On April 22, 2021, DHS issued a notice granting a “special student relief” for Venezuelan citizens in lawful F-1 student status until September 9, 2022. These students will benefit from relaxed employment authorization rules if they are experiencing severe economic hardship due to the Venezuelan humanitarian crisis. Eligible students can request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain a “full course of study” designation. To qualify, F-1 students must establish that they:
Are Venezuelan citizens;
Were lawfully present in the United States in F-1 status on April 22, 2021;
Are enrolled in an academic institution that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified;
Are currently maintaining F-1 status; and
Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.
F-1 students who receive authorization from their Designated Service Officer (DSO) to work off-campus must apply for an EAD by submitting the required application form and corresponding fee. F-1 students who will be working on-campus do not need to file for an EAD, but do require DSO authorization.
If you or a loved one, believe you qualify for TPS, you should file your applications quickly to take advantage of this benefit and obtain employment authorization as quickly as possible. Venezuelan citizens in F-1 status should reach out to their school’s DSO to determine whether they can avail themselves of the relaxed employment authorization standards. For more information, contact Rodriguez Figueroa Law at (407) 634-4757 for a teleconsultation or online.
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