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.