Syria: Resources for International Student and Scholar Advisers
This page lists information and resources that can assist international student and scholar advisers in their work with Syrian students, scholars, and their families who are currently in the United States, during the unrest in that country.
| News and Announcements |
April 3, 2012
On April 3, 2012, DHS published a notice in the Federal Register making special student relief benefits available to Syrian F-1 students, until October 3, 2013.
March 29, 2012
On March 29, 2012, DHS published a notice in the Federal Register designating Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for a 180-day period. Individuals who believe they may qualify for TPS under this designation may apply within the 180-day registration period that begins on March 29, 2012. Applicants found eligible under the terms of the Federal Register notice will be granted TPS benefits until September 25, 2013 (the March 29 notice contained an incorrect end date of September 30; an April 3, 2012 notice corrected the TPS end date to September 25, 2013). Advising on TPS and the impact of TPS on nonimmigrant status should be handled by experienced legal counsel.
February 23, 2012
In a February 6, 2012 Travel Warning, the Department of State (DOS) announced that the U.S. Embassy in Syria has suspended operations. As of that date, neither U.S. passports nor visas to the United States will be issued in Damascus. On February 8, 2012, DOS updated the visa reciprocity tables for Syria to add the U.S. embassy in Amman, Jordan as a visa issuing post and to note that visa issuing services in Damascus are currently suspended. The website of the U.S. Embassy in Damascus further states, "Syrian applicants may apply for non-immigrant visas at any U.S. Embassy
or Consulate, and the same standards under U.S. law and policy apply at each Embassy and Consulate where one applies for a visa. Please follow
the appropriate link for more information about applying for a
nonimmigrant visa in Amman or Beirut."
February 23, 2012
The Institute of International Education (IIE) announced the availability of an Emergency Student Fund (ESF) to help international students from Syria pursuing higher education in the United States complete their studies. "Syria-ESF will provide grants of $2,000 each to Syrian students nominated by their U.S. host colleges and universities who may be unable to continue or complete their degree program in the United States due to serious financial difficulties precipitated by the situation in their home
country. Administrators and faculty from accredited U.S. campuses can nominate up to four Syrian students at their institutions who need financial assistance to complete spring semester 2012." The deadline for institutions to apply on behalf of students was February 29, 2012.
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