Haiti Disaster Student Relief Program in Charleston, SC

Because of the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the USCIS permits temporary employment authorization for Haitian F-1 students. This is because Haiti has virtually no resources to cope with the magnitude of this natural disaster. This work authorization will allow these students to work longer hours for extra pay to offset the financial support they would normally receive from home to be able to continue their studies in the US.

Application is through the school's Designated School Official (DSO). An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) similar to a work authorization is necessary to work off campus. The student may already have one.

To be eligible, the student must be in the U.S. on January 12, 2010, in F-1 status and maintain that status, enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and be experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the earthquake. Spouses and minor children of these students, if any, cannot work.

We have worked with disaster victims and can answer your questions in this regard.