On Aug. 1, 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 Syria who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of the civil war in Syria. This notice redesignates Special Student Relief (SSR) to include eligible students who are in lawful F-1 status as of Aug. 1, 2022 and extends relief until April 1, 2024.

This notice temporarily suspends applicable on-campus and off-campus employment regulations for eligible Syrian students. DHS will continue to monitor the situation in Syria 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 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.

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