Kathmandu, December 30
The United States government has extended an earlier notice which allowed Nepali students experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the April 25 quake to work an increased number of hours compared to other foreign students.
The US Department of Homeland Security suspended certain requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Nepal in November last year. The notice had expired on December 24, 2016. It has now been extended for 18 months (through June 24, 2018).
“This notice extends the effective date of that earlier notice. These students will continue to be allowed to apply for employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session provided that they satisfy the minimum course load requirement, while continuing to maintain their F-1 student status until June 24, 2018,” says the department.
According to the a notice on the Federal Register, the provision applies exclusively to F-1 nonimmigrant students who meet all of the following conditions: (1) Are lawful citizens of Nepal; (2) Were lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on April 25, 2015 ;(3) Are enrolled in a school that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified for enrollment of F-1 students; (4) Are currently maintaining F-1 status; and (5) Are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the damage caused by the earthquake in Nepal of April 25, 2015.
