Special Statuses and Programs

When other countries experience difficulties due to natural, economic, political or other forces, the U.S. Government can create special programs or make special accommodations for those citizens of other countries who are currently in the U.S. in a valid status.  The two most common special situations that impact international students are Special Student Relief and Temporary Protected Status.  Your DSO can help you explore either of these options.  Brief explanations and links to more information for each of these situations are listed below.

Special Student Relief

Special Student Relief (SSR) is when the U.S. government allows F-1 students a temporary exemption from some F-1 regulations because the student’s home country has experienced or is experiencing unique difficulties.  Some of the requirements that may be suspended include full course of study and off-campus employment requirements.  SSR usually has an end date at which point the student must resume adherence to normal F-1 regulations.  More information on SSR can be found HERE.

Temporary Protected Status

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allows individuals from designated countries to remain in the U.S. even if their visa has expired and also allows them to apply for temporary work authorization.  There are many limitations and considerations with TPS since it can conflict with F-1 regulations.  More information on TPS can be found HERE.

Severe Economic Hardship

Severe Economic Hardship (SEH) employment allows students who have unexpectedly lost their funding for their education through circumstances beyond their control to work off-campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week (maximum 40 hours per week during school breaks including summer.) Students must contact Baylor ISSS to apply to the U.S. Government for authorization for SEH.  USCIS grants Economic Hardship employment in increments of one year at a time.  More information can be found HERE.