US Expands Work Rights for Nepal Students

The Department of Immigration and Customs is simplifying 2016 visa requirements for Nepalese students affected by the earthquake in May. The changes will allow working more hours during study and, if possible, reduce the academic load in the educational institution.

The innovations will affect only students who are in the US on F1 visas from June 24, 2015. The earthquake in May 2015 killed 8,000 people and left 2.8 million people homeless, as well as severely damaging the country's economy.

Currently, students who are in the country on F1 visas are allowed to work no more than 20 hours a week while studying on campus. More than 9,000 of these students study in the United States. Once the visa changes take effect, students will be able to work off-campus for more hours while remaining in F1 status. They will also be allowed to schedule changes and volume to balance work and study.

"The aim of the amendments is to provide the necessary level of freedom for those children who otherwise would not be able to continue their studies in the United States or to afford basic expenses for room and board," according to the departmentimmigration (ICE).

Student Exchange Program Director Louis Farrell reiterated the view that “Providing Nepalese students who have been affected by the earthquake with job opportunities will allow them to focus on their education.and will ease the financial burden. "

A spokesman for the Department of Immigration added that "The widespread aftermath of the disaster made it impossible for many students to safely return to their homeland in the foreseeable future."

Students must apply for Enhanced Employment Opportunities by December 21st and this action will last until December 24th, 2016.