An emergent circumstances determination is the DHS Secretary’s decision to provide special student relief to F-1 students experiencing unforeseen, severe economic hardship.

In specific situations, an international student may be eligible for Special Student Relief (SSR), which is the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for an F‑1 student from parts of the world that are experiencing emergent circumstances.

What Regulatory Requirements May Be Suspended?

Regulatory requirements that may be suspended or altered for an F-1 student include: duration of status, full course of study and off-campus employment eligibility.

How Are Emergent Circumstances Determined?

Emergent circumstances are world events that affect F-1 students from a particular region and create significant financial hardships, such as but not limited to: natural disasters, wars and military conflicts, national or international financial crises.

Who Determines Special Student Relief Eligibility?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues a Federal Register (FR) notice when the secretary declares that an event constitutes emergent circumstances.

Criteria for Special Student Relief

You may be eligible for Special Student Relief if you:

  • Are a citizen of a country specified in an Federal Register notice.
  • Have lawfully resided in the United States for the dates indicated in the Federal Register notice.
  • Have reported on time to your designated school official (DSO) and been enrolled in an SEVP-certified school since the event.
  • Are currently maintaining F-1 status.
  • Are experiencing severe economic hardship.

Steps to Apply for Special Student Relief Employment

Request the DSO Enforcement for SSR

  • A student must secure the endorsement from the designated school official to establish that you meet all special student relief criteria.
  • Log into the International Services Portal using your eCampus credentials and complete the request for the Special Student Relief endorsement.

File the I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS

  • Eligible F-1 students must first file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and obtain employment authorization before beginning off-campus employment.

Required Evidence for Application

Review the Checklist of Required Evidence and gather digital versions of all requirements to upload with your application.

  • I-20 issued within 30-days of endorsement from your designated school official.
  • Completed form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (PDF) filled for category (C)(3)(iii)
  • Valid Passport with F-1 Visa
  • A printout of your I-94 Arrival Document
  • Recent Color passport-style photograph: Taken within 30-days on a white or off-white background measuring 2 x 2 inches, with your face measuring 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches from the chin to the top of your head. Your eyes should be between 1 1/8 inches and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo.
  • USCIS Filing Fee
  • Copies of all previous I-20s
  • Copies of previous employment authorization documents (if applicable)
  • Form G-1145 (Not required, but recommended)
  • A copy of your transcript
  • A letter written by you addressed to USCIS in which you describe in detail the circumstances that support your request for SSR employment authorization

 

Support Options for International Students

International Services is available to assist and support students regarding Special Student Relief options. Your designated school official will also be able to connect you with internal and external resources.
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  • Regular Semester Hours Mon - Fri: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
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