On Nov. 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a new notice in the Federal Register that provides Special Student Relief (SSR) for eligible Lebanese F-1 nonimmigrant students who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Lebanon.  

DHS previously published a Federal Register Notice (FRN) issuing SSR for Lebanese students on October 18, 2024. See 89 FR 83897 (Oct. 18, 2024). The prior notice applies to F-1 nonimmigrant students who were lawfully present in the United States on July 26, 2024. While the prior notice remains in effect, the new notice provides relief through May 27, 2026, for those who were lawfully present in the United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on Nov. 26, 2024. 

This table summarizes the difference between the two Lebanon SSR notices. Please refer to the respective FRNs for a complete list of eligibility requirements.   

SSR is the suspension of certain regulatory requirements by the secretary of DHS for eligible F‑1 nonimmigrant students from a country, region, territory or population that are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of emergent circumstances, as determined by the Secretary of DHS. The regulatory requirements that may be suspended or altered for an eligible F-1 nonimmigrant student include duration of status, full course of study requirements and off-campus employment eligibility. 

To view a list of all active SSR notices, visit the What’s New page on ICE.gov/SEVP. Contact SEVP with case-specific questions.