Iran Introduces Plan for Returning Afghan Students to Renew Residency

DID Press: Afghan students who previously held academic residency in Iran but left the country during wartime conditions and subsequently saw their residency permits expire will now be eligible to receive a 7-day visa upon re-entry, according to a new directive.

Under the updated arrangement, eligible students entering Iran through official border crossings will be issued a short-term 7-day visa, enabling them to travel directly to their universities and initiate the process of renewing their academic residency.

Authorities said the measure is intended to facilitate the immediate return of students and allow them to resume academic procedures without delay. Upon entry, students are required to promptly report to their respective universities and complete the necessary administrative steps for residency extension.

The notice also specifies that, until further notice, the issuance of new student visas will be limited to cases where applicants have not previously held academic residency in Iran and where their presence is deemed necessary for academic or research purposes. This includes activities such as attending classes, defending theses, or presenting research proposals.

The policy primarily applies to master’s, doctoral, and professional medical students. Students who have not completed residency procedures by the time of their thesis defense must submit official university endorsement letters along with supporting documentation to relevant authorities to obtain a student visa.

The directive further notes that no new instructions have yet been issued regarding students who entered Iran with a visa but left before obtaining academic residency. These students are expected to await further decisions ahead of the upcoming academic semester, with new visa issuance likely required for their return and continuation of studies.