New DHS Rule Extends Employment Authorization for Dependents of Foreign Officials

In the August 9 Federal Register, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amended regulations regarding employment authorization for dependents of foreign officials (those classified as A-1, A-2, G-1, G-3 and G-4 nonimmigrants). The new final rule will expand the list of dependents who are eligible to work in the U.S. from spouses, children and qualifying sons and daughters of A & G foreign officials to additional include any foreign family member who is categorized by the Department of State as qualifying.

This change to regulations will give the Department of State more flexibility when they are entering into agreements with other nations and those agreements include provisions to extend employment authorization to immediate family members of foreign officials.

This rule became effective on August 9, 2010

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