Employment Authorization for Cameroonian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the Current Armed Conflict and Current Humanitarian Crisis in Cameroon, 69939-69945 [2023-22371]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
• U.s. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 194 (Tuesday, October 10, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69939-69945]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-22371]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

[Docket No. ICEB-2023-0012]
RIN 1653-ZA43


Employment Authorization for Cameroonian F-1 Nonimmigrant 
Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of 
the Current Armed Conflict and Current Humanitarian Crisis in Cameroon

AGENCY: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Department of 
Homeland Security.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security 
(Secretary) is suspending certain regulatory requirements for F-1 
nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Cameroon, 
regardless of country of birth (or individuals having no nationality 
who last habitually resided in Cameroon), and who are experiencing 
severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current armed 
conflict and current humanitarian crisis in Cameroon. The Secretary is 
taking action to provide relief to these Cameroonian students who are 
in lawful F-1 nonimmigrant student 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 student status. The U.S. Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS) will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student granted 
employment authorization by means of this notice to be engaged in a 
``full course of study'' for the duration of the employment 
authorization, if the nonimmigrant student satisfies the minimum course 
load requirement described in this notice.

DATES: This action is effective December 8, 2023, through June 7, 2025.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Snyder, Unit Chief, Policy and 
Response Unit, Student and Exchange Visitor Program, MS 5600, U.S. 
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 500 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 
20536-5600. email: [email protected], telephone: (703) 603-3400. This is 
not a toll-free number. Program information can be found at https://www.ice.gov/sevis/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

What action is DHS taking under this notice?

    The Secretary is exercising authority under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9) to 
temporarily suspend the applicability of certain requirements governing 
on-campus and off-campus employment for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose 
country of citizenship is Cameroon regardless of country of birth (or 
individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in 
Cameroon), who are present in the United States in lawful F-1 
nonimmigrant student status on the date of publication of this notice, 
and who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of 
the current armed conflict and current humanitarian crisis in Cameroon. 
The original notice, which suspended certain regulatory requirements 
for F-1 nonimmigrant students experiencing severe economic hardship as 
a direct result of the crisis at that time was effective from June 7, 
2022, through December 7, 2023. See 87 FR 34701 (June 7, 2022). 
Effective with this publication, suspension of the employment 
limitations is available through June 7, 2025, for those who are in 
lawful F-1 nonimmigrant status on the date of publication of this 
notice. DHS will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student granted employment 
authorization through this notice to be engaged in a ``full course of 
study'' for the duration of the employment authorization, if the 
student satisfies the minimum course load set forth in this notice.\1\ 
See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(F).
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    \1\ Because the suspension of requirements under this notice 
applies throughout an academic term during which the suspension is 
in effect, DHS considers an F-1 nonimmigrant student who engages in 
a reduced course load or employment (or both) after this notice is 
effective to be engaging in a ``full course of study,'' see 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(6), and eligible for employment authorization, through the 
end of any academic term for which such student is matriculated as 
of June 7, 2025, provided the student satisfies the minimum course 
load requirements in this notice.
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Who is covered by this notice?

    This notice applies exclusively to F-1 nonimmigrant students who 
meet all of the following conditions:
    (1) Are a citizen of Cameroon regardless of country of birth (or an 
individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in 
Cameroon);
    (2) Were lawfully present in the United States on the date of 
publication of this notice 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 armed conflict and current humanitarian crisis in Cameroon.
    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 this notice who transfers to another 
SEVP-certified academic institution remains eligible for the relief 
provided by means of this notice.

Why is DHS taking this action?

    DHS is taking action to provide relief to Cameroonian F-1 
nonimmigrant students experiencing severe economic hardship due to the 
current armed conflict and current humanitarian crisis in Cameroon. 
Based on its review of country conditions in Cameroon and input 
received from the U.S. Department of State (DOS), DHS is taking action 
to allow eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students from Cameroon to request 
employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while 
school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to 
maintain F-1 nonimmigrant status.
    In Cameroon's Far North region, attacks from Boko Haram and the 
Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP, aka IS-WA, aka ISIS-WA) are 
becoming more frequent as part of the armed conflict in that region.\2\ 
Separately, the Republic of Cameroon continues to face secessionist 
violence in the English-speaking regions (Northwest Region and 
Southwest Region). The armed conflict in the Far North and violence 
elsewhere has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Cameroon, weakened 
the economy, and caused many Cameroonians to flee to

[[Page 69940]]

internal displacement camps or to foreign countries as refugees.\3\
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    \2\ Cameroon Crisis Response Plan 2023, UN International Office 
of Migration, Jan. 19, 2023, available at https://crisisresponse.iom.int/response/cameroon-crisis-response-plan-2023 
(last visited July 26, 2023).
    \3\ Cameroon Factsheet, European Union Civil Protection and 
Humanitarian Aid Operations, available at https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/where/africa/cameroon_en (last visited 
July 26, 2023); See also: Cameroon--Situation Report, UNOCHA, 
available at https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/cameroon/ (last 
visited July 26, 2023).
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Secessionist Violence

    According to the International Crisis Group, armed separatists 
continue to ambush security forces and harass aid workers in their 
fight to secede from the majority-Francophone country.\4\ For the first 
time, in May 2023, armed separatists attacked military posts near the 
second largest city of Cameroon, Douala.\5\ The city of Douala houses a 
strategic seaport of about four million people, which supplies 80 
percent of the imported goods for the neighboring landlocked Central 
African Republic and Chad.\6\ Officials say the separatists killed at 
least six people and wounded many others.\7\ Separatists have also 
targeted civilians in other ways.\8\ For example, the separatists have 
kidnapped civilians for ransom, extorted shopkeepers and others, and 
imposed their own taxes on businesses.\9\ Meanwhile, the Separatists 
continue targeted violence continues in the English-speaking 
regions.\10\
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    \4\ A Second Look at Cameroon's Anglophone Special Status, ICG, 
available at https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/central-africa/cameroon/b188-second-look-cameroons-anglophone-special-status (last 
visited July 26, 2023).
    \5\ Cameroon Separatists Stage Attack Near French-Speaking City 
of Douala, Voice of America, available at https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2023/05/mil-230502-voa04.htm (last visited July 25, 2023).
    \6\ Cameroon Separatists Stage Attack Near French-Speaking City 
of Douala, Voice of America, available at https://www.voanews.com/a/cameroon-separatists-stage-attack-near-french-speaking-city-of-douala/7075202.html (last visited July 25, 2023).
    \7\ Cameroon Separatists Stage Attack Near French-Speaking City 
of Douala, Voice of American, available at https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2023/05/mil-230502-voa04.htm (last visited July 25, 2023).
    \8\ Cameroon: Events of 2022, Human Rights Watch, available at 
https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/cameroon 
(last visited July 26, 2023).
    \9\ Cameroon could face new atrocity crimes after deploying 
government forces to counter armed separatists, Robert Lansing 
Institute, available at https://lansinginstitute.org/2023/01/20/cameroon-could-facenew-atrocity-crimes-after-deploying-government-forces-to-counter-armed-separatists/ (last visited July 26, 2023).
    \10\ Cameroon: Suspected separatists kidnap 50 women in Mezam 
Department, Northwest Region, May 19, Crisis 24, available at 
https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2023/05/cameroon-suspected-separatists-kidnap-50-women-in-mezam-department-northwest-region-may-19 (last visited July 26, 2023).
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Economic Concerns

    Armed separatists have restricted the movements of persons and 
goods in the Northwest and Southwest Regions, sometimes in a deliberate 
attempt to harass and intimidate the local population.\11\ Separatists 
are frequently using weekly lockdowns, sometimes referred to as ``ghost 
towns'' to limit movement by ordering businesses, schools, and places 
of worship closed, and residents to remain home.\12\
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    \11\ 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Cameroon, 
US Department of State, available at https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/cameroon/ (last 
visited July 25, 2023).
    \12\ 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Cameroon, 
US Department of State, available at https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/cameroon/ (last 
visited July 25, 2023).
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    According to the World Bank, Cameroon suffers from weak governance, 
hindering its development and ability to attract investors.\13\ The 
2021/2022 Human Development Index ranked Cameroon 151 out of 191 
countries.\14\ Although there has been some economic progress, poverty 
remains a significant problem. It is estimated that 37.5 percent of the 
country's population lives below the poverty line and in some other 
regions this estimate exceeds 70 percent.\15\
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    \13\ The World Bank in Cameroon, World Bank, available at 
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/cameroon/overview (last visited 
July 25, 2023).
    \14\ Cameroon Humanitarian Needs Overview 2023 (March 2023), 
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 
(UN OCHA), https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/cameroon/cameroon-humanitarian-needs-overview-2023-march-2023 (last visited 
Sept. 26, 2023).
    \15\ Id.
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    According to the African Development Bank, real GDP growth 
decreased to 3.4 percent in 2022 from 3.6 percent in 2021. Inflation 
increased to 6.2 percent in 2022 from 2.3 percent in 2021, which 
exceeds the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) 
goal of 3 percent.\16\ The World Bank also reported on Cameroon's high 
inflation and cited the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic as 
contributing factors to it.\17\
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    \16\ Cameroon Economic Outlook, African Development Bank, 
available at https://www.afdb.org/en/countries/central-africa/cameroon (last visited July 24, 2023).
    \17\ Cameroon Overview, World Bank, available at https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/cameroon/overview (last visited July 
24, 2023).
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Humanitarian Concerns

    Cameroon faces a humanitarian crisis due to multiple factors 
including the violence in the English-speaking regions and the conflict 
in the Far-North region. Islamist armed groups like Boko Haram and 
ISWAP have continued attacks in this region, killing many civilians, 
and further contributing to the internal displacement of over 378,000 
of Cameroonians by July 2022 alone.\18\ As of May 2023, there were 
1,066,254 internally displaced persons,\19\ an increase from 983,281 
internally displaced persons in February 2022,\20\ as well as over 
86,000 Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria as of November 2022.\21\
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    \18\ Cameroon: Events of 2022, Human Rights Watch, available at 
https://www./hrw.org/world-report/2023//country-chapters/cameroon 
(last visited July 26, 2023).
    \19\ Cameroon Multi Country Office: Refugees and Internally 
Displaced Persons (Figures available as of 31 May 2023), Relief, 
available at https://reliefweb.int/map/cameroon/cameroon-multi-country-office-refugees-and-internally-displaced-persons-figures-available-31-may-2023 (last visited July 26, 2023).
    \20\ Persons of Concern in Cameroon MCO (January 2023), UN OCHA 
Reliefweb, Feb. 27, 2023, available at https://reliefweb.int/report//cameroon/persons-/concern-cameroon-/mco-january-2023 (last visited 
July 26, 2023).
    \21\ Cameroonian Refugees in Nigeria--Operational Update, 
November 2022, UN OCHA Reliefweb, Dec. 19, 2022, available at 
https://reliefweb.int/report/nigeria/cameroonian-refugees-nigeria-operational-update-november-2022 (last visited Sept. 26, 2023).
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    According to the United Nations, ``in 2023, one out of six people 
living in Cameroon needs humanitarian assistance and protection, a 
total of 4.7 million people. More than 3.2 million people are projected 
to face acute food insecurity in 2023.'' \22\ ``While 3.9 million 
people needed humanitarian assistance in 2022, a higher number (4.7 
million) may need it in 2023, according to the United Nations Office 
for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA)'s draft 2023 
Humanitarian Need Overview.'' \23\ ``Additionally, the country faces 
the enormous challenge of ensuring food security in the face of the 
fastest increases in commodity prices for food since 2008.'' \24\
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    \22\ Cameroon Humanitarian Needs Overview 2023 (March 2023), 
Reliefweb, available at https://reliefweb.int/report//cameroon/
cameroon-/humanitarian-needs-/overview-2023-march-
2023#:~:text=In%202023%2C%/20one%20out%20of,)%2C%20returnees/
%2C%20or%20refugees (last visited July 26, 2023).
    \23\ Cameroon Factsheet, European Union Civil Protection and 
Humanitarian Aid Operations, 2023, available at https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/where/africa/cameroon_en 
(last visited July 26, 2023).
    \24\ Cameroon Crisis Response Plan 2023, UN International Office 
of Migration, available at https://crisisresponse.iom.int/response/cameroon-crisis-response-plan-2023 (last visited July 26, 2023).
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    According to the UN OCHA, in 2023, 3 million people are estimated 
to be facing acute food insecurity in Cameroon.\25\ Additionally, more 
than 2

[[Page 69941]]

million people are classified as internally displaced persons (IDPs), 
returnee persons or refugees, and do not have access to many 
services.\26\ The UN OCHA also estimates that 77 percent of those in 
need of humanitarian assistance are women and children.\27\
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    \25\ Cameroon--Situation Report, UNOCHA, available at https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/cameroon/ (last visited July 26, 
2023).
    \26\ Id.
    \27\ Id.
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    The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate due to the 
activities of armed groups that have obstructed aid agencies' access to 
areas they control.\28\ Moreover, the armed groups continue to damage 
and destroy civilian infrastructures.\29\
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    \28\ Cameroon: Events of 2022, Human Rights Watch, available at 
https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/cameroon 
(last visited July 26, 2023).
    \29\ Id.
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    As of September 19, 2023, approximately 1,160 F-1 nonimmigrant 
students from Cameroon are enrolled at SEVP-certified academic 
institutions in the United States. Given the extent of the current 
armed conflict and current humanitarian crisis in Cameroon, affected 
students whose primary means of financial support comes from Cameroon 
may need to be exempt from the normal student employment requirements 
to continue their studies in the United States. The current armed 
conflict and current humanitarian crisis has made it unfeasible for 
many students to safely return to Cameroon for the foreseeable future. 
Without employment authorization, these students may lack the means to 
meet basic living expenses.

What is the minimum course load requirement to maintain valid F-1 
nonimmigrant status under this notice?

    Undergraduate F-1 nonimmigrant students who receive on-campus or 
off-campus employment authorization under this notice must remain 
registered for a minimum of six semester or quarter hours of 
instruction per academic term. Undergraduate F-1 nonimmigrant students 
enrolled in a term of different duration must register for at least one 
half of the credit hours normally required under a ``full course of 
study.'' See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(B) and (F). A graduate-level F-1 
nonimmigrant student who receives on-campus or off-campus employment 
authorization under this notice must remain registered for a minimum of 
three semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term. See 8 
CFR 214.2(f)(5)(v). Nothing in this notice affects the applicability of 
other minimum course load requirements set by the academic institution.
    In addition, an F-1 nonimmigrant student (either undergraduate or 
graduate) granted on-campus or off-campus employment authorization 
under this notice may count up to the equivalent of one class or three 
credits per session, term, semester, trimester, or quarter of online or 
distance education toward satisfying this minimum course load 
requirement, unless their course of study is in an English language 
study program. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G). An F-1 nonimmigrant student 
attending an approved private school in kindergarten through grade 12 
or public school in grades 9 through 12 must maintain ``class 
attendance for not less than the minimum number of hours a week 
prescribed by the school for normal progress toward graduation,'' as 
required under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(E). Nothing in this notice affects 
the applicability of federal and state labor laws limiting the 
employment of minors.

May an eligible F-1 nonimmigrant student who already has on-campus or 
off-campus employment authorization benefit from the suspension of 
regulatory requirements under this notice?

    Yes. An F-1 nonimmigrant student who is a Cameroonian citizen, 
regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality 
who last habitually resided in Cameroon), who already has on-campus or 
off-campus employment authorization and is otherwise eligible may 
benefit under this notice, which suspends certain regulatory 
requirements relating to the minimum course load requirement under 8 
CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i) and certain employment eligibility requirements 
under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9). Such an eligible F-1 nonimmigrant student may 
benefit without having to apply for a new Form I-766, Employment 
Authorization Document (EAD). To benefit from this notice, the F-1 
nonimmigrant student must request that their designated school official 
(DSO) enter the following statement in the remarks field of the 
student's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) 
record, which the student's Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for 
Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, will reflect:
    Approved for more than 20 hours per week of [DSO must insert ``on-
campus'' or ``off-campus,'' depending upon the type of employment 
authorization the student already has] employment authorization and 
reduced course load under the Special Student Relief authorization from 
[DSO must insert the beginning date of the notice or the beginning date 
of the student's employment, whichever date is later] until [DSO must 
insert either the student's program end date, the current EAD 
expiration date (if the student is currently authorized for off-campus 
employment), or the end date of this notice, whichever date comes 
first].\30\
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    \30\ Because the suspension of requirements under this notice 
applies throughout an academic term during which the suspension is 
in effect, DHS considers an F-1 nonimmigrant student who engages in 
a reduced course load or employment (or both) after this notice is 
effective to be engaging in a ``full course of study,'' see 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(6), and eligible for employment authorization, through the 
end of any academic term for which such student is matriculated as 
of June 7, 2025, provided the student satisfies the minimum course 
load requirements in this notice.
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Must the F-1 nonimmigrant student apply for reinstatement after 
expiration of this special employment authorization if the student 
reduces his or her ``full course of study''?

    No. DHS will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student who receives and 
comports with the employment authorization permitted under this notice 
to be engaged in a ``full course of study'' \31\ for the duration of 
the student's employment authorization, provided that a qualifying 
undergraduate level F-1 nonimmigrant student remains registered for a 
minimum of six semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic 
term, and a qualifying graduate level F-1 nonimmigrant student remains 
registered for a minimum of three semester or quarter hours of 
instruction per academic term. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(v) and 
(f)(6)(i)(F). Undergraduate F-1 nonimmigrant students enrolled in a 
term of different duration must register for at least one half of the 
credit hours normally required under a ``full course of study.'' See 8 
CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(B) and (F). DHS will not require such students to 
apply for reinstatement under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(16) if they are otherwise 
maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status.
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    \31\ See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6).
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Will an F-2 dependent (spouse or minor child) of an F-1 nonimmigrant 
student covered by this notice be eligible for employment 
authorization?

    No. An F-2 spouse or minor child of an F-1 nonimmigrant student is 
not authorized to work in the United States and, therefore, may not 
accept employment under the F-2 nonimmigrant status, consistent with 8 
CFR 214.2(f)(15)(i).

[[Page 69942]]

Will the suspension of the applicability of the standard student 
employment requirements apply to an individual who receives an initial 
F-1 visa and makes an initial entry into the United States after the 
effective date of this notice in the Federal Register?

    No. The suspension of the applicability of the standard regulatory 
requirements only applies to certain F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet 
the following conditions:
    (1) Are a citizen of Cameroon regardless of country of birth (or an 
individual having no nationality who last habitually resided in 
Cameroon);
    (2) Were lawfully present in the United States on the date of 
publication of this notice in F-1 nonimmigrant status, under section 
101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i);
    (3) Are enrolled in an academic institution that is SEVP-certified 
for enrollment of F-1 nonimmigrant students;
    (4) Are maintaining F-1 nonimmigrant status; and
    (5) Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of 
the current armed conflict and current humanitarian crisis in Cameroon.
    An F-1 nonimmigrant student who does not meet all these 
requirements is ineligible for the suspension of the applicability of 
the standard regulatory requirements (even if experiencing severe 
economic hardship as a direct result of the current armed conflict and 
current humanitarian crisis in Cameroon).

Does this notice apply to a continuing F-1 nonimmigrant student who 
departs the United States after the effective date of this notice in 
the Federal Register and who needs to obtain a new F-1 visa before 
returning to the United States to continue an educational program?

    Yes. This notice applies to such an F-1 nonimmigrant student, but 
only if the DSO has properly notated the student's SEVIS record, which 
will then appear on the student's Form I-20. The normal rules for visa 
issuance remain applicable to a nonimmigrant who needs to apply for a 
new F-1 visa to continue an educational program in the United States.

Does this notice apply to elementary school, middle school, and high 
school students in F-1 status?

    Yes. However, this notice does not by itself reduce the required 
course load for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Cameroon enrolled in 
kindergarten through grade 12 at a private school, or grades 9 through 
12 at a public high school. Such students must maintain the minimum 
number of hours of class attendance per week prescribed by the academic 
institution for normal progress toward graduation, as required under 8 
CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(E). The suspension of certain regulatory 
requirements related to employment through this notice is applicable to 
all eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students regardless of educational level. 
Eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students from Cameroon enrolled in an 
elementary school, middle school, or high school may benefit from the 
suspension of the requirement in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i) that limits on-
campus employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session.

On-Campus Employment Authorization

Will an F-1 nonimmigrant student who receives on-campus employment 
authorization under this notice be authorized to work more than 20 
hours per week while school is in session?

    Yes. For an F-1 nonimmigrant student covered in this notice, the 
Secretary is suspending the applicability of the requirement in 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(9)(i) that limits an F-1 nonimmigrant student's on-campus 
employment to 20 hours per week while school is in session. An eligible 
F-1 nonimmigrant student has authorization to work more than 20 hours 
per week while school is in session if the DSO has entered the 
following statement in the remarks field of the student's SEVIS record, 
which will be reflected on the student's Form I-20:
    Approved for more than 20 hours per week of on-campus employment 
and reduced course load, under the Special Student Relief authorization 
from [DSO must insert the beginning date of this notice or the 
beginning date of the student's employment, whichever date is later] 
until [DSO must insert the student's program end date or the end date 
of this notice, whichever date comes first].\32\
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    \32\ Because the suspension of requirements under this notice 
applies throughout an academic term during which the suspension is 
in effect, DHS considers an F-1 nonimmigrant student who engages in 
a reduced course load or employment (or both) after this notice is 
effective to be engaging in a ``full course of study,'' see 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(6), and eligible for employment authorization, through the 
end of any academic term for which such student is matriculated as 
of June 7, 2025, provided the student satisfies the minimum course 
load requirements in this notice.
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    To obtain on-campus employment authorization, the F-1 nonimmigrant 
student must demonstrate to the DSO that the employment is necessary to 
avoid severe economic hardship directly resulting from the current 
armed conflict and current humanitarian crisis in Cameroon. An F-1 
nonimmigrant student authorized by the DSO to engage in on-campus 
employment by means of this notice does not need to file any 
applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 
The standard rules permitting full-time employment on-campus when 
school is not in session or during school vacations apply, as described 
in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i).

Will an F-1 nonimmigrant student who receives on-campus employment 
authorization under this notice have authorization to reduce the normal 
course load and still maintain his or her F-1 nonimmigrant student 
status?

    Yes. DHS will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student who receives on-
campus employment authorization under this notice to be engaged in a 
``full course of study'' \33\ for the purpose of maintaining their F-1 
nonimmigrant student status for the duration of the on-campus 
employment, if the student satisfies the minimum course load 
requirement described in this notice, consistent with 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(6)(i)(F). However, the authorization to reduce the normal 
course load is solely for DHS purposes of determining valid F-1 
nonimmigrant student status. Nothing in this notice mandates that 
school officials allow an F-1 nonimmigrant student to take a reduced 
course load if the reduction would not meet the academic institution's 
minimum course load requirement for continued enrollment.\34\
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    \33\ See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6).
    \34\ Minimum course load requirement for enrollment in a school 
must be established in a publicly available document (e.g., catalog, 
website, or operating procedure), and it must be a standard 
applicable to all students (U.S. citizens and foreign students) 
enrolled at the school.
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Off-Campus Employment Authorization

What regulatory requirements does this notice temporarily suspend 
relating to off-campus employment?

    For an F-1 nonimmigrant student covered by this notice, as provided 
under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(A), the Secretary is suspending the 
following regulatory requirements relating to off-campus employment:
    (a) The requirement that a student must have been in F-1 
nonimmigrant student status for one full academic year to be eligible 
for off-campus employment;
    (b) The requirement that an F-1 nonimmigrant student must 
demonstrate that acceptance of employment will not interfere with the 
student's carrying a full course of study;

[[Page 69943]]

    (c) The requirement that limits an F-1 nonimmigrant student's 
employment authorization to no more than 20 hours per week of off-
campus employment while the school is in session; and
    (d) The requirement that the student demonstrate that employment 
under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i) is unavailable or otherwise insufficient to 
meet the needs that have arisen as a result of the unforeseen 
circumstances.

Will an F-1 nonimmigrant student who receives off-campus employment 
authorization under this notice have authorization to reduce the normal 
course load and still maintain F-1 nonimmigrant status?

    Yes. DHS will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student who receives off-
campus employment authorization by means of this notice to be engaged 
in a ``full course of study'' \35\ for the purpose of maintaining F-1 
nonimmigrant student status for the duration of the student's 
employment authorization if the student satisfies the minimum course 
load requirement described in this notice, consistent with 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(6)(i)(F). The authorization for a reduced course load is 
solely for DHS purposes of determining valid F-1 nonimmigrant student 
status. Nothing in this notice mandates that school officials allow an 
F-1 nonimmigrant student to take a reduced course load if such reduced 
course load would not meet the school's minimum course load. 
requirement.\36\
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    \35\ See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6).
    \36\ Minimum course load requirement for enrollment in a school 
must be established in a publicly available document (e.g., catalog, 
website, or operating procedure), and it must be a standard 
applicable to all students (U.S. citizens and foreign students) 
enrolled at the school.
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How may an eligible F-1 nonimmigrant student obtain employment 
authorization for off-campus employment with a reduced course load 
under this notice?

    An F-1 nonimmigrant student must file a Form I-765, Application for 
Employment Authorization, with USCIS to apply for off-campus employment 
authorization based on severe economic hardship directly resulting from 
the current armed conflict and current humanitarian crisis in 
Cameroon.\37\ Filing instructions are located at https://www.uscis.gov/i-765.
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    \37\ See 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(3)(iii).
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    Fee considerations. Submission of a Form I-765 currently requires 
payment of a $410 fee. An applicant who is unable to pay the fee may 
submit a completed Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with the 
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. See https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/additional-information-on-filing-a-fee-waiver. The submission must include an explanation about why USCIS 
should grant the fee waiver and the reason(s) for the inability to pay, 
and any evidence to support the reason(s). See 8 CFR 103.7(c) (Oct. 1, 
2020).
    Supporting documentation. An F-1 nonimmigrant student seeking off-
campus employment authorization due to severe economic hardship must 
demonstrate the following to their DSO:
    (1) This employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship; 
and
    (2) The hardship is a direct result of the current armed conflict 
and current humanitarian crisis in Cameroon.
    If the DSO agrees that the F-1 nonimmigrant student is entitled to 
receive such employment authorization, the DSO must recommend 
application approval to USCIS by entering the following statement in 
the remarks field of the student's SEVIS record, which will then appear 
on that student's Form I-20:
    Recommended for off-campus employment authorization in excess of 20 
hours per week and reduced course load under the Special Student Relief 
authorization from the date of the USCIS authorization noted on Form I-
766 until [DSO must insert the program end date or the end date of this 
notice, whichever date comes first].\38\
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    \38\ Because the suspension of requirements under this notice 
applies throughout an academic term during which the suspension is 
in effect, DHS considers an F-1 nonimmigrant student who engages in 
a reduced course load or employment (or both) after this notice is 
effective to be engaging in a ``full course of study,'' see 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(6), and eligible for employment authorization, through the 
end of any academic term for which such student is matriculated as 
of June 7, 2025, provided the student satisfies the minimum course 
load requirements in this notice.
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    The F-1 nonimmigrant student must then file the properly endorsed 
Form I-20 and Form I-765 according to the instructions for the Form I-
765. The F-1 nonimmigrant student may begin working off campus only 
upon receipt of the EAD from USCIS.
    DSO recommendation. In making a recommendation that an F-1 
nonimmigrant student be approved for Special Student Relief, the DSO 
certifies that:
    (a) The F-1 nonimmigrant student is in good academic standing and 
is carrying a ``full course of study'' \39\ at the time of the request 
for employment authorization;
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    \39\ See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6).
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    (b) The F-1 nonimmigrant student is a citizen of Cameroon, 
regardless of country of birth (or an individual having no nationality 
who last habitually resided in Cameroon), and is experiencing severe 
economic hardship as a direct result of the current armed conflict and 
current humanitarian crisis in Cameroon, as documented on the Form I-
20;
    (c) The F-1 nonimmigrant student has confirmed that the student 
will comply with the reduced course load requirements of this notice 
and register for the duration of the authorized employment for a 
minimum of six semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic 
term if at the undergraduate level, or for a minimum of three semester 
or quarter hours of instruction per academic term if the student is at 
the graduate level; \40\ and
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    \40\ 40 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(v).
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    (d) The off-campus employment is necessary to alleviate severe 
economic hardship to the individual as a direct result of the current 
armed conflict and current humanitarian crisis in Cameroon.
    Processing. To facilitate prompt adjudication of the student's 
application for off-campus employment authorization under 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(9)(ii)(C), the F-1 nonimmigrant student should do both of the 
following:
    (a) Ensure that the application package includes the following 
documents:
    (1) A completed Form I-765 with all applicable supporting evidence;
    (2) The required fee or properly documented fee waiver request as 
defined in 8 CFR 103.7(c) (Oct. 1, 2020); and
    (3) A signed and dated copy of the student's Form I-20 with the 
appropriate DSO recommendation, as previously described in this notice; 
and
    (b) Send the application in an envelope which is clearly marked on 
the front of the envelope, bottom right-hand side, with the phrase 
``SPECIAL STUDENT RELIEF.'' \41\ Failure to include this notation may 
result in significant processing delays.
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    \41\ Guidance for direct filing addresses can be found here: 
https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses.
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    If USCIS approves the student's Form I-765, USCIS will send the 
student a Form I-766 EAD as evidence of employment authorization. The 
EAD will contain an expiration date that does not exceed the end of the 
granted temporary relief.

[[Page 69944]]

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Considerations

Can an F-1 nonimmigrant student apply for TPS and for benefits under 
this notice at the same time?

    Yes. An F-1 nonimmigrant student who has not yet applied for TPS or 
for other relief that reduces the student's course load per term and 
permits an increased number of work hours per week, such as Special 
Student Relief,\42\ under this notice has two options.
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    \42\ See DHS Study in the States, Special Student Relief, 
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/special-student-relief 
(last visited May 10, 2023).
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    Under the first option, the F-1 nonimmigrant student may apply for 
TPS according to the instructions in the USCIS notice designating 
Cameroon for TPS elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register. All 
TPS applicants must file a Form I-821, Application for Temporary 
Protected Status, with the appropriate fee (or request a fee waiver). 
Although not required to do so, if F-1 nonimmigrant students want to 
obtain a new TPS-related EAD that is valid through June 7, 2025, and to 
be eligible for automatic EAD extensions that may be available to 
certain EADs with an A-12 or C-19 category code, they must file Form I-
765 and pay the Form I-765 fee (or request a fee waiver). After 
receiving the TPS-related EAD, an F-1 nonimmigrant student may request 
that their DSO make the required entry in SEVIS and issue an updated 
Form I-20, which notates that the nonimmigrant student has been 
authorized to carry a reduced course load, as described in this notice. 
As long as the F-1 nonimmigrant student maintains the minimum course 
load described in this notice, does not otherwise violate their 
nonimmigrant status, including as provided under 8 CFR 214.1(g), and 
maintains TPS, then the student maintains F-1 status and TPS 
concurrently.
    Under the second option, the F-1 nonimmigrant student may apply for 
an EAD under Special Student Relief by filing Form I-765 with the 
location specified in the filing instructions. At the same time, the F-
1 nonimmigrant student may file a separate TPS application but must 
submit the Form I-821 according to the instructions provided in the 
Federal Register notice designating Cameroon for TPS. If the F-1 
nonimmigrant student has already applied for employment authorization 
under Special Student Relief, they are not required to submit the Form 
I-765 as part of the TPS application. However, some nonimmigrant 
students may wish to obtain a TPS-related EAD in light of certain 
extensions that may be available to EADs with an A-12 or C-19 category 
code that are not available to the C-3 category under which Special 
Student Relief falls. The F-1 nonimmigrant student should check the 
appropriate box when filling out Form I-821 to indicate whether a TPS-
related EAD is being requested. Again, so long as the F-1 nonimmigrant 
student maintains the minimum course load described in this notice and 
does not otherwise violate the student's nonimmigrant status, included 
as provided under 8 CFR 214.1(g), the nonimmigrant will be able to 
maintain compliance requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant student status 
while having TPS.

When a student applies simultaneously for TPS and benefits under this 
notice, what is the minimum course load requirement while an 
application for employment authorization is pending?

    The F-1 nonimmigrant student must maintain normal course load 
requirements for a ``full course of study'' \43\ unless or until the 
nonimmigrant student receives employment authorization under this 
notice. TPS-related employment authorization, by itself, does not 
authorize a nonimmigrant student to drop below twelve credit hours, or 
otherwise applicable minimum requirements (e.g., clock hours for non-
traditional academic programs). Once approved for a TPS-related EAD and 
Special Student Relief employment authorization, as indicated by the 
DSO's required entry in SEVIS and issuance of an updated Form I-20, the 
F-1 nonimmigrant student may drop below twelve credit hours, or 
otherwise applicable minimum requirements (with a minimum of six 
semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term if at the 
undergraduate level, or for a minimum of three semester or quarter 
hours of instruction per academic term if at the graduate level). See 8 
CFR 214.2(f)(5)(v), (f)(6), and (f)(9)(i) and (ii).
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    \43\ See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6).
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How does a student who has received a TPS-related EAD then apply for 
authorization to take a reduced course load under this notice?

    There is no further application process with USCIS if a student has 
been approved for a TPS-related EAD. The F-1 nonimmigrant student must 
demonstrate and provide documentation to the DSO of the direct economic 
hardship resulting from the current armed conflict and current 
humanitarian crisis in Cameroon. The DSO will then verify and update 
the student's record in SEVIS to enable the F-1 nonimmigrant student 
with TPS to reduce the course load without any further action or 
application. No other EAD needs to be issued for the F-1 nonimmigrant 
student to have employment authorization.

Can a noncitizen who has been granted TPS apply for reinstatement of F-
1 nonimmigrant student status after the noncitizen's F-1 nonimmigrant 
student status has lapsed?

    Yes. Regulations permit certain students who fall out of F-1 
nonimmigrant student status to apply for reinstatement. See 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(16). This provision may apply to students who worked on a TPS-
related EAD or dropped their course load before publication of this 
notice, and therefore fell out of student status. These students must 
satisfy the criteria set forth in the F-1 nonimmigrant student status 
reinstatement regulations.

How long will this notice remain in effect?

    This notice grants temporary relief until June 7, 2025,\44\ to 
eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students. DHS will continue to monitor the 
situation in Cameroon. Should the special provisions authorized by this 
notice need modification or extension, DHS will announce such changes 
in the Federal Register.
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    \44\ Because the suspension of requirements under this notice 
applies throughout an academic term during which the suspension is 
in effect, DHS considers an F-1 nonimmigrant student who engages in 
a reduced course load or employment (or both) after this notice is 
effective to be engaging in a ``full course of study,'' see 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(6), and eligible for employment authorization, through the 
end of any academic term for which such student is matriculated as 
of June 7, 2025, provided the student satisfies the minimum course 
load requirements in this notice.
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Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    An F-1 nonimmigrant student seeking off-campus employment 
authorization due to severe economic hardship resulting from the 
current armed conflict and current humanitarian crisis in Cameroon must 
demonstrate to the DSO that this employment is necessary to avoid 
severe economic hardship. A DSO who agrees that a nonimmigrant student 
should receive such employment authorization must recommend an 
application approval to USCIS by entering information in the remarks 
field of the student's SEVIS record. The authority to collect this 
information is in the SEVIS collection of information currently 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget

[[Page 69945]]

(OMB) under OMB Control Number 1653-0038.
    This notice also allows an eligible F-1 nonimmigrant student to 
request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours 
while the academic institution is in session, and reduce their course 
load while continuing to maintain F-1 nonimmigrant student status.
    To apply for employment authorization, certain F-1 nonimmigrant 
students must complete and submit a currently approved Form I-765 
according to the instructions on the form. OMB has previously approved 
the collection of information contained on the current Form I-765, 
consistent with the PRA (OMB Control No. 1615-0040). Although there 
will be a slight increase in the number of Form I-765 filings because 
of this notice, the number of filings currently contained in the OMB 
annual inventory for Form I-765 is sufficient to cover the additional 
filings. Accordingly, there is no further action required under the 
PRA.

Alejandro Mayorkas,
Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 2023-22371 Filed 10-6-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-28-P