US Suspends Post-Graduation Work Permits for Citizens of 39 Countries, Affecting Afghan and Iranian Students

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a 90-day suspension of certain immigration benefits, including post-graduation work permits, for citizens of 39 countries. The policy change explicitly includes nationals from Afghanistan and Iran, leaving many international students facing immediate uncertainty regarding their residency status and career prospects in the United States.

The temporary halt on work authorizations has directly altered the employment landscape for affected students. Employers have begun declining or rescinding job offers due to uncertainty over work authorization timelines. Without valid permits, students risk losing their legal immigration status, which subsequently jeopardizes their access to health insurance, steady income, and state-issued driver’s licenses.

In response to the administrative shift, many students are actively adjusting their academic and migration strategies. Some have chosen to delay graduation or enroll in additional degree programs to maintain their legal standing while the suspension remains in effect. Others are exploring relocation to third countries to continue their professional development outside the United States.

The 90-day pause has disrupted established career trajectories for recent graduates and those nearing the completion of their studies. The policy applies across the designated list of countries, with Afghan and Iranian students among those navigating the immediate financial and administrative challenges. Immigration officials and student advocates continue to monitor the implementation of the suspension as the designated period progresses.