HIGH IMPACT

How does the Iran war affect international students?

Quick answer: A full visa suspension applies to 19 countries including Iran, Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. Study-abroad firms estimate a 15-20% drop in enrollments in Middle East universities. Students in Gulf states face flight cancellations and campus closures. Students shifting to Europe or Southeast Asia face 25% higher education costs.

Last updated: 2026-03-13

Visa suspensions

A full suspension of all immigrant and nonimmigrant visas applies to 19 countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. This effectively blocks students from these nations from entering or remaining in the U.S.

Students in Gulf states

Students studying at branch campuses in UAE, Qatar, and other Gulf states face:

  • Flight cancellations: Airspace closures have grounded thousands of flights
  • Campus closures: Some universities are reassessing operations
  • Safety concerns: Insurance and evacuation planning challenges
  • Staff shortages: International faculty leaving the region

Enrollment shifts

  • Study-abroad firms estimate 15-20% drop in Middle East university enrollments
  • Indian students shifting to Europe/Southeast Asia face 25% higher costs
  • Universities with Gulf branch campuses are reassessing their plans
  • Visa backlogs and diplomatic restrictions narrow pathways for affected nationalities

What international students should do

  1. Check your visa status with your university’s international student office
  2. Monitor embassy advisories for your home country
  3. Have evacuation plans if studying in the Gulf region
  4. Consider alternative study destinations if planning future enrollment

Sources: ICEF Monitor, Boston University ISSO, Business Standard

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Related Questions

Will the Iran war affect my visa or green card application?

Yes. Multiple US embassies across the Middle East have halted or limited visa services. H-1B holders face travel risks with closed embassies, and green card holders from affected countries may be stranded.

Are Americans stuck abroad because of the Iran war?

Yes -- roughly 500,000 Americans were in the Middle East when the war started. The State Department issued Level 4 'Do Not Travel' warnings for 14+ countries and urged immediate departure, but flights are scarce and expensive. The military is now offering C-17 cargo plane seats.

Are flights to the Middle East cancelled?

Yes, over 21,000 flights have been cancelled across major Middle Eastern hubs since Feb 28. Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and other airports have faced closures and massive disruptions.