Key information:

• Lawful F-1 nonimmigrant students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while their academic institution is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain their F-1 nonimmigrant student status.
• These relief options are in effect from Dec. 12, 2022, through June 12, 2024.

Special Student Relief for Ethiopian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students

Eligibility for relief:

• To be eligible to request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while your academic institution is in session, and reduce your course load while continuing to maintain your F-1 nonimmigrant student status, you must meet all the following conditions:
  • Be a citizen of Ethiopia regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Ethiopia);
  • Be lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on Dec. 12, 2022;
  • Be enrolled in an academic institution that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified for enrollment for F-1 nonimmigrant students;
  • Be maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and
  • Be experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the crises in Ethiopia.
• This relief applies to:
  • F-1 nonimmigrant students in an approved private school in kindergarten through grade 12, public school in grades 9 through 12, and undergraduate and graduate education.
  • F-1 nonimmigrant students who transfer to another SEVP-certified academic institution.

Consult the Federal Register Notice for more information.

Avoiding Legal Services Fraud

Ethiopian students registering for Special Student Relief and work authorization should seek qualified legal assistance and beware of fraud. More information about avoiding legal services scams is available here: cliniclegal.org/resources/protecting-your-community/unauthorized-practice-immigration-law.