The US travel ban and Iranian nationals: what routes remain?

Since 1 January 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, all US immigrant and nonimmigrant visas are suspended for Iranian passport holders: visitor, student, work, fiancé(e), spouses and parents of US citizens, EB-5 and the lottery. Unlike the June 2025 ban, the exception for spouses and children of US citizens has been removed. We say this plainly so that your time and money are not spent on a closed route.

What is suspended?

Visas issued before 1 January 2026 have not been revoked, but check entry with a lawyer before travelling on one.

What routes remain?

1. A second nationality: Iranians holding the passport of a country not on the ban lists (for example Türkiye, a European country or a citizenship-by-investment country) are not covered when using that passport. For an E-2 visa based on citizenship acquired by investment from December 2022 onward, 3 years of actual residence in that country are required.
2. Green card holders: US permanent residents are not covered by the ban.
3. People already in the US: the proclamation is silent on changes of status and extensions inside the US. The USCIS hold for these countries was vacated by a court in June 2026, but the case is on appeal and vetting is very strict.
4. Religious and ethnic minorities facing persecution in Iran: a specific exception exists for immigrant visas.
5. National interest: a case-by-case exception that is very rarely granted.

Our advice to Iranian nationals

• If your main goal is to live in the West, seriously consider the routes to the UK, Portugal, Spain and Greece, or residence in Türkiye and Georgia.
• If you hold or are obtaining a second nationality, let us assess the E-2 or other visas on that passport.
• The proclamation is reviewed every 180 days; we follow the changes and keep this page up to date.

Frequently asked questions

Can the Iranian spouse of a US citizen get a visa?

Not on an Iranian passport since 1 January 2026; the immediate-relative exception was removed, unless another exception (such as a second nationality) applies.

Can Iranians with a second nationality get a US visa?

Yes. On the passport of a country not on the ban lists, they are not covered and their application is assessed under the normal rules.

What happens if I win the green card lottery?

No diversity visa can be issued on an Iranian passport, because the proclamation has no exception for it.

Can Iranians inside the US get a green card?

Applying from inside the US is possible and a court vacated the processing hold, but the case is on appeal and security vetting is strict; always proceed with a lawyer.

Based on Proclamation 10998 and court rulings up to October 2026. This may change at any 180-day review or by court order.