On November 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a Federal Register Notice, announcing a suspension on certain F-1 student regulations for F-1 students from Lebanon who are experiencing severe economic hardship. Specifically, "employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 nonimmigrant student status," (Federal Register, 2024).
As Spring 2025 registration approaches, the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) team would like to remind international students at the University of Utah about full-time enrollment requirements and share important updates to the Reduced Course Load (RCL) policy.
With the Post-Optional Practical Training (OPT) application window now open for most Spring 2024 graduates, we wanted to bring to your attention recent news from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced new fee increases that will go into effect April 1, 2024. Any applications submitted to USCIS on or after April 1, 2024, will need to include the new fee amounts or they will not be accepted by USCIS.
On October 06, 2023 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a Federal Register Notice, explaining a suspension on certain F-1 student regulations for students who are Cameroonian residents that are experiencing severe economic hardship. Specifically, "employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 nonimmigrant student status," (Federal Register, Employment Authorization for Cameroonian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Armed Conflict and Current Humanitarian Crisis in Cameroon, 2023)
On September 21, 2023 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a Federal Register Notice, explaining a suspension on certain F-1 student regulations for students who are Afghan residents that are experiencing severe economic hardship. Specifically, "employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 nonimmigrant student status," (Federal Register, Employment Authorization for Afghan F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Afghanistan, 2023) In order to be eligible, students must meet all of the following conditions: Are citizens of Afghanistan regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan). Are lawfully present in the United States in an F-1 status on the date of publication of the notice. Are enrolled at the University of Utah. Are currently maintaining F-1 status. Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the curent armed conflict and humanitarian crisis. The suspension will remain until May 20, 2025.