Immigration News - United States USCIS provides guidance for individuals authorized to work under SSR provisions Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) February 22, 2023 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently provided guidance to clarify the validity period of employment authorization under Special Student Relief. Key Points: USCIS clarified that it can grant off-campus SSR employment authorization for the entire duration of the Federal Register notice validity period, typically an 18-month period. However, employment authorization cannot be extended past the student’s academic program end date. F-1 students who are eligible for SSR must file an application with USCIS; more information regarding the application process is available here. Additional Information: Countries and regions with current SSR provisions include: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Haiti, Hong Kong, Myanmar (Burma), Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela and Yemen. BAL Analysis: USCIS provides SSR when circumstance such as financial crises, natural disasters and military conflicts occur. F-1 nonimmigrant students from eligible countries are reminded that they may qualify for off-campus work authorization in cases of severe economic hardship due to emergent circumstances. This alert has been provided by BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com. Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.