Southern California universities have stopped issuing work permits to international students after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a warning on Monday that the schools might be violating federal employment rules. The DHS notice indicated that the campuses could be breaching regulations that control employment opportunities for foreign‑language students, prompting the temporary suspension of authorizations.
The Department of Homeland Security placed the institutions on formal notice, citing possible infractions of the rules that govern how international students may work while studying. The warning specifically referenced federal statutes that restrict off‑campus employment and require strict reporting and approval procedures.
In reaction, the affected campuses have halted the processing of new work authorizations and have paused existing permits pending a review of compliance. The suspension applies to all categories of student employment covered by the federal guidelines, affecting students who rely on campus jobs or authorized practical training to support their studies.
The pause will remain in effect until the universities receive further direction from the agency and can demonstrate adherence to the applicable regulations. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security have not released a timeline for resolution, and the situation continues to be monitored.
The notice was issued on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 12:00 GMT, and it specifically targeted universities in the Southern California region.
The campuses involved span a range of public and private institutions that enroll a significant number of international students, all of which are now required to pause work authorizations while compliance is reviewed.