# Special Student Relief

**Source**: https://oia.osu.edu/international-students/employment/special-circumstances/special-student-relief
**Parent**: https://oia.osu.edu/international-students/employment/special-circumstances

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers [Special Student Relief (SSR)](https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/special-student-relief "Special Student Relief"), the suspension of certain regulatory requirements, for F-1 students from countries experiencing emergent situations. Regulatory requirements that DHS may suspend include duration of status, a full course of study and off-campus employment eligibility.

To apply, students must meet the [SSR student criteria](https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/travel/special-student-relief#:~:text=SSR%20STUDENT%20CRITERIA "SSR Student Criteria") and be from a currently eligible country. View the most up-to-date list of [countries eligible for SSR](https://www.ice.gov/sevis/whats-new#:~:text=the%20Numbers%20report-,Special%20Student%20Relief,-Special%20Student%20Relief "Countries Eligible for SSR").

Questions about the SSR application process or eligibility should be discussed with an immigration attorney or [Student Legal Services](https://studentlegal.osu.edu/ "Student Legal Services") at +1 614-247-5853. After you review with an immigration attorney, reach out to an immigration coordinator at the Office of International Affairs to go over the process of requesting the required I-20 by [scheduling an advising appointment](https://go.osu.edu/intstuappointment "Schedule an Advising Appointment") or emailing [iss@osu.edu](mailto:iss@osu.edu "iss@osu.edu").

It should be noted that SSR and [Temporary Protected Status (TPS)](https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status "Temporary Protected Status") are different. Please review [our TPS page](https://oia.osu.edu/international-students/employment/special-circumstances/temporary-protected-status) for more information on this separate special circumstance.

## Additional information

- [Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) FAQ for Special Student Relief](https://www.ice.gov/sevis/f1-ssr "SEVP FAQ for Special Student Relief")
- [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-765 and Instructions](https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 "USCIS Form I-765 and Instructions")
- [USCIS Checklist of Required Initial Evidence](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/checklist-of-required-initial-evidence-for-form-i-765-for-informational-purposes-only)
- [Additional Information on USCIS Fee Waiver Eligibility](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/additional-information-on-filing-a-fee-waiver "Additional Information on USCIS Fee Waiver Eligibility")