Many graduates-to-be from forty countries in the U.S. might not get work authorization after graduation. This is mainly because the government paused processing for Optional Practical Training (OPT) applications. According to a study published by the Cato Institute, the processing pause affects students from forty countries. This is part of the larger visa processing pause the government implemented on January 1, 2026. Only students from the affected countries risk losing their legal status after graduation. Additionally, foreign students from India and China aren’t affected by the pause.
Program Details
OPT lets foreign students work while temporarily studying abroad in the U.S. Specifically, the program gives F-1 students up to twelve months of employment either during their studies or immediately afterward. Any time F-1 holders spend employed through OPT before finishing their studies rolls over to the period afterward. So if student spends two months working under the OPT program attending university, they’ll still have seven months left after the finish their studies. Many foreign students use the OPT program as a pathway to the H-1B visa.
Processing Delays
The Department of State (DOS) paused visa processing for individuals from forty different ‘high-risk’ countries in January, 2026. Foreign students from the affected countries can’t apply for OPT training until the pause ends. F-1 beneficiaries violate their nonimmigrant status if they’re unemployed after graduating college. The pause puts OPT applicants at risk of losing their legal status.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.