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 March 18, 2023, through Sept. 17, 2024.

Special Student Relief for Somali 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 Somalia regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia);
  • Be lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on March 13, 2023;
  • 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 Somalia.
• 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.