As of September 15, 2010 the US government will suspend certain regulatory requirements for F1 student visa holders whose country of citizenship is Haiti and who are experiencing economic hardship as a direct result of the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. This action will relieve F1 students so that they may obtain employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session and reduce their course load, while continuing to maintain student status. Haitian citizens who hold F1 student visa status in the USA will continue to be deemed to be engaged in a “full course of study” for the duration of their employment authorization provided they satisfy minimum course load requirements as outlined by the Federal Government. Please contact our office if you should have need of further information or if this new regulation applies to you