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Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program

Overview

The Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program provides a pathway to permanent residence in the United States for Iraqi and Afghan nationals who worked directly with U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority and face ongoing serious threats as a consequence of their employment.

Created to honor the service and sacrifice of those who supported U.S. operations, the SIV program recognizes the dangerous work performed by translators, interpreters, and other support staff who put their lives at risk to assist American forces.

Program Categories

Iraqi SIV Program

For Iraqi nationals who worked with U.S. forces or under Chief of Mission authority.

Key Requirements:

  • • Minimum 1 year of service
  • • General/Flag Officer recommendation
  • • Ongoing serious threat
  • • Iraqi nationality

No numerical cap on Iraqi SIV program

Afghan SIV Program

For Afghan nationals who worked with U.S. forces or under Chief of Mission authority.

Key Requirements:

  • • Minimum 2 years of service (1 year in special cases)
  • • Chief of Mission recommendation
  • • Ongoing serious threat
  • • Afghan nationality

Subject to annual numerical limitations

Eligibility Requirements

Iraqi SIV Eligibility

  • Worked directly with U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority for at least one year
  • Obtained a positive recommendation or favorable written opinion from a General/Flag Officer or comparable civilian in the U.S. government
  • Experienced or is experiencing ongoing serious threat as a consequence of employment with U.S. government
  • Is a national of Iraq
  • Is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa and admissible to the United States

Afghan SIV Eligibility

  • Worked directly with U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority for at least two years (or one year if special circumstances apply)
  • Obtained a positive recommendation from a General/Flag Officer or Chief of Mission
  • Experienced or is experiencing ongoing serious threat as a consequence of employment with U.S. government
  • Is a national of Afghanistan
  • Is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa and admissible to the United States

Qualifying Employment

Types of Services That Qualify

The following types of employment may qualify for SIV consideration:

  • Translator or interpreter services
  • Cultural advisor or liaison
  • Construction, engineering, or transportation services
  • Security services and support
  • Administrative and clerical support
  • Medical services and support
  • Other services as determined by Chief of Mission

Important: Employment must be directly with U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority. Subcontractor work may qualify if properly documented and supervised by U.S. personnel.

Application Process

1

File Form I-360 with USCIS

Submit petition with supporting documentation and evidence of qualifying employment and threats

2

Wait for I-360 approval

USCIS reviews petition and supporting evidence. Processing times vary significantly

3

National Visa Center (NVC) processing

After I-360 approval, case transfers to NVC for immigrant visa processing

4

Submit DS-157 and supporting documents

Complete immigrant visa application with required documentation and fees

5

Interview scheduling

NVC schedules interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate (often in third country for security)

6

Attend visa interview

Consular officer conducts interview and makes final eligibility determination

7

Visa issuance and travel

If approved, receive immigrant visa and travel to United States within validity period

Required Documentation

Documents Needed for Application

  • Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant)
  • Form DS-157 (Application for Immigrant Visa for Special Immigrant)
  • Employment verification documents (contracts, letters, pay stubs)
  • Recommendation letter from qualifying U.S. official
  • Evidence of threats or danger faced
  • Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
  • Marriage certificate (if including spouse)
  • Birth certificates of qualifying children
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Medical examination results

Documentation Challenges: Many documents may be difficult to obtain due to ongoing conflict. USCIS and consular officers understand these challenges and may accept alternative evidence.

Family Members

Who Can Be Included

The following family members may be included in your SIV application:

  • Spouse of the principal applicant
  • Unmarried children under 21 years of age
  • Children who qualify under Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)
  • In some cases, parents and other family members may qualify for separate programs

Note: Family members must be included at the time of initial application. Adding family members later may require separate processing and could face numerical limitations.

Special Processing Considerations

Unique Aspects of SIV Cases

  • Expedited processing available for cases involving imminent threat
  • Third-country processing available for those who cannot safely remain in country of origin
  • Protection and security measures during processing
  • Coordination with Department of Defense and other agencies
  • Priority consideration for certain high-risk cases

Post-Arrival Support

Services Available After Arrival in the U.S.

  • Reception and Placement (R&P) assistance through voluntary agencies
  • Temporary financial assistance for basic needs
  • Employment services and job placement assistance
  • English language training programs
  • Cultural orientation and community integration support
  • Medical screening and healthcare assistance
  • Educational services for children

Resettlement Agencies: Work with voluntary agencies (VOLAGs) that provide comprehensive support services to help SIV recipients integrate successfully into American communities.

Common Challenges

Potential Issues and Delays

  • Long processing times due to high demand and security checks
  • Difficulty obtaining required documentation in conflict zones
  • Language barriers in completing applications
  • Safety concerns while waiting for case processing
  • Complex evidence requirements for employment verification
  • Limited availability of interview appointments

Processing Times: SIV cases can take several years to complete due to high demand, security clearances, and documentation requirements. Patience and persistence are essential.

Current Status and Updates

Afghan SIV Program Status

Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, the Afghan SIV program continues to operate with several important considerations:

  • • Processing continues for pending cases
  • • Third-country processing available for those outside Afghanistan
  • • Priority processing for certain high-risk cases
  • • Coordination with evacuation and resettlement efforts

Check State Department website for latest updates on processing locations and procedures.

Iraqi SIV Program Status

The Iraqi SIV program continues normal processing with regular interview appointments available.

  • • Interviews conducted at U.S. Embassy Baghdad or third countries
  • • No numerical cap limitations
  • • Regular processing timeline updates available

Key Processing Offices

USCIS Processing

Form I-360 Processing:

USCIS Vermont Service Center
Specializes in SIV petitions

Processing Time: Varies widely, check USCIS website for current estimates

National Visa Center

Immigrant Visa Processing:

After I-360 approval, NVC handles documentary requirements and interview scheduling

Contact: Through official NVC inquiry system

Alternative Programs

Other Special Immigrant Categories

If SIV doesn't apply, consider:

  • • Priority 2 (P-2) Refugee Program for Afghan allies
  • • Other special immigrant categories under INA § 101(a)(27)
  • • Asylum or refugee status if eligible
  • • Family-based immigration if U.S. citizen/LPR relatives

Emergency Evacuation Programs

For urgent cases:

  • • Operation Allies Welcome (for evacuated Afghans)
  • • Humanitarian parole for urgent cases
  • • Contact through official State Department channels

Getting Help

Legal Assistance

  • • Pro Bono Legal Services: Many organizations provide free legal help for SIV cases
  • • Veteran Organizations: VFW, American Legion, and others support SIV applicants
  • • Immigration Legal Services: CLINIC, AILA attorney referrals
  • • Congressional Assistance: Contact your representative's office for case inquiries

Support Organizations

  • • Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
  • • International Rescue Committee
  • • No One Left Behind
  • • Association of Wartime Allies
  • • Local veteran support groups

Honor and Recognition

The SIV program exists to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served alongside U.S. forces in dangerous conditions. Your service and that of your colleagues helped protect American service members and advance important missions.

While the process can be long and challenging, remember that this program was created specifically to provide safety and opportunity for you and your family in recognition of your service to the United States.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. SIV program requirements and procedures can change. Always consult official State Department, USCIS guidance, and consider seeking professional legal assistance for your specific case. Information current as of 2025.