US Immigration Grants Employment Authorization to Libyan F1 Students

Humanitarian Superpower: In what can be termed as a humane response to the tragic turn of events, the US government has granted special grants and concessions to certain Libyan students who are in the US on F-1 student visa which allows the applicant to stay in the US till the course applied for is completed.
In a move that could spell relief to the many Libyan students, the US Government has allowed students who have entered the US for the purpose of studying in colleges or universities in the US to a variety of reliefs so that they may not be overburdened with additional responsibilities along with studying.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sought to allow certain students holding Libyan passports and who are already in the US to get reliefs in terms not just of getting their credits at leisure, but also to accept work that will help them to pay off their fees and have a basic sustenance standard while they are on US soil. That would help them to concentrate on their studies and no undue burden is placed on them regarding fee payments or other such things.

Conditions always apply: However, there are certain things that are spelled in a bid to put out any flames of confusion that may arise in the minds of people and students.

Who is covered? This notice is for the exclusive benefit of only those students who are lawfully present in the US and have their F1 student visa.
What is the minimum course load requirement? All undergraduate F-1 students who have been granted on-campus or off-campus employment authorization with this notice have to remain registered for at least six semester/quarter hours of instruction per academic term. Graduate F-1 students that are granted on-campus or off-campus employment authorization under this notice must remain registered for a minimum of three semester/quarter hours of instruction per academic term.

Will Libyan students who already have on campus/off campus employment benefit? Yes. Libyan F-1 students, who have on-campus or off-campus employment already, may benefit from this notice without applying for a new Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document, (EAD). These students must, however, apply to their designated school official to appropriately stamp their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) student record prior to getting reduced course load or permission for working more than 20 hours with their school being in session.

Will F-2 dependants be allowed to work? No. Neither the wife nor children of the students holding such student visas will be allowed to be gainfully employed.

How long will this notice be in effect? This notice has been issued to grant temporary relief to students of Libyan descent till December 31, 2011.