DHS Extends Employment Authorization for Haitian & Yemeni F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Economic Hardship Due to Crises in Home Countries

DHS extended Haiti’s designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for another 18 months from 8/4/2024 through 2/3/2026. Haitian nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last resided in Haiti) who have been continuously residing in the U.S. since June 3, 2024, and who have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since August 4, 2024, may apply or re-register for TPS. Haitian nationals who are in F–1 nonimmigrant status and who are experiencing severe economic hardship due to the current crisis in Haiti may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while in school, and reduce their course load without jeopardizing their F–1 status.

A special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Yemen, or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen, has also been released. These eligible students may also request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain valid F-1 status through the TPS designation period. See below for more information on the TPS re-designation period for Yemen.

Links: Federal Register: Employment Authorization for Haitian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Crisis in Haiti; and Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status | USCIS