The Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Washington D.C. reminds the public that the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students who are citizens of Haiti. Those students who were lawfully present in the United States with an F-1 nonimmigrant status on August 3, 2021, are eligible to request employment authorization, work an increased number ofhours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 nonimmigrant student status.

Undergraduate F-1 nonimmigrant students who receive on-campus or off-campus employment authorization must remain registered for a minimum of six semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term. A graduate-level F-1 nonimrnigrant student who receives on-campus or offcampus employment authorization must remain registered for a minimum of three semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term, F-1 nonimmigrant students who satisfy requirements will meet the "full course of study" standard.

DHS also considers students who engage in online coursework pursuant to ICE coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) guidance for nonirrnnigrant students to be in compliance with regulations while such guidance remains in effect. This F-1 notice is effective August 3, 2021, through February 3, 2023.

For more information, please contact a licensed attorney or non-attorney representatives who are recognized and accredited through the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The Embassy will host a virtual discussion with immigration experts in the coming weeks to analyze the legal implications of this decision.

HL/ HaitiLibre