On Sept. 26, 2022, 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 who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of the humanitarian crisis in Burma. This notice redesignates Special Student Relief (SSR) to include eligible students who are in a lawful F-1 status as of Sept. 27, 2022 and extends relief until May 25, 2024.

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 these notices 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 (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Burma);
• Were lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 nonimmigrant status on Sept. 27, 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 humanitarian crisis in Burma.

The suspension of these requirements will remain in effect until May 25, 2024, for eligible Burmese students.

For more information about SSR, please schedule an appointment with an OISS advisor here.