ISS Virtual Office Assistant – Special Student Relief

Special Student Relief for F-1 Students

Carefully read the instructions listed below, then use the button at the bottom of this page to start your Special Student Relief application.

Overview

The US Department of Homeland Security has designated some countries for Special Student Relief (SSR). SSR suspends some rules regarding F-1 student enrollment and employment.

These are the countries currently designated for SSR, with a link to the notice in the Federal Register, which includes specific eligibility information:

• • • Afghanistan
    • Cameroon
    • Ethiopia
    • Haiti
    • Hong Kong resident
    • Myanmar
    • Somalia
    • South Sudan
    • Sudan
    • Syria
    • Ukraine
    • Venezuela
    • Yemen

March 2024 Update:

DHS has issued a Broadcast Message announcing Special Student Relief Employment Benefits to Students from Burma Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship. 

Federal Register :: Employment Authorization for Nationals of Burma F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of Current Armed Conflict and the Current Humanitarian Crisis in Burma (Myanmar)

Eligibility

SSR applies to F-1 students who meet all the following conditions:

• • • Are citizens of the designated country
    • Were lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 nonimmigrant status on the date listed in the Federal Register (linked above)
    • Are enrolled in a SEVP-certified school
    • Are currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status
    • Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the crisis in their home country

Special Student Relief means that:

• You may apply for off-campus work authorization based on  SEVERE ECONOMIC HARDSHIP. Read through the information at the link.
• Undergraduate (Bachelor) students who work more than 20 hours/week on campus or are approved for off-campus work authorization can drop to 6 credit hours, with up to 3 credit hours of online credit counting towards full-time enrollment (with prior approval from your ISS advisor).
• Graduate (Master, Doctorate, or Law) students who work more than 20 hours/week on campus or are approved for off-campus work authorization can drop to 3 credit hours, with up to 3 credit hours of online credit counting towards full-time enrollment (with prior approval from your ISS advisor).

Next steps:

If you think you are eligible for any of the above student relief:

• • Read and follow the SSR Application Instructions.
  • Complete and sign the SSR Request Form.
  • Letter explaining how you are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in your home country Sample Letter
  • Complete and upload all the required documents using the button below.