Special Student Relief (SSR)
Special Student Relief (SSR) is a temporary benefit authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It allows certain F-1 students to receive flexibility with employment and enrollment if they experience financial hardship due to emergencies in their home country, while still maintaining F-1 status.
Eligibility
SSR is announced through a Federal Register notice by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Only students from countries listed in that notice may apply. View the current list of countries on DHS Website (scroll to middle of page for Special Student Relief section).
You may be eligible if you:
- Are a citizen of a country listed in the SSR notice
- Were physically present in the United States during the dates listed in the notice
- Are enrolled full time and maintaining F-1 status
- Are experiencing severe financial hardship caused by the emergency in your home country
SSR Benefits
If you are approved for SSR, you may receive the following:
On-Campus Employment
You may work more than 20 hours per week on campus with authorization.
Off-Campus Employment
You may apply for off-campus work authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session
- Work full time during official school breaks
Reduced Course Load
You may enroll part time and still maintain F-1 status:
- Undergraduate students: enroll in at least 6 credits
- Graduate students: enroll in at least 3 credits
How to Apply
Step 1: Meet with Your Advisor
Schedule an appointment with your International Student Advisor to discuss your situation and review your eligibility.
Step 2: Submit Your SSR Request in accessVIS
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Log in to accessVIS using your NetID and password.
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Select Employment & Training from the left menu.
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Submit the Special Student Relief (SSR) request.
- Upload the following documents:
- Form I-94
- Current Travel History
- Passport
- F-1 visa
- A personal statement explaining how the emergency in your home country has affected your finances
VIS typically processes requests within 5–7 business days. If your request is approved, you will receive a new I-20 recommending SSR. Review it carefully, then print and sign it.
Step 3: Apply for Work Authorization (if needed)
If you plan to work off campus, you must apply for the work authorization with USCIS and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to begin working.
Steps to Apply for EAD
- Signed Form I-20 with SSR recommendation
- Form I-765 - use eligibility category (c)(3)(iii)
- Application fee ($520) paid by card or ACH
- Form G-1450 if paying by credit or debit card
- Form G-1640 if paying by ACH transaction
- You can review USCIS guidance on fee waivers. Approval is not guaranteed.
- Two passport-style photos (taken within 30 days)
- Form G-1145 (optional, for electronic notifications)
- Copy of your passport, visa (if applicable), and Form I-94
- A personal statement explaining how the emergency in your home country has affected your finances
- Online filing is not allowed for this category.
- Send your application to the correct USCIS Lockbox using FedEx or UPS
- USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the I-20 issue date
- Processing times are typically 3–6 months. You will receive a receipt notice within 2–5 weeks
- Use the USCIS case status tool to track your application
- Contact your VIS advisor if you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or you find errors on your EAD
- Upon approval, send a copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to your VIS advisor
Important Considerations
- SSR is granted for a limited time period based on the DHS notice
- You must follow all authorization dates and apply for extensions, if eligible
- You must receive approval before reducing your course load or working off campus
- You must continue to make normal academic progress