United States | DHS is suspending regulatory requirements for eligible Lebanese nationals with F-1 status

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is suspending certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon who are experiencing significant economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Lebanon and allowing eligible students to apply for work authorization and to work in greater numbers, reduce hours during school hours, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain their F-1 nonimmigrant status.

Key points:

• This notice applies exclusively to F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet all of the following conditions:
  • You are a Lebanese citizen (or a person without a nationality who was most recently habitually resident in Lebanon), regardless of your country of birth;
  • Were lawfully present in the United States on November 27, 2024 and had F-1 nonimmigrant status pursuant to Section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 USC 1101(a). . (15)(F)(i);
  • You are enrolled in an academic institution certified to enroll F-1 nonimmigrant students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP);
  • Currently maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; And
  • As a direct result of the current crisis in Lebanon, they are experiencing severe economic difficulties.
• This information applies to F-1 students without an immigrant background at a recognized private school in kindergarten through 12th grade, at public schools in grades 9 through 12, and in basic and postgraduate education.

This alert was provided by the BAL US Practice Group.

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