Work authorization & studentsPOLICY UPDATE
Special Student Relief for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify the validity period of employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship due to emergent circumstances (also known as special student relief (SSR)).
Effective date and application
This guidance, contained in Volume 2 and Volume 10 of the Policy Manual, is effective immediately
Key changes
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify the validity period of employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship due to emergent circumstances (also known as special student relief (SSR)).
- Provides general information about SSR, including eligibility and documentary requirements.
- Clarifies that USCIS may grant SSR off-campus employment authorization for the duration of the Federal Register notice validity period, not to exceed the F-1 nonimmigrant student’s academic program end date.
