United States: DHS Renews Expanded Employment Options for Certain Venezuelan F-1 Nonimmigrants
March 11, 2024
DHS has published a Federal Register notice extending the suspension of certain employment authorization restrictions for Venezuelan F-1 nonimmigrants (and those with no nationality who last habitually resided in Venezuela) who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Venezuela. This accommodation, which had been set to expire on March 10, 2024, has been extended through September 10, 2025. Under this policy, Venezuelan F-1 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. DHS will deem students who obtain employment authorization under this policy to be engaged in a “full course of study” if the student maintains the minimum course load requirements described in the Federal Register notice implementing the policy.
In October 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela for 18 months from March 11, 2024, through September 10, 2025. The agency also redesignated Venezuela for TPS from October 3, 2023 to April 2, 2025. Refer to our alert for details on the TPS designation and redesignation.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.
Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.
Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa – a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.
Media mentions
Partner Haseena Enu discussed her role in a pilot program mentoring Afghan legal professionals as they rebuild their careers in the US.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explained that SEVIS terminations are creating uncertainty for international students in the US and their employers.
Media mentions
Partner Amy Cococcia discusses the impact of tightened US immigration policies on work visa processing.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner comments on USCIS’s atypical RFEs citing “adverse information” in employment-based petitions.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.
Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.
Blog post
Regional Immigration Manager David Makau provides essential information about the launch of Bahrain's new Golden Visa portal, highlighting key details for applicants.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas shares everything you need to know about Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa – a great option for remote workers looking to live and work in Brazil.
Media mentions
Partner Haseena Enu discussed her role in a pilot program mentoring Afghan legal professionals as they rebuild their careers in the US.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explained that SEVIS terminations are creating uncertainty for international students in the US and their employers.
Media mentions
Partner Amy Cococcia discusses the impact of tightened US immigration policies on work visa processing.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner comments on USCIS’s atypical RFEs citing “adverse information” in employment-based petitions.