The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is suspending certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Lebanon, allowing eligible students to request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain their F-1 nonimmigrant status.

Key Points:

  • This notice applies exclusively to F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet all of the following conditions:
    • Are a citizen of Lebanon regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon);
    • Were lawfully present in the United States on November 27, 2024, in F-1 nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i);
    • Are enrolled in an academic institution that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified for enrollment for F-1 nonimmigrant students;
    • Are currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and
    • Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Lebanon.
  • This notice applies to F-1 nonimmigrant students in an approved private school in kindergarten through grade 12, public school grades 9 through 12 and undergraduate and graduate education.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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