Employment Authorization for Certain Palestinian F-1s experiencing Severe Economic Hardship and for certain individuals covered by “Deferred Enforced Departure"

Per the Federal Notice posted on April 15, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is suspending certain regulatory requirements for certain Palestinian F-1 nonimmigrant students who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian Territories. DHS is providing relief to these students who are in lawful F-1 nonimmigrant status, so the students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain their F-1 nonimmigrant status.

Applicants covered under DED for Palestinians can apply for a DED-based Employment Authorization Document (EAD) valid through Aug. 13, 2025 may apply by following the instructions provided in the Federal Register notice to apply for an EAD.

Applicants must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and pay the associated fee (or request a fee waiver). On Form I-765, applicants must indicate that they are covered under DED for Palestinians by putting “(a)(11)” in response to Question 27.

General processing times for Form I-765 can be found on USCIS’s processing times page.