Will going to IRAN hamper the application for US visa?

Question

I am just wondering whether going to Iran for a week (for touristic purposes like this - https://www.panoramio.com/photo/2073397) will hamper my application for US visa? Is it a "no-no" thing for those planning to attend a US b-school? :roll:

togafoot · Answer

It`s not a no no, but you may get questioned by immigration.

I have a friend who was refused entry into the USA when they weren`t happy for his reasons for going into the West Bank and Gaza.

dosa_don · Answer

I would try to avoid it if at all possible. I think even if you dont get a refusal, you could very well get a 221g, which is essentially a background check that might delay your approval.

navy01 · Answer

call whatever US embassy orwhatever and just ask. I don't think it would be a problem if you said you were going for vacation.

nick_sun · Answer

I have just called them. The only thing they told me is that the issue of issuance of visa will be considered by the consulate officer and they have no idea what he might decide.

CerealsMBA · Answer

It is sad to say but a trip ti Iran may cause you some trouble. For the visa, when the background check is triggered, it takes at least a month for it to complete. So you may be fine, but you may not... And you may be also pulled aside at the border controls. I hate to say that but INS officers at the border are not the sharpest tools in the box, and most of them aren't very open minded (euphemism), so you may avoid going through an annoying questioning by not going to Iran.

But then, heck, if you really wanna go to Iran, go. You are free of your actions and Iran is a beautiful country.

But then, heck, if you really wanna go to Iran, go. You are free of your actions and Iran is a beautiful country.

nick_sun · Answer

Folks, absolutely agree with you! It's like a forbidden fruit for me - I terribly want to bite it but not sure about the outcome

riverripper · Answer

Its not worth the grief it could cause you. These days Iran is like enemy #1 with the state department, so going there looks really bad. Where I work we need security clearance and I know of a person who was unable to get clearance because they worked for an major oil company and was stationed in Iran like 15 years ago. That was pre 9/11 and since then its gotten a lot worse. Sure a visa is different than security clearance but they still will run a check and may ask you if you have been to certain countries...if you have a Visa stamp in your passport just months before you head to the US it could definitely cause issues.

nick_sun · Answer

After visiting, I can obtain a new passport. But that, surely, takes some time. And then I will also need some time for US visa application. That seems to be very complicated and tricky.

helg · Answer

I'd say, go there in two years. Not now. Now the risk is not worth it.

nick_sun · Answer

Agree with you. It is not worth it. Hope, the states will not wage a new war till the time I come there.

Will going to IRAN hamper the application for US visa?

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