Waited for months, then gave up my American dream, say Iranian students

'I have lost two years of study so far,' the 31-year-old said by telephone, withholding his full name for fear his comments might affect his application

Getting a US student visa normally takes a few months, but 16 months later, he was still waiting. The uncertainty and lack of work took its toll on the relationship and the couple split.

"I was sliding into depression. I felt hollow and useless," said Rezaei Rad, who had won places to study for a post-graduate degree in electrical engineering. Eventually, he gave up his American dream and got a place at a European university instead.

Thousands of Iranians study in the United States each year, one of the few gates that has been kept open since the two countries cut diplomatic