Update on U.S. Visa Eligibility for Iranian Citizens
Posted Feb 16, 2001

U.S. sanctions against Iran include restrictions on certain persons applying for U.S. visas. In particular, persons who are working for the Iranian government or for an Iranian business or other organization cannot obtain E2, H1B, L1 or immigrant (permanent) visas. 

In response to an inquiry from an attorney member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the U.S. Department of State confirmed to the AILA attorney that an Iranian citizen who had lived and worked in Iran would not automatically be disqualified. Rather, issuance of the visa is prohibited only if the person is actually coming to the U.S. as an "agent, employee or contractor" of the Iranian government or an Iranian company or organization. 

So, for example, an Iranian with an approved H1B petition for a job offer with a U.S. company, who satisfies the requirements for admission as an H1B, can obtain an H1B visa.