From what I see this is an additional benefit issued by DHS on Novemeber 9th, 2015 in addition to the TPS for Nepal which was issued while back. Correct me if I am wrong, but my DSO is saying that I needed to be approved for TPS to get these benefit. From what I know, TPS is a status while this below here is just a relief to the F1 students, isn't it?

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/11/09/2015-28360/employment-authorization-for-nepali-f-1-students-experiencing-severe-economic-hardship-as-a-direct

It's little old news. Yes you are right & Your DSO is wrong just like many. They don't know a lot of stuffs. F1 who hasn't applied for TPS may get that benefits. However I do not know the deadline.

Mr. D, you are right. You could give a print out of the notice https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/11/0... to your DSO. This new benefit is valid until Dec 24, 2016 as mentioned on the website.

The new rule is for the students with serious economic hardship due to the recent earthquake in Nepal. If you have presented such a case (hardship) to you DSO then with your DSO recommendation you can apply for I-766 & reduce course (6 cr for Undergraduate & 3 cr for graduate level).
The notice also mentions that even if you have already applied/received aproved TPS & TPS - EAD, you still have to demonstrate economic hardship (before you can work) so that you can maintain your F - status.

mitra, in this case tyo DSO recommendation letter le nai sabai kura ho, play safe.

So it looks like, I must apply for EAD (through economic hardship or TPS) to get this benefit from what I understand. EAD pani naline ra credit hours pani 6 matra line chahi garna milcha jasto lagena ki kaso?