U.S. visa processing across the Middle East is facing renewed disruption due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Recent military activity involving Iran and the U.S. government’s evacuation of non-essential personnel from multiple embassies across the Middle East will significantly impact visa processing in the region. Although the Department of State (State Department) recently authorized the resumption of F, M, and J visa interviews under new vetting protocols, the deteriorating security environment is likely to delay, or entirely suspend, implementation of that guidance at affected consular posts.
On June 18, 2025, the State Department issued guidance authorizing the resumption of student and exchange scholar visa interviews (F, M, J), which had been paused in recent months while the agency finalized its social media screening and vetting procedures.
Although the State Department directed consular posts to implement enhanced vetting procedures and resume visa scheduling within five business days of its June 18 guidance, ongoing regional instability across the Middle East is now undermining that rollout at affected consular posts. On June 22, 2025, the United States conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities while expanding evacuation efforts, ordering the departure of non-essential personnel from multiple embassies in countries including Iraq and Lebanon. Iran’s subsequent missile retaliation the following day has heightened regional volatility and may trigger additional drawdowns, including among remaining embassy staff.
These staffing reductions are expected to result in widespread appointment cancellations, limited interview availability, and prolonged administrative visa processing times. The impact extends across all visa categories, including employment-based, family-based, and visitor visas.
Given the challenges of prolonged visa processing times and limited visa appointment availability at many applicants’ primary consular posts, individuals should consider applying in other countries as third-country nationals. However, many consular posts do not accept third-country national applications for certain visa categories, particularly for first-time visa seekers. Visa seekers are strongly encouraged to review the consular post’s website and, if needed, contact the nonimmigrant visa (NIV) section by email to confirm eligibility before making any travel arrangements. As more applicants seek to apply for visas in other countries, this redistribution of demand may gradually reduce appointment wait times at U.S. embassies and consulates in the Middle East. However, extended visa processing times persist due to enhanced vetting procedures and ongoing staffing constraints.
In parallel, visa applicants, particularly those from or with ties to Iran and other high-risk regions, may face heightened scrutiny under the newly expanded screening protocols. The requirement to publicly disclose all social media accounts, when combined with elevated regional security concerns and intelligence advisories, such as the Department of Homeland Security’s June 22, 2025, Terrorism Bulletin, will likely increase both the frequency and duration of security-related administrative processing. These measures may apply to both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, even in cases where applicants have previously held valid U.S. visas.
Applicants should be prepared for greater discretionary review by consular officers and extended wait times before adjudication.
If you have questions about how these developments may affect your visa application, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys at Klasko Immigration Law Partners by requesting one here. In the meantime, our global practice team is well-positioned to support companies navigating workforce disruptions during this period of uncertainty. We regularly assist multinational employers in relocating employees to alternative jurisdictions and coordinating cross-border visa strategies. For tailored guidance, please contact our team to discuss your organization’s specific needs.
The material contained in this alert does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only. An attorney-client relationship is not presumed or intended by receipt or review of this presentation. The information provided should never replace informed counsel when specific immigration-related guidance is needed.
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