Summary
On April 12, 2024 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Special Student Relief (SSR) to Palestinian F-1 students experiencing economic hardship due to the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian Territories. The designation suspends certain on-campus and off-campus regulations and is set to expire on June 13, 2025.
What is Special Student Relief?
Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of specific immigration regulations for F-1 students who face unexpected hardship due to a situation in their home country. SSR typically provides eligible students flexibilities related to employment and enrollment requirements. This particular notice suspends applicable on-campus and off-campus employment regulations as well as full-time enrollment requirements.
Who is eligible for the SSR extended to students from the Palestinian Territories?
Per the DHS Notice, this extension of SSR applies to F-1 students who:
- Are a non-U.S. citizen of any nationality, or without nationality, and who possesses an authentic document described in the Supplementary Information section of the Notice, including but not limited to:
- a Palestinian Authority Passport;
- a Palestinian Authority Identification Card;
- a Birth Certificate or Birth Extract verified or issued by a recognized governmental authority identifying the holder as having been born in the Palestinian Territories;
- an identification document issued by a third country, the United Nations its specialized agencies and related organizations, or the International Committee of the Red Cross, indicating the holder is a Palestinian; or
- a travel document issued by a third country, the United Nations its specialized agencies and related organizations, or the International Committee of the Red Cross, identifying the holder as a Palestinian.
- Were lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 nonimmigrant status on February 14, 2024;
- Are enrolled in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school;
- Are currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and
- Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current armed humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian Territories.
How do I apply for SSR?
If you are interested in applying for Special Student Relief, please reach out to us through the Contact ISS form.