Current Visa Processing Disruptions
The conflict has created significant problems for visa applicants and holders:
- Multiple US embassies in the Middle East have halted or limited visa services as a result of the conflict
- Thousands of green card holders are stranded due to closed embassies and cancelled flights (Immigration Lawyer Blog, March 2026)
- H-1B holders face job and status risks if they can’t return to the US on time (Business Standard, March 5)
Who Is Affected
Green card holders:
- Those who were travelling in or through the Middle East when the conflict began may be unable to return
- Extended absence from the US (over 6 months) can jeopardize green card status
- Repatriation flights are available but limited
H-1B and work visa holders:
- Travel outside the US for visa stamping at Middle Eastern embassies is disrupted
- If you can’t get your visa stamped, you may not be able to re-enter the US
- Your employer needs to be informed of any delays
Student visa holders (F-1):
- Students from affected regions may face delays returning for spring semester
- Check with your university’s international student office for guidance
Visa applicants:
- Interview appointments at affected embassies are being cancelled
- Processing times are increasing even at unaffected embassies due to redirected workload
The Expanded Travel Ban Context
An expanded travel ban effective January 1, 2026 had already blocked immigrant visas from 75 countries (Congress.gov). The Iran war has compounded these restrictions, creating additional layers of difficulty for travellers from the region.
What You Should Do
- Do NOT travel through the Middle East if you need a visa stamp or embassy appointment
- Contact your immigration attorney if you’re stranded or facing status issues
- Reach out to your country’s consulate for repatriation assistance
- Document everything — flight cancellations, embassy closures, and attempts to return
- For H-1B holders: Notify your employer immediately about any delays and explore remote work options
- Check USCIS and State Department websites for the latest updates on processing and embassy operations
Sources: Immigration Lawyer Blog, Business Standard, Visa Lawyer Blog, Congress.gov