DHS Notice of Employment Authorization for Yemeni and Somali F-1 Nonimmigrant Students

On July 10, 2024, The U.S. Dept of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a notice suspending certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Yemen who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Yemen. This action covers eligible Yemeni F-1 nonimmigrant students beginning on September 4, 2024, and ending on March 3, 2026.  On July 22, 2024, the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a similar notice suspending certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Somalia who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Somalia.  This action is effective beginning on September 18, 2024, and ending on March 17, 2026.

These notices apply only to F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet all of the following conditions:

(1) Are a citizen of Yemen or Somalia regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen or Somalia);

(2) Were lawfully present in the United States on the date of publication of these notices in F-1 nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i);

(3) Are enrolled in an academic institution that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified for enrollment for F-1 nonimmigrant students;

(4) Are currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and

(5) Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Yemen or Somalia.

This notice applies to F-1 nonimmigrant students in an approved private school in kindergarten through grade 12, public school grades 9 through 12, and undergraduate and graduate education. An F-1 nonimmigrant student covered by ICE’s notice who transfers from one SEVP-certified academic institution to another certified institution remains eligible for the relief provided by this notice.