Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 6, 2023 / Notices 60965 

allows FEMA to ensure a consistent 

review process for extending the Period 

of Performance of existing grants per 2 

CFR 200.309. This form standardizes the 

information collection as well as the 

review criteria for extension requests. 

Information includes the current status 

of the project, an explanation of delays 

experienced in completing the project 

on schedule and anticipated new 

milestones for completion within the 

newly requested Period of Performance. 

Collection of Information 

Title: FEMA Preparedness Grants: 

Port Security Grant Program (PSGP). 

Type of Information Collection: 

Revision of a currently approved 

information collection. 

OMB Number: 1660–0114. 

FEMA Forms: FEMA Form FF–207– 

FY–23–108 (formerly 089–05), PSGP 

Investment Justification; FEMA Form 

FF–207–FY–23–109 (formerly 088–0–1), 

Grant Programs Directorate Performance 

Report (GPD–PR), and FEMA Form FF– 

207–FY–23–110, Grant Programs 

Directorate Extension Request (GPDExtension). 

Abstract: Section 102 of the Maritime 

Transportation Security Act of 2002, as 

amended (46 U.S.C. 70107), authorizes 

the PSGP to provide for the risk-based 

allocation of funds to implement Area 

Maritime Transportation Security Plans 

and facility security plans among port 

authorities, facility operators, and State 

and local government agencies required 

to provide port security services and to 

train law enforcement personnel under 

46 U.S.C. 70132. Before awarding a 

grant under the program, the Secretary 

for Homeland Security shall provide for 

review and comment by the appropriate 

Federal Maritime Security Coordinators 

and the Maritime Administrator. In 

administering the grant program, the 

Secretary shall take into account 

national economic, energy, and strategic 

defense concerns based upon the most 

current risk assessments available. 

Affected Public: State, local or Tribal 

government and private sector. 

Estimated Number of Respondents: 

966. 

Estimated Number of Responses: 

1,832. 

Estimated Total Annual Burden 

Hours: 17,446. 

Estimated Total Annual Respondent 

Cost: $1,462,290. 

Estimated Respondents’ Operation 

and Maintenance Costs: $0. 

Estimated Respondents’ Capital and 

Start-Up Costs: $0. 

Estimated Total Annual Cost to the 

Federal Government: $1,853,355. 

Comments 

Comments may be submitted as 

indicated in the ADDRESSES caption 

above. Comments are solicited to (a) 

evaluate whether the proposed data 

collection is necessary for the proper 

performance of the Agency, including 

whether the information shall have 

practical utility; evaluate the accuracy 

of the Agency’s estimate of the burden 

of the proposed collection of 

information, including the validity of 

the methodology and assumptions used; 

(c) enhance the quality, utility, and 

clarity of the information to be 

collected; and (d) minimize the burden 

of the collection of information on those 

who are to respond, including through 

the use of appropriate automated, 

electronic, mechanical, or other 

technological collection techniques or 

other forms of information technology, 

e.g., permitting electronic submission of 

responses. 

Millicent Brown Wilson, 

Records Management Branch Chief, Office 

of the Chief Administrative Officer, Mission 

Support, Federal Emergency Management 

Agency, Department of Homeland Security. 

[FR Doc. 2023–19147 Filed 9–5–23; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 9111–78–P 

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND 

SECURITY 

U.S. Immigration and Customs 

Enforcement 

[Docket No. ICEB–2023–0005] 

RIN 1653–ZA41 

Employment Authorization for South 

Sudanese F–1 Nonimmigrant Students 

Experiencing Severe Economic 

Hardship as a Direct Result of the 

Current Armed Conflict and 

Humanitarian Crisis in South Sudan 

AGENCY: U.S. Immigration and Customs 

Enforcement; Department of Homeland 

Security. 

ACTION: Notice. 

SUMMARY: This notice announces that 

the Secretary of Homeland Security 

(Secretary) is suspending certain 

regulatory requirements for F–1 

nonimmigrant students whose country 

of citizenship is South Sudan, 

regardless of country of birth (or 

individuals having no nationality who 

last habitually resided in South Sudan), 

and who are experiencing severe 

economic hardship as a direct result of 

the current armed conflict and 

humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. 

The Secretary is taking action to provide 

relief to these South Sudanese students 

who are in lawful F–1 nonimmigrant 

students status, so the 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. The U.S. Department of 

Homeland Security (DHS) will deem an 

F–1 nonimmigrant student granted 

employment authorization by means of 

this notice to be engaged in a ‘‘full 

course of study’’ for the duration of the 

employment authorization, if the 

nonimmigrant student satisfies the 

minimum course load requirement 

described in this notice. 

DATES: This action is effective 

November 4, 2023, through May 3, 2025. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Sharon Snyder, Unit Chief, Policy and 

Response Unit, Student and Exchange 

Visitor Program, MS 5600, U.S. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 

500 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 

20536–5600; email: sevp@ice.dhs.gov, 

telephone: (703) 603–3400. This is not 

a toll-free number. Program information 

can be found at https://www.ice.gov/ 

sevis/. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

What action is DHS taking under this 

notice? 

The Secretary is exercising authority 

under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9) to temporarily 

suspend the applicability of certain 

requirements governing on-campus and 

off-campus employment for F–1 

nonimmigrant students whose country 

of citizenship is South Sudan regardless 

of country of birth (or individuals 

having no nationality who last 

habitually resided in South Sudan), who 

are present in the United States in 

lawful F–1 nonimmigrant student status 

on the date of publication of this notice, 

and who are experiencing severe 

economic hardship as a direct result of 

current armed conflict and 

humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. 

The original notice, which suspended 

certain regulatory requirements for F–1 

nonimmigrant students experiencing 

severe economic hardship as a direct 

result of the humanitarian crisis at that 

time is effective from March 3, 2022, 

through November 3, 2023. See 87 FR 

12182 (Mar. 3, 2022). Effective with this 

publication, suspension of the 

employment limitations is available 

through May 3, 2025, for those who are 

in lawful F–1 nonimmigrant status on 

the date of publication of this notice. 

DHS will deem an F–1 nonimmigrant 

student granted employment 

authorization through this notice to be 

engaged in a ‘‘full course of study’’ for 


lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
60966 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 6, 2023 / Notices 

1Because the suspension of requirements under 

this notice applies throughout an academic term 

during which the suspension is in effect, DHS 

considers an F–1 nonimmigrant student who 

engages in a reduced course load or employment (or 

both) after this notice is effective to be engaging in 

a ‘‘full course of study,’’ see 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6), and 

eligible for employment authorization, through the 

end of any academic term for which such student 

is matriculated as of May 3, 2025, provided the 

student satisfies the minimum course load 

requirements in this notice. 

2South Sudan Government Opposition ReCommit Peace Deal, Reuters, Apr. 4, 2022, available 

at https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/southsudan-government-opposition-re-commit-peacedeal-2022-04-04/#:∼:text=At%20a%20signing

%20ceremony%20on%20Sunday%20evening

%20attended,a%20unified%20command

%20structure%20in%20the%20next%20week (last 

visited June 15, 2023). 

3 Kiir leads the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation 

Movement (SPLM). Machar is associated with the 

Sudan People’s Liberation Movement—In 

Opposition (SPLM–IO) but contends that he has not 

formally left the SPLM. Infighting Brings New Split 

in South Sudan’s Ruling Party, VOA News, Oct. 28, 

2022, available at https://www.voanews.com/a/ 

infighting-brings-new-split-in-south-sudan-s-rulingparty/6809882.html (last visited May 19, 2023). 

4South Sudan’s Splintered Opposition: 

Preventing More Conflict, International Crisis 

Group, Feb. 25, 2022, available at https://

www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/southsudan/south-sudans-splintered-oppositionpreventing-more-conflict (last visited May 19, 2023). 

5U.N. Human Rights Council, Report of the 

Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, 3, 

U.N. Doc. A/HRC/52/26 (Jan. 31, 2023), available at 

https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/ 

documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/ 

session52/A-HRC-52-26-AdvanceEditedVersion.pdf 

(last visited July 20, 2023). 

6U.S. Dep’t. of State, 2022 Country Reports on 

Human Rights: South Sudan, 15 (Mar. 20, 2023), 

available at https://www.state.gov/reports/2022- 

country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/southsudan/ (last visited July 20, 2023). 7 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights: South 

Sudan, U.S. Dep’t. of State, Mar. 20, 2023, available 

at https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-countryreports-on-human-rights-practices/south-sudan/ 

(last visited July 20, 2023). 

8Report of the Commission on Human Rights in 

South Sudan [A/HRC/52/26], UN Human Rights 

Council, Jan. 31, 2023, available at https://

www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/ 

hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session52/AHRC-52-26-AdvanceEditedVersion.pdf. (last visited 

July 20, 2023). 

9 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights: South 

Sudan, U.S. Dep’t. of State, Mar. 20, 2023, available 

at https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-countryreports-on-human-rights-practices/south-sudan/ 

(last visited July 20, 2023). 

10 Id. 

11South Sudan Humanitarian Needs Overview 

2023, UNOCHA, Nov. 22, 2022, available at https:// 

reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/south-sudanhumanitarian-needs-overview-2023-november-2022, 

(last visited May 19, 2023). 

12 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights: South 

Sudan, U.S. Dep’t. of State, Mar. 20, 2023, available 

at https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-countryreports-on-human-rights-practices/south-sudan/ 

(last visited July 20, 2023). 

the duration of the employment 

authorization, if the student satisfies the 

minimum course load set forth in this 

notice.1 See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(F). 

Who is covered by this notice? 

This notice applies exclusively to F– 

1 nonimmigrant students who meet all 

of the following conditions: 

(1) Are a citizen of South Sudan 

regardless of country of birth (or an 

individual having no nationality who 

last habitually resided in South Sudan); 

(2) Were lawfully present in the 

United States on the date of publication 

of this notice in F–1 nonimmigrant 

status under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of 

the Immigration and Nationality Act 

(INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i); 

(3) Are enrolled in an academic 

institution that is Student and Exchange 

Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified for 

enrollment for F–1 nonimmigrant 

students; 

(4) Are currently maintaining F–1 

nonimmigrant status; and 

(5) Are experiencing severe economic 

hardship as a direct result of the current 

armed conflict and humanitarian crisis 

in South Sudan. 

This notice applies to F–1 

nonimmigrant students in an approved 

private school in kindergarten through 

grade 12, public school grades 9 through 

12, and undergraduate and graduate 

education. An F–1 nonimmigrant 

student covered by this notice who 

transfers to another SEVP-certified 

academic institution remains eligible for 

the relief provided by means of this 

notice. 

Why is DHS taking this action? 

DHS is taking action to provide relief 

to South Sudanese F–1 nonimmigrant 

students experiencing severe economic 

hardship due to the current armed 

conflict and humanitarian crisis in 

South Sudan. Based on its review of 

country conditions in South Sudan and 

input received from the U.S. 

Department of State (DOS), DHS is 

taking action to allow eligible F–1 

nonimmigrant students from South 

Sudan to request employment 

authorization, work an increased 

number of hours while school is in 

session, and reduce their course load 

while continuing to maintain F–1 

nonimmigrant student status. 

Despite the 2022 extension of a peace 

agreement by various parties, South 

Sudan remains plagued by conflict both 

among non-signatories to the peace 

agreement and between groups that are 

ostensibly at peace with one another.2

Violence linked to ongoing armed 

conflict has resulted in civilian 

casualties, a dire humanitarian 

situation, rampant disease, frequent 

gender-based violence, and food 

insecurity, made worse by disastrous 

floods. All of which continues to 

threaten the safety of potential returnees 

throughout the country. 

Armed Conflict 

A principal driver of armed conflict in 

South Sudan has long been the rivalry 

between President Silva Kiir and First 

Vice President Riek Machar, as well as 

their various supporters and aligned 

armed groups.3 4 In spite of the 2018 

peace agreement that established the 

current transitional government—and to 

which President Kiir and Vice President 

Machar were the main signatories— 

South Sudan frequently faces violent 

political contestations, and lacks a 

stable government, which has facilitated 

ongoing violence that is characterized 

by gross human rights violations that 

consistently target civilians and cause 

mass displacements in various parts of 

the country.5

Multiple parties are responsible for 

committing crimes and abuses across 

South Sudan, such as security and 

opposition forces, non-signatories to the 

2022 peace agreement, and civilians.6

Government forces have reportedly 

engaged in collective punishment of 

civilians perceived to be opposition 

supporters, an assumption often based 

on ethnicity.7 Delays in implementing 

security sector reform and 

demobilization of armed groups have 

contributed to security forces and excombatants exploiting local 

communities, emboldened by a climate 

of impunity.8 Members of government 

and opposition forces, associated armed 

militia groups, and ethnic groups have 

reportedly committed torture and other 

abuses in conflict zones.9 Additionally, 

parts of South Sudan also face 

simmering ethnic conflict that has 

resulted in dire humanitarian 

consequences, including significant 

displacement and human rights abuses, 

including those involving the killing of 

civilians, arbitrary arrests and unjust 

detentions, looting and destruction of 

civilian property, physical abuse, forced 

recruitment, and gender-based 

violence.10

Gender-Based Violence and Violence 

Against Children 

Armed conflict has had particularly 

dire consequences for women and 

children. Women and girls have faced 

increased cases of sexual violence and 

harassment, as well as risk of 

abductions, killings, and threats from 

armed forces.11 Various parties use 

gender-based violence as a conflict 

tactic, including rape, gang rape, sexual 

slavery, and forced marriage.12

Impunity for sexual and gender-based 


lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 6, 2023 / Notices 60967 

13South Sudan Humanitarian Needs Overview 

2023, UNOCHA, Nov. 22, 2022, available at https:// 

reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/south-sudanhumanitarian-needs-overview-2023-november-2022, 

(last visited May 19, 2023). 

14Final Report of the Panel of Experts on South 

Sudan, UN Security Council [S/2023/294], Apr. 26, 

2023, available at https://reliefweb.int/report/southsudan/final-report-panel-experts-south-sudansubmitted-pursuant-resolution-2633-2022- 

s2023294-enar, (last visited May 19, 2023). 

15Children and armed conflict in South Sudan, 

UN Security Council, Feb. 10, 2023, available at 

https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/ 

sg_report_on_children_and_armed_conflict_in_

south_sudan.pdf, (last visited May 17, 2023). 

16South Sudan—Complex Emergency Fact Sheet 

#3. Fiscal Year 2023, U.S. Agency for International 

Development (USAID), Mar. 31, 2023, available at 

https://reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/southsudan-complex-emergency-fact-sheet-3-fiscal-yearfy-2023 (last visited May 19, 2023). 

17 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights: South 

Sudan, U.S. Dep’t. of State, Mar. 20, 2023, available 

at https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-countryreports-on-human-rights-practices/south-sudan/ 

(last visited July 20, 2023). 

18South Sudan Humanitarian Needs Overview 

2023, UNOCHA, Nov. 22, 2022, available at https:// 

reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/south-sudanhumanitarian-needs-overview-2023-november-2022, 

(last visited May 19, 2023). 

19South Sudan Humanitarian Situation No. 2:1, 

UNICEF, Feb. 28, 2023, available at https://

reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/unicef-southsudan-humanitarian-situation-report-no-2-1-28- 

february-2023, (last visited May 19, 2023). 

20South Sudan—Complex Emergency Fact Sheet 

#3. Fiscal Year 2023, U.S. Agency for International 

Development (USAID), Mar. 31, 2023, available at 

https://reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/southsudan-complex-emergency-fact-sheet-3-fiscal-yearfy-2023 (last visited May 19, 2023). The ‘‘Crisis’’ 

level of food security is the third level on the five 

level Integrated Food Security Phase Classification 

(IPC) scale, which ranges from ‘‘Minimal’’ (IPC 1) 

to ‘‘Famine’’ or ‘‘Catastrophe’’ (IPC 5). 

21South Sudan—Complex Emergency Fact Sheet 

#3. Fiscal Year 2023, U.S. Agency for International 

Development (USAID), Mar. 31, 2023, available at 

https://reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/southsudan-complex-emergency-fact-sheet-3-fiscal-yearfy-2023 (last visited May 19, 2023). 

22South Sudan Humanitarian Needs Overview 

2023, UNOCHA, Nov. 22, 2022, available at, https:// 

reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/south-sudanhumanitarian-needs-overview-2023-november-2022, 

(last visited May 19, 2023). 

23 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights: South 

Sudan, U.S. Dep’t. of State, Mar. 20, 2023, available 

at https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-countryreports-on-human-rights-practices/south-sudan/ 

(last visited July 20, 2023). 

24South Sudan Humanitarian Needs Overview 

2023, UNOCHA, Nov. 22, 2022, https://

reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/south-sudanhumanitarian-needs-overview-2023-november-2022, 

(last visited May 19, 2023). 

25 Id. 

26 Id. 

27 Id. 

28South Sudan: Flooding Situation Report No. 1, 

UNOCHA, Oct. 12, 2022, available at https://

reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/south-sudanflooding-situation-report-no-1-31-october-2022, (last 

visited May 19, 2023). 

29South Sudan: Flooding Situation Report No. 1, 

UNOCHA, Oct. 12, 2022, available at https://

reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/south-sudanflooding-situation-report-no-1-31-october-2022, (last 

visited May 19, 2023). 

abuses has continued.13 Experts 

estimate that around 2.8 million people 

are at risk of gender-based violence in 

2023, constituting a nine percent 

increase over the previous year.14

Children also remain at great risk of 

multiple types of abuse and 

victimization. The United Nations has 

documented many incidents of what the 

Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral for Children and Armed 

Conflict has identified as the six ‘‘grave 

violations’’ against children, including 

recruitment and use by armed groups; 

killing and maiming; rape and other 

forms of sexual violence; attacks on 

schools, hospitals, and protected 

persons in relation to schools and 

hospitals.15

Humanitarian Assistance 

As a result of violence and other 

conditions, an estimated 9.4 million of 

South Sudan’s total population of more 

than 12 million people is in need of 

humanitarian assistance.16 Multiple 

factors complicate the provision of 

relief. Armed groups restrict the safe 

and effective delivery of assistance, in 

some cases even harassing or killing aid 

workers, engaging in looting, and 

destroying humanitarian assets and 

facilities.17 Bureaucratic obstacles and 

interference further undermine access.18

Additionally, flooding has prevented 

physical access to some locations.19

Food Insecurity and Disease 

Acute food insecurity, ongoing 

subnational violence, poor 

macroeconomic conditions, and severe 

flooding continue to drive growing 

humanitarian needs across South 

Sudan. Approximately 7.8 million 

South Sudanese were projected to face 

‘‘Crisis’’ levels of acute food insecurity, 

or worse, between April and July 

2023.20 Within this population, 2.9 

million people were projected to face 

‘‘Emergency’’ levels of acute food 

security (a level four on the Integrated 

Food Security Phase Classification 

(IPC)), and around 43,000 were expected 

to face ‘‘Catastrophe’’ levels (a level five 

on the IPC).’’ 21 Disruption in the 

agricultural sector has led to a dramatic 

increase in food prices, thereby 

exacerbating food insecurity and 

intensifying poverty.22 Access to food is 

also sometimes used as a weapon of 

war.23

South Sudan is also contending with 

multiple disease outbreaks. Floodaffected areas have seen the spread of 

malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, and skin 

infections, and the lack of clean water 

and sanitation suggests that outbreaks of 

cholera and Hepatitis E are likely to 

persist.24 There also have been 

confirmed outbreaks of measles.25

Dozens of health facilities were 

damaged or relocated due to flooding, 

further restricting access to care.26

Environmental Concerns 

South Sudan has experienced above 

normal rainfall for four consecutive 

years.27 The effects of rain and flooding 

are widespread, with the number of 

people impacted across South Sudan 

estimated to exceed one million.28

Floods have destroyed crops, homes, 

schools, health care centers, and 

boreholes for water access, and efforts to 

provide relief have been stymied by 

violence, inaccessibility, and gaps in 

resources and infrastructure.29

As of August 8, 2023, approximately 

130 F–1 nonimmigrant students from 

South Sudan are enrolled at SEVPcertified academic institutions in the 

United States. Given the extent of the 

current armed conflict and 

humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, 

affected students whose primary means 

of financial support comes from South 

Sudan may need to be exempt from the 

normal student employment 

requirements to continue their studies 

in the United States. The current armed 

conflict and humanitarian crisis has 

made it unfeasible for many students to 

safely return to South Sudan for the 

foreseeable future. Without employment 

authorization, these students may lack 

the means to meet basic living expenses. 

What is the minimum course load 

requirement to maintain valid F–1 

nonimmigrant status under this notice? 

Undergraduate F–1 nonimmigrant 

students who receive on-campus or offcampus employment authorization 

under this notice must remain registered 

for a minimum of six semester or 

quarter hours of instruction per 

academic term. Undergraduate F–1 

nonimmigrant students enrolled in a 

term of different duration must register 

for at least one half of the credit hours 

normally required under a ‘‘full course 

of study.’’ See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(B) 

and (F). A graduate-level F–1 

nonimmigrant student who receives oncampus or off-campus employment 

authorization under this notice must 

remain registered for a minimum of 

three semester or quarter hours of 

instruction per academic term. See 8 

CFR 214.2(f)(5)(v). Nothing in this 

notice affects the applicability of other 

minimum course load requirements set 

by the academic institution. 

In addition, an F–1 nonimmigrant 

student (either undergraduate or 

graduate) granted on-campus or offVerDate Sep<11>2014 17:55 Sep 05, 2023 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06SEN1.SGM 06SEN1

lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
60968 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 6, 2023 / Notices 

30Because the suspension of requirements under 

this notice applies throughout an academic term 

during which the suspension is in effect, DHS 

considers an F–1 nonimmigrant student who 

engages in a reduced course load or employment (or 

both) after this notice is effective to be engaging in 

a ‘‘full course of study,’’ see 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6), and 

eligible for employment authorization, through the 

end of any academic term for which such student 

is matriculated as of May 3, 2025, provided the 

student satisfies the minimum course load 

requirements in this notice. 

31See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6). 

campus employment authorization 

under this notice may count up to the 

equivalent of one class or three credits 

per session, term, semester, trimester, or 

quarter of online or distance education 

toward satisfying this minimum course 

load requirement, unless their course of 

study is in an English language study 

program. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(G). An 

F–1 nonimmigrant student attending an 

approved private school in kindergarten 

through grade 12 or public school in 

grades 9 through 12 must maintain 

‘‘class attendance for not less than the 

minimum number of hours a week 

prescribed by the school for normal 

progress toward graduation,’’ as 

required under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(E). 

Nothing in this notice affects the 

applicability of federal and state labor 

laws limiting the employment of 

minors. 

May an eligible F–1 nonimmigrant 

student who already has on-campus or 

off-campus employment authorization 

benefit from the suspension of 

regulatory requirements under this 

notice? 

Yes. An F–1 nonimmigrant student 

who is a South Sudanese citizen, 

regardless of country of birth (or an 

individual having no nationality who 

last habitually resided in South Sudan), 

who already has on-campus or offcampus employment authorization and 

is otherwise eligible may benefit under 

this notice, which suspends certain 

regulatory requirements relating to the 

minimum course load requirement 

under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i) and certain 

employment eligibility requirements 

under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9). Such an 

eligible F–1 nonimmigrant student may 

benefit without having to apply for a 

new Form I–766, Employment 

Authorization Document (EAD). To 

benefit from this notice, the F–1 

nonimmigrant student must request that 

their designated school official (DSO) 

enter the following statement in the 

remarks field of the student’s Student 

and Exchange Visitor Information 

System (SEVIS) record, which the 

student’s Form I–20, Certificate of 

Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F–1) 

Student Status, will reflect: 

Approved for more than 20 hours per week 

of [DSO must insert ‘‘on-campus’’ or ‘‘offcampus,’’ depending upon the type of 

employment authorization the student 

already has] employment authorization and 

reduced course load under the Special 

Student Relief authorization from [DSO must 

insert the beginning date of the notice or the 

beginning date of the student’s employment, 

whichever date is later] until [DSO must 

insert either the student’s program end date, 

the current EAD expiration date (if the 

student is currently authorized for offcampus employment), or the end date of this 

notice, whichever date comes first].30

Must the F–1 nonimmigrant student 

apply for reinstatement after expiration 

of this special employment 

authorization if the student reduces his 

or her ‘‘full course of study’’? 

No. DHS will deem an F–1 

nonimmigrant student who receives and 

comports with the employment 

authorization permitted under this 

notice to be engaged in a ‘‘full course of 

study’’ 31 for the duration of the 

student’s employment authorization, 

provided that a qualifying 

undergraduate level F–1 nonimmigrant 

student remains registered for a 

minimum of six semester or quarter 

hours of instruction per academic term, 

and a qualifying graduate level F–1 

nonimmigrant student remains 

registered for a minimum of three 

semester or quarter hours of instruction 

per academic term. See 8 CFR 

214.2(f)(5)(v) and (f)(6)(i)(F). 

Undergraduate F–1 nonimmigrant 

students enrolled in a term of different 

duration must register for at least one 

half of the credit hours normally 

required under a ‘‘full course of study.’’ 

See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(B) and (F). DHS 

will not require such students to apply 

for reinstatement under 8 CFR 

214.2(f)(16) if they are otherwise 

maintaining F–1 nonimmigrant status. 

Will an F–2 dependent (spouse or 

minor child) of an F–1 nonimmigrant 

student covered by this notice be 

eligible for employment authorization? 

No. An F–2 spouse or minor child of 

an F–1 nonimmigrant student is not 

authorized to work in the United States 

and, therefore, may not accept 

employment under the F–2 

nonimmigrant status, consistent with 

8CFR 214.2(f)(15)(i). 

Will the suspension of the applicability 

of the standard student employment 

requirements apply to an individual 

who receives an initial F–1 visa and 

makes an initial entry into the United 

States after the effective date of this 

notice in the Federal Register? 

No. The suspension of the 

applicability of the standard regulatory 

requirements only applies to certain F– 

1 nonimmigrant students who meet the 

following conditions: 

(1) Are a citizen of South Sudan 

regardless of country of birth (or an 

individual having no nationality who 

last habitually resided in South Sudan); 

(2) Were lawfully present in the 

United States on the date of publication 

of this notice in F–1 nonimmigrant 

status, under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of 

the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i); 

(3) Are enrolled in an academic 

institution that is SEVP-certified for 

enrollment of F–1 nonimmigrant 

students; 

(4) Are maintaining F–1 

nonimmigrant status; and 

(5) Are experiencing severe economic 

hardship as a direct result of the current 

armed conflict and humanitarian crisis 

in South Sudan. 

An F–1 nonimmigrant student who 

does not meet all these requirements is 

ineligible for the suspension of the 

applicability of the standard regulatory 

requirements (even if experiencing 

severe economic hardship as a direct 

result of the current armed conflict and 

humanitarian crisis in South Sudan). 

Does this notice apply to a continuing 

F–1 nonimmigrant student who departs 

the United States after the effective date 

of this notice in the Federal Register 

and who needs to obtain a new F–1 visa 

before returning to the United States to 

continue an educational program? 

Yes. This notice applies to such an F– 

1 nonimmigrant student, but only if the 

DSO has properly notated the student’s 

SEVIS record, which will then appear 

on the student’s Form I–20. The normal 

rules for visa issuance remain 

applicable to a nonimmigrant who 

needs to apply for a new F–1 visa to 

continue an educational program in the 

United States. 

Does this notice apply to elementary 

school, middle school, and high school 

students in F–1 status? 

Yes. However, this notice does not by 

itself reduce the required course load for 

F–1 nonimmigrant students from South 

Sudan enrolled in kindergarten through 

grade 12 at a private school, or grades 

9 through 12 at a public high school. 

Such students must maintain the 

minimum number of hours of class 

attendance per week prescribed by the 

academic institution for normal progress 

toward graduation, as required under 

8CFR214.2(f)(6)(i)(E). The suspension of 

certain regulatory requirements related 

to employment through this notice is 

applicable to all eligible F–1 

nonimmigrant students regardless of 

educational level. Eligible F–1 


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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 6, 2023 / Notices 60969 

32Because the suspension of requirements under 

this notice applies throughout an academic term 

during which the suspension is in effect, DHS 

considers an F–1 nonimmigrant student who 

engages in a reduced course load or employment (or 

both) after this notice is effective to be engaging in 

a ‘‘full course of study,’’ see 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6), and 

eligible for employment authorization, through the 

end of any academic term for which such student 

is matriculated as of May 3, 2025, provided the 

student satisfies the minimum course load 

requirements in this notice. 

33See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6). 

34Minimum course load requirement for 

enrollment in a school must be established in a 

publicly available document (e.g., catalog, website, 

or operating procedure), and it must be a standard 

applicable to all students (U.S. citizens and foreign 

students) enrolled at the school. 

35See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6). 

36Minimum course load requirement for 

enrollment in a school must be established in a 

publicly available document (e.g., catalog, website, 

or operating procedure), and it must be a standard 

applicable to all students (U.S. citizens and foreign 

students) enrolled at the school. 

37See 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(3)(iii). 

nonimmigrant students from South 

Sudan enrolled in an elementary school, 

middle school, or high school may 

benefit from the suspension of the 

requirement in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i) that 

limits on-campus employment to 20 

hours per week while school is in 

session. 

On-Campus Employment Authorization 

Will an F–1 nonimmigrant student who 

receives on-campus employment 

authorization under this notice be 

authorized to work more than 20 hours 

per week while school is in session? 

Yes. For an F–1 nonimmigrant 

student covered in this notice, the 

Secretary is suspending the 

applicability of the requirement in 8 

CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i) that limits an F–1 

nonimmigrant student’s on-campus 

employment to 20 hours per week while 

school is in session. An eligible F–1 

nonimmigrant student has authorization 

to work more than 20 hours per week 

while school is in session if the DSO has 

entered the following statement in the 

remarks field of the student’s SEVIS 

record, which will be reflected on the 

student’s Form I–20: 

Approved for more than 20 hours per week 

of on-campus employment and reduced 

course load, under the Special Student Relief 

authorization from [DSO must insert the 

beginning date of this notice or the beginning 

date of the student’s employment, whichever 

date is later] until [DSO must insert the 

student’s program end date or the end date 

of this notice, whichever date comes first].32

To obtain on-campus employment 

authorization, the F–1 nonimmigrant 

student must demonstrate to the DSO 

that the employment is necessary to 

avoid severe economic hardship directly 

resulting from the current armed 

conflict and humanitarian crisis in 

South Sudan. An F–1 nonimmigrant 

student authorized by the DSO to 

engage in on-campus employment by 

means of this notice does not need to 

file any applications with U.S. 

Citizenship and Immigration Services 

(USCIS). The standard rules permitting 

full-time on-campus employment when 

school is not in session or during school 

vacations apply, as described in 8 CFR 

214.2(f)(9)(i). 

Will an F–1 nonimmigrant student who 

receives on-campus employment 

authorization under this notice have 

authorization to reduce the normal 

course load and still maintain his or 

her F–1 nonimmigrant student status? 

Yes. DHS will deem an F–1 

nonimmigrant student who receives oncampus employment authorization 

under this notice to be engaged in a 

‘‘full course of study’’ 33 for the purpose 

of maintaining their F–1 nonimmigrant 

student status for the duration of the oncampus employment, if the student 

satisfies the minimum course load 

requirement described in this notice, 

consistent with 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(F). 

However, the authorization to reduce 

the normal course load is solely for DHS 

purposes of determining valid F–1 

nonimmigrant student status. Nothing 

in this notice mandates that school 

officials allow an F–1 nonimmigrant 

student to take a reduced course load if 

the reduction would not meet the 

academic institution’s minimum course 

load requirement for continued 

enrollment.34

Off-Campus Employment Authorization 

What regulatory requirements does this 

notice temporarily suspend relating to 

off-campus employment? 

For an F–1 nonimmigrant student 

covered by this notice, as provided 

under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(A), the 

Secretary is suspending the following 

regulatory requirements relating to offcampus employment: 

(a) The requirement that a student must 

have been in F–1 nonimmigrant student 

status for one full academic year to be 

eligible for off-campus employment; 

(b) The requirement that an F–1 

nonimmigrant student must demonstrate that 

acceptance of employment will not interfere 

with the student’s carrying a full course of 

study; 

(c) The requirement that limits an F–1 

nonimmigrant student’s employment 

authorization to no more than 20 hours per 

week of off-campus employment while the 

school is in session; and 

(d) The requirement that the student 

demonstrate that employment under 8 CFR 

214.2(f)(9)(i) is unavailable or otherwise 

insufficient to meet the needs that have 

arisen as a result of the unforeseen 

circumstances. 

Will an F–1 nonimmigrant student who 

receives off-campus employment 

authorization under this notice have 

authorization to reduce the normal 

course load and still maintain F–1 

nonimmigrant status? 

Yes. DHS will deem an F–1 

nonimmigrant student who receives offcampus employment authorization by 

means of this notice to be engaged in a 

‘‘full course of study’’ 35 for the purpose 

of maintaining F–1 nonimmigrant 

student status for the duration of the 

student’s employment authorization if 

the student satisfies the minimum 

course load requirement described in 

this notice, consistent with 8 CFR 

214.2(f)(6)(i)(F). However, the 

authorization for a reduced course load 

is solely for DHS purposes of 

determining valid F–1 nonimmigrant 

student status. Nothing in this notice 

mandates that school officials allow an 

F–1 nonimmigrant student to take a 

reduced course load if such reduced 

course load would not meet the school’s 

minimum course load requirement.36

How may an eligible F–1 nonimmigrant 

student obtain employment 

authorization for off-campus 

employment with a reduced course 

load under this notice? 

An F–1 nonimmigrant student must 

file a Form I–765, Application for 

Employment Authorization, with USCIS 

to apply for off-campus employment 

authorization based on severe economic 

hardship directly resulting from the 

current armed conflict and 

humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.37

Filing instructions are located at https:// 

www.uscis.gov/i-765. 

Fee considerations. Submission of a 

Form I–765 currently requires payment 

of a $410 fee. An applicant who is 

unable to pay the fee may submit a 

completed Form I–912, Request for Fee 

Waiver, along with the Form I–765, 

Application for Employment 

Authorization. See https://

www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/ 

additional-information-on-filing-a-feewaiver. The submission must include an 

explanation about why USCIS should 

grant the fee waiver and the reason(s) 

for the inability to pay, and any 

evidence to support the reason(s). See 8 

CFR 103.7(c) (Oct. 1, 2020). 

Supporting documentation. An F–1 

nonimmigrant student seeking offVerDate Sep<11>2014 17:55 Sep 05, 2023 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06SEN1.SGM 06SEN1

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60970 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 6, 2023 / Notices 

38Because the suspension of requirements under 

this notice applies throughout an academic term 

during which the suspension is in effect, DHS 

considers an F–1 nonimmigrant student who 

engages in a reduced course load or employment (or 

both) after this notice is effective to be engaging in 

a ‘‘full course of study,’’ see 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6), and 

eligible for employment authorization, through the 

end of any academic term for which such student 

is matriculated as of May 3, 2025, provided the 

student satisfies the minimum course load 

requirements in this notice. 

39See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6). 

40 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(v). 

41 Guidance for direct filing addresses can be 

found here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses. 

42See DHS Study in the States, Special Student 

Relief, https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/ 

special-student-relief (last visited May 10, 2023). 

campus employment authorization due 

to severe economic hardship must 

demonstrate the following to their DSO: 

(1) This employment is necessary to 

avoid severe economic hardship; and 

(2) The hardship is a direct result of 

the current armed conflict and 

humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. 

If the DSO agrees that the F–1 

nonimmigrant student is entitled to 

receive such employment authorization, 

the DSO must recommend application 

approval to USCIS by entering the 

following statement in the remarks field 

of the student’s SEVIS record, which 

will then appear on that student’s Form 

I–20: 

Recommended for off-campus employment 

authorization in excess of 20 hours per week 

and reduced course load under the Special 

Student Relief authorization from the date of 

the USCIS authorization noted on Form I– 

766 until [DSO must insert the program end 

date or the end date of this notice, whichever 

date comes first].38

The F–1 nonimmigrant student must 

then file the properly endorsed Form I– 

20 and Form I–765 according to the 

instructions for the Form I–765. The F– 

1 nonimmigrant student may begin 

working off campus only upon receipt 

of the EAD from USCIS. 

DSO recommendation. In making a 

recommendation that an F–1 

nonimmigrant student be approved for 

Special Student Relief, the DSO certifies 

that: 

(a) The F–1 nonimmigrant student is 

in good academic standing and is 

carrying a ‘‘full course of study’’ 39 at the 

time of the request for employment 

authorization; 

(b) The F–1 nonimmigrant student is 

a citizen of South Sudan, regardless of 

country of birth (or an individual having 

no nationality who last habitually 

resided in South Sudan), and is 

experiencing severe economic hardship 

as a direct result of the current armed 

conflict and humanitarian crisis in 

South Sudan, as documented on the 

Form I–20; 

(c) The F–1 nonimmigrant student has 

confirmed that the student will comply 

with the reduced course load 

requirements of this notice and register 

for the duration of the authorized 

employment for a minimum of six 

semester or quarter hours of instruction 

per academic term if at the 

undergraduate level, or for a minimum 

of three semester or quarter hours of 

instruction per academic term if the 

student is at the graduate level; 40 and 

(d) The off-campus employment is 

necessary to alleviate severe economic 

hardship to the individual as a direct 

result of the current armed conflict and 

humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. 

Processing. To facilitate prompt 

adjudication of the student’s application 

for off-campus employment 

authorization under 8 CFR 

214.2(f)(9)(ii)(C), the F–1 nonimmigrant 

student should do both of the following: 

(a) Ensure that the application 

package includes the following 

documents: 

(1) A completed Form I–765 with all 

applicable supporting evidence; 

(2) The required fee or properly 

documented fee waiver request as 

defined in 8 CFR 103.7(c) (Oct. 1, 2020); 

and 

(3) A signed and dated copy of the 

student’s Form I–20 with the 

appropriate DSO recommendation, as 

previously described in this notice; and 

(b) Send the application in an 

envelope which is clearly marked on the 

front of the envelope, bottom right-hand 

side, with the phrase ‘‘SPECIAL 

STUDENT RELIEF.’’ 41 Failure to 

include this notation may result in 

significant processing delays. 

If USCIS approves the student’s Form 

I–765, USCIS will send the student a 

Form I–766 EAD as evidence of 

employment authorization. The EAD 

will contain an expiration date that does 

not exceed the end of the granted 

temporary relief. 

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) 

Considerations 

Can an F–1 nonimmigrant student 

apply for TPS and for benefits under 

this notice at the same time? 

Yes. An F–1 nonimmigrant student 

who has not yet applied for TPS or for 

other relief that reduces the student’s 

course load per term and permits an 

increased number of work hours per 

week, such as Special Student Relief,42

under this notice has two options. 

Under the first option, the F–1 

nonimmigrant student may apply for 

TPS according to the instructions in the 

USCIS notice designating South Sudan 

for TPS elsewhere in this issue of the 

Federal Register. All TPS applicants 

must file a Form I–821, Application for 

Temporary Protected Status, with the 

appropriate fee (or request a fee waiver). 

Although not required to do so, if F–1 

nonimmigrant students want to obtain a 

new TPS-related EAD that is valid 

through May 3, 2025, and to be eligible 

for automatic EAD extensions that may 

be available to certain EADs with an A– 

12 or C–19 category code, they must file 

Form I–765 and pay the Form I–765 fee 

(or request a fee waiver). After receiving 

the TPS-related EAD, an F–1 

nonimmigrant student may request that 

their DSO make the required entry in 

SEVIS and issue an updated Form I–20, 

which notates that the nonimmigrant 

student has been authorized to carry a 

reduced course load, as described in 

this notice. As long as the F–1 

nonimmigrant student maintains the 

minimum course load described in this 

notice, does not otherwise violate their 

nonimmigrant status, including as 

provided under 8 CFR 214.1(g), and 

maintains TPS, then the student 

maintains F–1 status and TPS 

concurrently. 

Under the second option, the F–1 

nonimmigrant student may apply for an 

EAD under Special Student Relief by 

filing Form I–765 with the location 

specified in the filing instructions. At 

the same time, the F–1 nonimmigrant 

student may file a separate TPS 

application but must submit the Form I– 

821 according to the instructions 

provided in the Federal Register notice 

designating South Sudan for TPS. If the 

F–1 nonimmigrant student has already 

applied for employment authorization 

under Special Student Relief, they are 

not required to submit the Form I–765 

as part of the TPS application. However, 

some nonimmigrant students may wish 

to obtain a TPS-related EAD in light of 

certain extensions that may be available 

to EADs with an A–12 or C–19 category 

code that are not available to the C–3 

category under which Special Student 

Relief falls. The F–1 nonimmigrant 

student should check the appropriate 

box when filling out Form I–821 to 

indicate whether a TPS-related EAD is 

being requested. Again, so long as the 

F–1 nonimmigrant student maintains 

the minimum course load described in 

this notice and does not otherwise 

violate the student’s nonimmigrant 

status, included as provided under 8 

CFR 214.1(g), the nonimmigrant will be 

able to maintain compliance 

requirements for F–1 nonimmigrant 

student status while having TPS. 


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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 6, 2023 / Notices 60971 

43See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6). 

44Because the suspension of requirements under 

this notice applies throughout an academic term 

during which the suspension is in effect, DHS 

considers an F–1 nonimmigrant student who 

engages in a reduced course load or employment (or 

both) after this notice is effective to be engaging in 

a ‘‘full course of study,’’ see 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6), and 

eligible for employment authorization, through the 

end of any academic term for which such student 

is matriculated as of May 3, 2025, provided the 

student satisfies the minimum course load 

requirements in this notice. 

When a student applies simultaneously 

for TPS and benefits under this notice, 

what is the minimum course load 

requirement while an application for 

employment authorization is pending? 

The F–1 nonimmigrant student must 

maintain normal course load 

requirements for a ‘‘full course of 

study’’ 43 unless or until the 

nonimmigrant student receives 

employment authorization under this 

notice. TPS-related employment 

authorization, by itself, does not 

authorize a nonimmigrant student to 

drop below twelve credit hours, or 

otherwise applicable minimum 

requirements (e.g., clock hours for nontraditional academic programs). Once 

approved for a TPS-related EAD and 

Special Student Relief employment 

authorization, as indicated by the DSO’s 

required entry in SEVIS and issuance of 

an updated Form I–20, the F–1 

nonimmigrant student may drop below 

twelve credit hours, or otherwise 

applicable minimum requirements (with 

a minimum of six semester or quarter 

hours of instruction per academic term 

if at the undergraduate level, or for a 

minimum of three semester or quarter 

hours of instruction per academic term 

if at the graduate level). See 8 CFR 

214.2(f)(5)(v), (f)(6), and (f)(9)(i) and (ii). 

How does a student who has received 

a TPS-related EAD then apply for 

authorization to take a reduced course 

load under this notice? 

There is no further application 

process with USCIS if a student has 

been approved for a TPS-related EAD. 

The F–1 nonimmigrant student must 

demonstrate and provide 

documentation to the DSO of the direct 

economic hardship resulting from the 

current armed conflict and 

humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. 

The DSO will then verify and update 

the student’s record in SEVIS to enable 

the F–1 nonimmigrant student with TPS 

to reduce the course load without any 

further action or application. No other 

EAD needs to be issued for the F–1 

nonimmigrant student to have 

employment authorization. 

Can a noncitizen who has been granted 

TPS apply for reinstatement of F–1 

nonimmigrant student status after the 

noncitizen’s F–1 nonimmigrant student 

status has lapsed? 

Yes. Regulations permit certain 

students who fall out of F–1 

nonimmigrant student status to apply 

for reinstatement. See 8 CFR 

214.2(f)(16). This provision may apply 

to students who worked on a TPSrelated EAD or dropped their course 

load before publication of this notice, 

and therefore fell out of student status. 

These students must satisfy the criteria 

set forth in the F–1 nonimmigrant 

student status reinstatement regulations. 

How long will this notice remain in 

effect? 

This notice grants temporary relief 

until May 3, 2025,44 to eligible F–1 

nonimmigrant students. DHS will 

continue to monitor the situation in 

South Sudan. Should the special 

provisions authorized by this notice 

need modification or extension, DHS 

will announce such changes in the 

Federal Register. 

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) 

An F–1 nonimmigrant student seeking 

off-campus employment authorization 

due to severe economic hardship 

resulting from the current armed 

conflict and humanitarian crisis in 

South Sudan must demonstrate to the 

DSO that this employment is necessary 

to avoid severe economic hardship. A 

DSO who agrees that a nonimmigrant 

student should receive such 

employment authorization must 

recommend an application approval to 

USCIS by entering information in the 

remarks field of the student’s SEVIS 

record. The authority to collect this 

information is in the SEVIS collection of 

information currently approved by the 

Office of Management and Budget 

(OMB) under OMB Control Number 

1653–0038. 

This notice also allows an eligible F– 

1 nonimmigrant student to request 

employment authorization, work an 

increased number of hours while the 

academic institution is in session, and 

reduce their course load while 

continuing to maintain F–1 

nonimmigrant student status. 

To apply for employment 

authorization, certain F–1 

nonimmigrant students must complete 

and submit a currently approved Form 

I–765 according to the instructions on 

the form. OMB has previously approved 

the collection of information contained 

on the current Form I–765, consistent 

with the PRA (OMB Control No. 1615– 

0040). Although there will be a slight 

increase in the number of Form I–765 

filings because of this notice, the 

number of filings currently contained in 

the OMB annual inventory for Form I– 

765 is sufficient to cover the additional 

filings. Accordingly, there is no further 

action required under the PRA. 

Alejandro Mayorkas, 

Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security. 

[FR Doc. 2023–19320 Filed 9–5–23; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 9111–28–P 

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND 

SECURITY 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration 

Services 

[CIS No. 2748–23; DHS Docket No. USCIS– 

2014–004] 

RIN 1615–ZB79 

Extension and Redesignation of South 

Sudan for Temporary Protected Status 

AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and 

Immigration Services (USCIS), 

Department of Homeland Security 

(DHS). 

ACTION: Notice of Temporary Protected 

Status (TPS) extension and 

redesignation. 

SUMMARY: Through this notice, the 

Department of Homeland Security 

(DHS) announces that the Secretary of 

Homeland Security (Secretary) is 

extending the designation of South 

Sudan for Temporary Protected Status 

(TPS) for 18 months, beginning on 

November 4, 2023, and ending on May 

3, 2025. This extension allows existing 

TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through 

May 3, 2025, so long as they otherwise 

continue to meet the eligibility 

requirements for TPS. Existing TPS 

beneficiaries who wish to extend their 

status through May 3, 2025, must reregister during the 60-day re-registration 

period described in this notice. The 

Secretary is also redesignating South 

Sudan for TPS. The redesignation of 

South Sudan allows additional South 

Sudanese nationals (and individuals 

having no nationality who last 

habitually resided in South Sudan) who 

have been continuously residing in the 

United States since September 4, 2023, 

to apply for TPS for the first time during 

the initial registration period described 

under the redesignation information in 

this notice. In addition to demonstrating 

continuous residence in the United 

States since September 4, 2023, and 

meeting other eligibility criteria, initial 

applicants for TPS under this 

designation must demonstrate that they 


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