, 2021)

General Eligibility criteria:

  • Be a citizen of Somalia, regardless of country of birth;
  • Have been lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on September 18, 2021;
  • Be currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status;
  • Be enrolled in an SEVP-certified academic institution; and
  • Be experiencing severe economic hardship “as a direct result of the current crisis in Somalia”

 Haiti

Effective August 3, 2021 through February 3, 2023

Details on: 86 FR 41857 (August 3, 2021)

General Eligibility criteria:

  • Be a citizen of Haiti, regardless of country of birth;
  • Have been lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on August 3, 2021;
  • Be currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status;
  • Be enrolled in an SEVP-certified academic institution; and
  • Be experiencing severe economic hardship “as a direct result of the current crisis in Haiti”

Burma/Myanmar

Effective May 25, 2021 until November 25, 2022

Details on: 86 FR 28128 (May 25, 2021).

General Eligibility criteria:

  • Be a citizen of Burma (Myanmar), regardless of country of birth;
  • Have been lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on May 25, 2021;
  • Be currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status;
  • Be enrolled in an SEVP-certified academic institution; and
  • Be experiencing severe economic hardship “as a direct result of the current crisis in Burma”

03/08/2022 Immigration Benefits for Individuals in the U.S.

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Temporary Protected Status

USCIS Announces 18-Month TPS Designation for Ukraine. On March 3, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. The designation will not go into effect until a notice is published in the Federal Register, which is expected soon. The DHS announcement states that “Individuals eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022. Individuals who attempt to travel to the United States after March 1, 2022, will not be eligible for TPS. Ukraine’s 18-month designation will go into effect on the publication date of the forthcoming Federal Register notice. The Federal Register notice will provide instructions for applying for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). TPS applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and undergo security and background checks.” Visit NAFSA’s page Basics of Temporary Protected Status for background about the TPS program.

01/13/2022 Important Announcement on Waivers of the Interview Requirement for Certain Nonimmigrant Visas

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The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, has authorized consular officers through the end of 2022 to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain temporary employment nonimmigrant visa applicants who have a petition approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.   This new authorization applies to temporary workers applying for H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q visas who meet certain conditions . . . click to continue to read full message

09/19/2021 – Continuation of Documentation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protected StatusDesignations for El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Sudan, Honduras, and Nepal

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DHS published a Federal Register notice (FRN) announcing that beneficiaries under the TPS designations for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan will retain their TPS while the preliminary injunction in Ramos remains in effect, provided their TPS is not withdrawn because of individual ineligibility. In compliance with the injunction, DHS has automatically extended the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and other TPS-related documentation for TPS beneficiaries affected by the injunction through [Dec. 31, 2022]. If necessary, DHS will continue to issue appropriate future notices to continue its compliance with court orders.

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2021-19617.pdf?utm_source=federalregister.gov&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pi+subscription+mailing+list

05/24/2021 – DHS Announces Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Burmese Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship

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The following information was taken from the 2105 – 03 DHS Broadcast Message.


On May 24, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a Federal Register
notice announcing the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant
students from Burma (Myanmar) who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of
the current crisis in Burma.

This notice temporarily suspends applicable on-campus and off-campus employment regulations
for eligible Burmese students. DHS will continue to monitor the situation in Burma and will
announce any additional modifications or extensions to this notice in the Federal Register.

The notice applies exclusively to F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet all of the following
conditions:
• Are citizens of Burma, regardless of country of birth;
• Were lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 nonimmigrant status on May 25,
2021;
• Are enrolled in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school;
• Are currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and
• Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in
Burma.


The suspension of these requirements will remain in effect until Nov. 25, 2022 for Burmese
students. Please refer to the Burma Federal Register notice for more information regarding:
• The specific Special Student Relief (SSR) action effective with the notice;
• Who is covered by this SSR action;
• Why DHS took this SSR action; and
• How to apply for employment authorization under this SSR action.

For more information about SSR and when eligible students may apply, please view the What is
Special Student Relief? infographic in the Study in the States Resource Library. If you have
case-specific questions, please contact the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400 or 800-892-
4829, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, except federal holidays.

Disclaimer: This Broadcast Message is not a substitute for applicable legal requirements, nor is it itself a rule
or a final action by SEVP. It is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create
any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in any
administrative, civil or criminal matter.

May 24, 2021 – DHS Announces Open Registration for Temporary Protected Status for Burma

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The following News Release was taken from the USCIS Website.

Release Date 05/24/2021

New Designation Allows Eligible Burmese to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security today published a Federal Register notice (FRN) designating Burma for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, effective May 25, 2021, through Nov. 25, 2022. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced on March 12 that Burma would be designated for TPS.

The designation of Burma for TPS allows an estimated 1,600 Burmese nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Burma) who have been continuously residing in the United States since March 11, 2021, and continuously physically present in the United States since May 25, 2021, to file initial applications to obtain TPS. Applicants must also meet additional TPS eligibility requirements.

Individuals applying for TPS under the designation of Burma must submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the 180-day initial registration period that runs from May 25, 2021, through Nov. 22, 2021. Applicants may also be eligible to apply for TPS-related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and for travel authorization.

The FRN explains the procedures necessary to submit an initial registration application under the designation and apply for an EAD.

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn.

India Has Been Added to the Presidential Proclamation Suspending Entry to the US of Certain Foreign Nationals

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On April 30th, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation suspending the entry of certain non-immigrants from entering the US who were physically present in India 14 days preceding their entry to the United States. This Proclamation goes into effect on Tuesday, May 4 at 12:01 a.m. US Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, and Immigrants are not subject to this order. Additional exceptions can be found on the State Department’s website.

An excerpt from the US Department of State regarding National Interest Exceptions is pasted below:

“The Secretary of State has determined that the travel of the following individuals is in the national interest for purposes of approving exceptions under the geographic COVID Presidential Proclamations, including those subject to restrictions under this Proclamation:

  • Students and certain academics covered by exchange visitor programs. Students subject to these geographic COVID proclamations due to their presence in India, China, Iran, Brazil, or South Africa, may qualify for a National Interest Exception only if their academic program begins August 1, 2021 or later. Students with valid F-1 and M-1 visas intending to begin or continue an academic program commencing August 1, 2021 or later do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual National Interest Exception to travel. They may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start of their academic studies. Students seeking to apply for new F-1 or M-1 visas should check the status of visa services at the nearest embassy or consulate; those applicants who are found to be otherwise qualified for an F-1 or M-1 visa will automatically be considered for a national interest exception to travel.”

Please contact ISSO for any questions you may have regarding how this may impact you.

A Message Regarding USCIS Announcement on e-Filing Form I-765

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  • USCIS has announced on 4/12/2021 that F-1 students choosing to apply  for Optional Practical Training (OPT) are now eligible to file form I-765 online. This new provision refers specifically  and ONLY to  the following OPT categories:
    • 24-Month STEM OPT under I-765 eligibility code (c)(3)(C)
    • Post-Completion OPT under under I-765 eligibility code (c)(3)(B)
    • Pre-completion OPT under I-765 eligibility code ( c)(3)(A)

However, until additional information is available, the ISSO advises eligible applicants to continue to submit paper applications via mail to USCIS following existing instructions on our website. Paper filings continue to be accepted by USCIS. The ISSO will monitor announcements and clarifications issued by USCIS and will continue to keep you informed of any new developments concerning the filing of OPT.

Upcoming Workshop: Understanding Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

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Understanding Temporary Protected Status

Presented by: Attorney Dan Berger | Curran, Berger & Kludt Immigration Law

Wednesday, April 7, 4pm ET

Registration required

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas recently announced Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela and Burma (Myanmar), as well as re-designation of TPS for Syria.

For international students in F-1 status and exchange visitors in J-1 status, it may be advantageous to maintain continued F-1 or J-1 status in addition to filing for TPS.

The session will include:

·         Overview of Temporary Protected Status

·         How and when to register for TPS

·         Considerations about retaining dual status

Students and DSOs from area schools are welcome to attend.

USCIS Posts a Memo Extending Flexibility to Certain Applicants Filing Form I-765

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On February 26, 2021 USCIS announced flexibilities to certain applicants filing Form I-765 for applicants filing between October 1, 2020 through May 1, 2021. Highlights of the memo include:

  • Ability to re-apply following USCIS denial: Students may be eligible to re-file the Form I-765 if the original petition was filed between October 1, 2020 through May 1, 2021 and USCIS subsequently rejected it. Please contact ISSO immediately for more information on eligibility and process.
  • 14-Month OPT period flexibilities: Students may be eligible to file for an EAD Correction if they were not granted the full 12-months of OPT validity due to USCIS processing times and the requirement that the OPT end date may not be more than 14 months from the program completion date. If you think you may be eligible for this, please contact ISSO immediately for more information.
  • Missing signatures: USCIS will send a Request for Evidence (RFE) rather than rejecting the application.

To read the full memo, please refer to the USCIS Extends Flexibilities for I-765 page: https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-extends-flexibilities-to-certain-applicants-filing-form-i-765-for-opt