The escalating Middle East conflict has fundamentally disrupted US visa processing for employees and employers connected to the region. Joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran beginning February 28, 2026, triggered the near-total shutdown of US embassies and consulates across the Middle East, canceling thousands of visa appointments and stranding workers abroad. This crisis layers on top of an expanded 39-country travel ban, a 75-country immigrant visa processing freeze, and a USCIS benefits pause that together have created the most restricted immigration processing environment in modern US history. This guide breaks down the current disruptions, explains how they affect employment-based Green Cards and temporary work visas, and outlines the landscape for employers and employees navigating their immigration timelines in 2026.
The operational status of US diplomatic posts in the Middle East collapsed in late February and early March 2026. Understanding which posts are open, closed, or limited is essential for any employee or employer planning consular visa processing in the region.
The Middle East conflict evolved through several phases before reaching its current state. The January 2025 Israel-Hamas ceasefire (Phase 1) and the October 2025 comprehensive ceasefire, which secured the release of all remaining living hostages, had temporarily stabilized the region. The US Embassy in Tel Aviv resumed routine visa services during this period. The November 2024 Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire similarly stabilized Lebanon, allowing consular operations at the embassy in Beirut consular to partially recover.
However, a June 2025 twelve-day military exchange between Israel, the US, and Iran signaled that the broader regional conflict was far from resolved. The joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran launched February 28, 2026 shattered the fragile stability. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the region, striking the US Embassy compound in Riyadh on approximately March 3, 2026, and the US Embassy compound in Baghdad on approximately March 14, 2026. The Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution on February 28, 2026, and subsequently issued specific departure directives for Americans in Middle Eastern countries in early March.
Current State Department travel advisory levels:
These advisory levels reflect the assessed safety risk for Americans traveling to each country. While travel advisory levels and consular operational status are determined independently, in the current crisis, Level 4 posts have no consular visa services available, Level 3 posts have generally suspended routine operations, and only Level 2 posts (currently limited to Egypt in the Middle East) maintain anything close to normal operations. Actual visa service availability at each post is determined by the State Department's operational decisions, which are published on individual embassy websites.
Posts with fully suspended visa services: Israel (Jerusalem and Tel Aviv), Lebanon (Beirut), Iraq (Baghdad and Erbil), Kuwait, and Bahrain. These posts are operating on emergency-only or total shutdown status with all routine visa appointments canceled indefinitely.
Posts with skeleton staff and suspended routine processing: UAE (Abu Dhabi and Dubai), Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and Jeddah), and Oman. Staff are operating under shelter-in-place orders. The US Embassy in Riyadh sustained damage from drone attacks on approximately March 3, 2026, forcing closure.
Posts that remain functional: US Embassy Cairo (Egypt) and US Embassy Ankara plus Consulate Istanbul (Turkey) continue to process visas. The Adana consulate in Turkey suspended services March 9 due to its proximity to the Iraq and Syria border. Both Cairo and Ankara/Istanbul are absorbing overflow demand from shuttered regional posts, resulting in longer wait times at these locations.
Important: The State Department directed all nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule interviews exclusively at posts in their country of nationality or residence (effective September 6, 2025), and extended this requirement to immigrant visa applicants on November 1, 2025. This eliminated third-country processing as a workaround for applicants from conflict-affected countries.
What this means in practice: If a consular processing case is assigned to any closed Middle Eastern post, the interview cannot be scheduled until that post reopens. Cases cannot simply be transferred to Cairo or Ankara unless that is the applicant's country of nationality or residence. For employees already in the US, Adjustment of Status (I-485) filing is an alternative pathway where eligibility exists.
The closures affect every visa category processed at these posts:
Beyond the physical embassy closures, three overlapping policy restrictions create additional barriers for Middle Eastern nationals. These restrictions operate independently, meaning an applicant can be blocked by one, two, or all three simultaneously.
Presidential Proclamation 10949 (signed June 4, 2025; effective June 9, 2025) restricted entry for nationals of 19 countries under two tiers: a full ban on 12 countries and partial visa-category restrictions on 7 countries. Presidential Proclamation 10998 (signed December 16, 2025; effective January 1, 2026) expanded the restrictions to 39 countries plus Palestinian Authority travel document holders. Countries under full bans that are relevant to the Middle East include Iran, Libya, Yemen, and Syria. Other countries under full bans include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and several others.
The December 2025 expansion removed previously available exemptions, including exemptions for immediate family immigrant visas and Afghan Special Immigrant Visas. Both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance are suspended for nationals of these countries with no announced expiration date.
Impact on employers: For employers who employ or are trying to hire nationals from any of the 39 restricted countries, no new visa issuance is possible under current policy. Employees already in the US with valid status can continue working, but traveling abroad carries a risk that reentry may be denied. H-1B extensions filed domestically with USCIS remain possible for nationals not affected by Layer 3 below.
Effective January 21, 2026, the State Department paused all immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries, citing a reassessment of screening, vetting, and public charge policies. Middle Eastern countries affected include Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, along with Afghanistan and others.
Embassies continue accepting applications and conducting interviews where operationally possible, but no immigrant visas are actually being issued. Cases are placed into administrative processing hold. A federal lawsuit (CLINIC v. Rubio, Case No. 1:26-cv-00858, S.D.N.Y.) was filed February 2, 2026, challenging this policy.
Impact on employees: Nationals of one of the 75 listed countries whose Green Card cases rely on consular processing will not receive an immigrant visa even if their interview is completed. An Adjustment of Status filing is an alternative pathway to a Green Card for employees in the US where eligibility exists.
USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0194, effective January 1, 2026, placed an indefinite hold on all pending immigration benefit applications for nationals of the 39 travel ban countries. This freeze covers; I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status; N-400, Application for Naturalization; I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; and I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.
The memo also mandates retroactive review of benefits approved on or after January 20, 2021, meaning previously approved cases could be reopened and reconsidered. Reports indicate widespread cancellations of green card interviews and naturalization oath ceremonies for affected nationals.
Impact on employees and employers: Unlike Layers 1 and 2, this restriction affects domestic USCIS processing, not just consular processing. An Iranian-born employee with a pending I-485 adjustment of status, for example, faces a freeze on their case regardless of whether they are already living and working in the US. Consulting with experienced immigration counsel is one way to assess which employees are affected and what options exist.
Note: These three policy layers interact differently depending on country of birth, current location, visa category, and filing pathway. Not every Middle Eastern national is affected by all three. For example, an Israeli national may face embassy closure but is not on the 39-country travel ban list. An Egyptian national may face the 75-country immigrant visa freeze but not the USCIS benefits pause. Case-by-case analysis is essential.
For employees and employers filing I-140 petitions domestically with USCIS, the Middle East conflict has not directly changed processing timelines. Current estimates based on the USCIS Processing Times tool:
Why this matters in the current environment: Premium processing provides a defined decision window on the I-140 petition itself, regardless of what is happening at embassies abroad. An approved I-140 secures a priority date, enables H-1B extensions beyond the 6-year limit under AC21 §§ 104(c) and 106(a), and positions the applicant for I-485 filing when visa numbers are available. For EB-2 NIW filers, premium processing at the 45-business-day tier is particularly relevant, since the NIW petition bypasses PERM labor certification entirely.
However, USCIS has expanded security screening that adds processing time for certain applicants. A centralized USCIS Vetting Center was announced in Atlanta in December 2025, using AI-driven screening to flag cases for secondary review. USCIS Policy Alert PA-2025-16 (August 19, 2025) designated involvement in or endorsement of anti-American activities, terrorist organizations, and antisemitic ideologies as an overwhelmingly negative factor in discretionary benefit decisions, a classification that functions as a near-automatic denial signal. Applicants from Middle Eastern countries may face additional scrutiny at this stage.
For employer-sponsored Green Cards that require PERM labor certification, the conflict adds another layer of complexity. According to DOL processing data, PERM applications currently face processing times of approximately 496 to 512 days for Analyst Review. An estimated 25% to 33% of applications are selected for audit based on industry estimates (the DOL does not publish official audit rates), which typically adds another 3 to 6 months (longer if supervised recruitment is triggered). The complete PERM process involves prevailing wage determination (approximately 3 to 5 months, though this has fluctuated significantly in recent quarters), recruitment (2 to 3 months), and DOL adjudication (approximately 16 to 17 months based on current FLAG data), all before the I-140 can be filed.
For employees from conflict-affected countries, the PERM path carries particular risk because it requires maintaining the exact job role with the same employer throughout the entire process. Job changes, promotions, or significant duty modifications invalidate the application, forcing a restart. If an employee is stranded abroad due to embassy closures and cannot physically work at the certified location, this can jeopardize the PERM filing.
This is one reason why the EB-2 NIW has become an increasingly popular alternative. The NIW bypasses PERM entirely, removing approximately 15 to 24 months from the Green Card process. It also allows self-petitioning, meaning the employee's Green Card process is not tied to a specific employer. An employee who qualifies for the NIW can change jobs, start a business, or pursue consulting without affecting their green card case. In an environment where employer-employee relationships may be disrupted by travel restrictions and stranding, this flexibility is notable.
For employees whose cases require consular processing, administrative processing under Section 221(g) has increased substantially. The State Department states that most administrative processing cases are resolved within 60 days, though complex Security Advisory Opinion (SAO) cases involving interagency review can extend to 12 months or longer.
What employees can expect: If a visa application is placed in administrative processing, a 221(g) refusal notice is issued. This is not a denial; it means additional review is required. There is no mechanism to expedite the process, and there is no guaranteed timeline for resolution. Maintaining valid status in the US and avoiding international travel while processing is pending are common approaches in this situation.
The March 2026 Visa Bulletin shows significant forward movement in employment-based categories. EB-2 for "Rest of World" became Current on the Dates for Filing chart (which USCIS is currently using) in March 2026. The March 2026 Final Action Date for EB-2 Rest of World was October 15, 2024. The April 2026 Visa Bulletin advanced EB-2 Final Action Dates further, with the Rest of World category reaching Current on both charts.
The State Department has acknowledged that this forward movement is partly because reduced immigrant visa issuance overseas (resulting from embassy closures, the travel ban, and the 75-country freeze) has artificially freed up visa numbers. This creates a window for applicants who can file domestically via Adjustment of Status (I-485), but the State Department has warned that retrogression may follow if restrictions are lifted and overseas processing resumes.
Bottom line: The current visa bulletin window is real but potentially temporary. Employees in the US who can file for Adjustment of Status have an opportunity that may not last. Employees abroad face a more constrained set of options.
For detailed explanations of how priority dates, Final Action Dates, and Dates for Filing work together, read Alma's guide to understanding the USCIS Visa Bulletin.
The combination of embassy shutdowns, travel bans, and processing freezes calls for proactive planning. The following strategies are relevant whether for an employee managing their own case or an employer supporting their workforce.
Applicants already in the US with valid nonimmigrant status have the option of filing their Adjustment of Status (I-485) rather than consular processing abroad. Domestic filing avoids embassy closures, the 75-country immigrant visa freeze, and travel risks. If a priority date is current per the monthly visa bulletin, concurrent filing (I-140 filed with I-485 at the same time) can reduce overall processing timelines, and an applicant can file their I-765, Application for Work Authorization and I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.
Check the USCIS visa bulletin page monthly to determine which filing chart applies. The current EB-2 "Rest of World" Dates for Filing status of "Current" makes this an available option for many applicants.
Filing multiple immigrant petition categories simultaneously has become a common risk-management approach in the current environment. Common combinations include:
Explore Alma's visa guides for detailed comparisons between EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, and other employment-based categories.
Per-country visa limits under INA § 202(a)(2) restrict each nation to 7% of the total annual employment-based and family-sponsored preference visas combined. Cross-chargeability allows applicants to use their spouse's country of birth instead of their own when the spouse was born in a less backlogged country. For example, an Iranian-born professional married to someone born in the UAE could potentially access "Current" EB-2 dates rather than facing Iran-specific restrictions.
Cross-chargeability must be explicitly requested in the filing. USCIS does not apply it automatically. Under INA § 202(b)(2), the applicant seeking to change their chargeability must be accompanying or following to join their spouse who was born in the more favorable country, and both must be acquiring immigrant status. The Foreign Affairs Manual and INA § 202(b)(2) govern specific eligibility requirements, and the details can vary by case.
For employers with employees connected to the Middle East, relevant considerations include:
Alma works with businesses of all sizes on corporate immigration strategy, from startups through enterprise. Alma's platform tracks employee visa statuses, deadlines, and processing milestones in real time.
The timeline for visa processing recovery depends on two volatile factors: the military conflict and the ongoing legal challenges to current restrictions.
If the Iran conflict reaches a ceasefire, embassy reopenings would follow, but accumulated backlogs will take months to clear. Interview calendars at regional posts were already stretched into late summer before the March cancellations. When posts reopen, applicants with previously canceled appointments will need to be rescheduled alongside new applicants, creating a bottleneck that could last 6 to 12 months or longer at the busiest posts.
Rerouted applicants are already inflating wait times at the few remaining functional posts. Cairo and Ankara/Istanbul are processing significantly higher volumes than normal, which means even applicants from unaffected countries using those posts may see extended wait times.
Multiple federal lawsuits are contesting the travel bans, the 75-country immigrant visa freeze, the USCIS benefits pause, and the termination of humanitarian protections. Courts have delivered mixed results so far. Some TPS terminations have been blocked by federal judges, while other policies have been upheld. The CLINIC v. Rubio lawsuit filed February 2, 2026, specifically challenges the 75-country immigrant visa freeze.
Any of these restrictions could be modified, stayed, or reversed by court order with limited notice. A flexible immigration strategy that can adapt to rapid policy changes is particularly valuable in the current environment.
Middle Eastern consular processing disruptions may continue through at least the end of FY2026 (September 30, 2026). This means budgeting for extended temporary work visa costs, premium processing fees, potential domestic filing pathway changes, and legal consultation for affected employees. Companies with significant Middle Eastern workforce presence may find value in establishing a standing immigration response protocol rather than treating each disruption as an isolated event.
Read success stories from Alma's clients including researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals who have secured approvals during periods of heightened scrutiny.
The current environment calls for immigration counsel that can move quickly, adapt to shifting policies, and build cases strong enough to withstand intensified scrutiny. Alma's immigration platform combines attorney-led preparation with technology-enabled workflows for faster turnaround without sacrificing quality.
Speed when it matters most: Alma's technology-enabled workflow delivers petition-ready filings in approximately 2 weeks. When visa bulletin windows can close with one month's notice, this speed is a meaningful advantage.
Legal expertise for complex cases: Alma attorneys report approval rates or EB-2 NIW cases higher than the USCIS approval percentage. For context, the overall national EB-2 NIW approval rate across all filers was approximately 43% in FY 2024 according to USCIS data.This reflects Alma's internal case data and includes pre-screening to assess whether cases meet legal standards before filing. In the current environment, where USCIS is applying heightened scrutiny through the new Vetting Center and expanded screening protocols, experienced legal preparation is a strong safeguard against RFEs and delays.
Transparent pricing: Flat-fee structure with no hidden costs. EB-2 NIW petitions are $10,000, and EB-1/EB-2 NIW applicants with an approved O-1 pay $7,000. RFE responses are included in the base fee. USCIS filing fees and third-party costs (such as education evaluations or translation services) are billed separately. Payment plans are available.
Real-time case tracking: Alma's platform provides 24/7 visibility into case progress, from document upload through USCIS decision. Every client works with a dedicated attorney who knows their case, with response times within 4 to 6 hours on business days.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation with an experienced immigration attorney.
As of March 2026, only US Embassy Cairo (Egypt) and US Embassy Ankara and Consulate Istanbul (Turkey) continue routine visa processing in the broader Middle East and surrounding region. All other posts, including Tel Aviv, Beirut, Baghdad, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, have suspended routine visa services due to the military conflict. If an appointment was at a closed post, it has been canceled. Applicants will need to wait for the post to reopen or, if eligible under current State Department rules, request transfer to a post in their country of nationality or residence. Monitor USCIS and State Department announcements for updates on post reopenings.
The employer can document the embassy closure and the employee's inability to obtain a visa stamp as circumstances beyond their control. Filing an H-1B extension (Form I-129) with USCIS domestically is one option if the employee's current status is approaching expiration. If premium processing is used, the extension can be adjudicated within 15 business days. Establishing a remote work arrangement where possible, and keeping records of worksite location changes for future compliance, are also relevant considerations. Attempting to reenter the US on an expired visa stamp will result in CBP denying entry.
For applicants currently in the US with valid nonimmigrant status and a current priority date, switching to Adjustment of Status (I-485) is worth evaluating in the current environment. This route avoids all embassy-related delays, the 75-country immigrant visa freeze, and travel risks. However, nationals of one of the 39 travel ban countries face the USCIS benefits processing pause (PM-602-0194), which may also freeze a domestic I-485. Consulting with experienced immigration counsel can help determine which restrictions apply to a specific situation.
The April 2026 visa bulletin shows EB-2 "Rest of World" has reached "Current" on both the Dates for Filing chart (the chart USCIS is currently using) and the Final Action Dates chart, up from a Final Action Date of October 15, 2024 just the prior month. This forward movement is partly because administration actions, including nationality-based visa restrictions and immigrant visa processing pauses, have reduced overseas visa issuance, freeing up visa numbers. For applicants in the US who can file I-485, this creates an available window. However, the State Department has warned that dates may retrogress as additional demand materializes or administration actions are amended. Indian and Chinese-born applicants still face significant per-country backlogs. Check the USCIS visa bulletin page monthly for current filing charts.
Alma helps both individuals and businesses navigate their immigration strategy in the current environment. For employees, Alma's attorneys can evaluate whether switching filing pathways, pursuing multi-track petitions (EB-2 NIW, EB-1A), or using cross-chargeability may apply to a given case. For employers, Alma provides workforce visa audits, compliance tracking, and real-time case monitoring through the platform. Schedule a consultation or visit the contact page to get started.
