Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans – Who Worked for/on Behalf of the U.S. Government

 

Important Notice: A Dari translation of this webpage will be available here soon.

Note: You should NOT make any travel arrangements, sell property, or give up employment until and unless you are issued a U.S. visa.

Overview

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What is this program?

The Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009, Section 602(b), authorizes the issuance of up to 1,500 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) annually through fiscal year 2013 to Afghan nationals who have worked for or on behalf of the U.S. Government in Afghanistan and who meet certain requirements. The Act opens the SIV application process to Afghan employees and contractors for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 who have been employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government in Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001, for a period of one year or more, and who have experienced or are experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of that employment. For more information about the relevant U.S. law, see References - U.S. Laws, number 1 .

In addition to the information on this website, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will post on its website a fact sheet and information on Form I-360 petitions for this program.

This program is completely distinct from another program authorizing SIVs for certain Iraqi and Afghan translators/interpreters working for the U.S. Government, although some translators and interpreters may qualify under both programs. For information on that program, see Special Immigrant Visas for Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters.

What is meant by SIV?

SIV stands for Special Immigrant Visa. While there are many categories of SIVs, this webpage discusses only SIVs for eligible Afghan citizens who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. Government for one year or more after October 7, 2001, and who have experienced or are experiencing an ongoing serious threat due to that employment.

What is meant by fiscal year?

The fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends September 30.

How many Special Immigrant Visas can be issued per year under this program?

The total number of principal applicants who can receive SIV status under this program may not exceed 1,500 per year for fiscal years 2009 through 2013.

SIVs issued to a principal applicant’s spouse and children do not count toward the 1,500 limit.

Who can apply for this program?

You may apply for this program if you meet all of the following requirements:

  • You must be a national of Afghanistan;
  • You must have been employed by, or on behalf of, the U.S. Government in Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001, for a period of one year or more;
  • You must have provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. Government, which is documented in a letter of recommendation from your supervisor; and
  • You must have experienced or be experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of your employment by the U.S. Government.

Specific requirements for each step of the process are detailed below.

What about my family? Can my family members immigrate with me?

Your spouse, as well as unmarried children younger than age 21, may be granted SIVs, and may travel with you or may follow to join you after you have been admitted to the United States. 

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STEP  1 – Apply for Chief of Mission Approval

Click here to view Applicant Guidelines for Chief of Mission Approval in English (PDF) (A Dari translation will be available here soon)

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What documents are required for Chief of Mission (COM) approval?  

Click here to view Applicant Guidelines for Chief of Mission Approval in English (PDF) (A Dari translation will be available here soon)

  • Verification of 12 months employment with or on behalf of the U.S. Government in Afghanistan:  a letter from your employer’s Human Resources (HR) department confirming that you were employed by, or on behalf of, the U.S. Government in Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001, for a period of one year or more.
  • Letter of Recommendation from your direct, U.S. citizen supervisor.
  • Statement of threats you received as a consequence of your employment with the U.S. Government.
  • A completed Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
  • Evidence of Afghan nationality.
  • Your biographic data, and a scanned copy of your employee badge.
  • A scanned copy of your passport or taskera (with English translation).

Who may submit the letter of recommendation?

The recommending supervisor should normally be the U.S. citizen who directly supervises you, or supervises the company for which you are employed. You must be personally and favorably known to the recommending supervisor. The recommending supervisor must attest, in writing, that you are personally known to him or her, and, to the best of his or her knowledge, you present no threat to the national security or safety of the United States. The recommendation should also contain the dates that the supervisor supervised you and a detailed description of the serious, ongoing threat you are or have experienced as a result of your employment on behalf of the U.S. government. The recommendation also must contain the supervisor’s current e-mail address, and previous work email address if no longer with the organization for which you performed the qualifying work and must be signed and dated.

What if I am unable to locate or need assistance contacting my former U.S. Military or Department of Defense Supervisor?

If your previous supervisor was U.S. military or an employee of the U.S. Department of Defense and you are having trouble locating them, the Supervisor Locator can possibly help. Learn more.

What if it is not possible for me, as a contract employee, to obtain this recommendation from a U.S. Citizen supervisor?

You can provide a letter of recommendation signed by your non-U.S. citizen supervisor and co-signed by the U.S. citizen who is responsible for the contract. By co-signing, the U.S. citizen supervisor indicates that, based on his or her relationship with your contract supervisor, he or she is confident that the information provided by the supervisor is correct, and also certifies that, to the best of his or her knowledge, you present no threat to the national security or safety of the United States. If your supervisor is not a U.S. citizen, the U.S. citizen co-signer’s current e-mail address, and previous work email address if no longer with the organization for which you performed the qualifying work, must also be included in the letter of recommendation.

Is there a template or format for the letter of recommendation?

There is no required format, but the letter should include a description of your “faithful service” to the U.S. Government, the length of your service (including the start/end dates of service), your duties, special clearances, any ongoing serious threat you experienced as a consequence of your employment by or on behalf of the U.S. Government, and the certification that to the best of the writer’s knowledge, you present no threat to the national security or safety of the United States. The supervisor should also include the dates that he/she served as your direct supervisor. Generic, form letters from supervisors are not helpful to your application.

How do I demonstrate an “ongoing serious threat”?

You must write, sign, and date a brief statement describing the threat you face as a result of your employment with or on behalf of the U.S. Government in Afghanistan. Although statements provided by other parties may be included, you must also provide your own statement. Please provide as many details as possible.

Should I submit copies of commendations and recommendations along with the required Supervisor letter of recommendation?

You may submit copies of any additional commendations and recommendations, but they do not take the place of the required documents.

If I have a record of disciplinary actions that have been taken against me, will I be automatically disqualified from receiving a visa under this program?

The Chief of Mission, or his/her designee, will assess the gravity of the reasons for the disciplinary action and whether your record as a whole, notwithstanding the disciplinary actions, is one of faithful service. It will generally be more difficult for you to demonstrate faithful service if the record reflects that disciplinary action has been taken against you.

How do I submit my documents for Chief of Mission approval?

Send all required documents by email to the National Visa Center (NVC) at: AfghanSIVapplication@state.gov.

You will need an e-mail address to facilitate communication with NVC, both to submit documents and receive instructions.

What happens after I submit my documents?

NVC will collect and review your documents. Once NVC deems the application packet complete, it is forwarded to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, where the Chief of Mission (COM) SIV approval designee and staff will review your case. If approved, a Chief of Mission Approval letter will be sent to you via e-mail with instructions on how to send your application and a Form I-360 petition to the USCIS Nebraska Service Center. See Step 2 below.

Who is the Chief of Mission (COM)?

The Chief of Mission (COM) is the principal officer in charge of a diplomatic mission and is appointed by the President. For the U.S. diplomatic mission to Afghanistan, Ambassador Ryan Crocker is the current Chief of Mission.

If I have already been scheduled for an interview or have been interviewed as a refugee, but am also eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa, which application should I pursue?

You determine which route you choose to pursue. Both processes take several months to complete. Registration and application for either program is not a guarantee of eventual admission to the United States. You may pursue both applications simultaneously. The refugee and SIV programs differ in process and eligibility. Please consult the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration website for more information about accessing the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

You may apply for both the refugee and SIV programs at the same time. At the time of your interview with a U.S. government official for either refugee or SIV status, you should ask that your case in the other status be closed. You may be asked to submit a written request to close your other case.

What if I have questions about the Chief of Mission Letter?

If you have questions about your Chief of Mission letter, please contact the National Visa Center at AfghanSIVapplication@state.gov.

Back to Step 1

 

STEP 2 – File a Petition with USCIS

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Who files the petition? What documents are required with the petition?

You must submit the following package of documents directly to the USCIS Nebraska Service Center:

  • A completed Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. [ NOTE: To be properly filed, the Form I-360 must include your original signature.]
  • A copy of your passport or taskera showing that you are a national of Afghanistan, along with a certified English translation, if the document is not in English.
  • A copy of the recommendation from your supervisor that you sent to NVC when you applied for Chief of Mission (COM) Approval.
  • A copy of your COM approval, which should note that the COM or his/her designee:
    • Has determined that you have been employed by, or on behalf of, the U.S. Government on or after October 7, 2001, for a period of not less than one year;
    • Has conducted an independent review of records maintained by the U.S. Government or hiring organization or entity to confirm employment and determined that you have provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. Government; and
    • Has determined that you have experienced or are experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of your employment by the U.S. Government.
  • If you are in the United States when you file the petition, a copy of the front and back of your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record.

Where do I find the forms?

Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant is available on the USCIS Forms webpage.

How do I file the petition?

There are no filing or biometric fees associated with this petition, you may scan and email your petition with the required documents (preferably in pdf format) to the following email address:

NSCI360SIVAPP@uscis.dhs.gov

Please note if you submit your I-360 by email, that you must bring the same original, signed Form I-360 that was submitted to NSC with you to the consular interview

Or you may send the original I-360 and required documents by either regular mail or overnight delivery, to the appropriate address below.

Regular Mail:
USCIS/ Nebraska Service Center (NSC)
P.O. Box 87485
Lincoln, NE 68501-7485

Overnight Deliveries:
USCIS/ Nebraska Service Center (NSC)
850 “S” Street
Lincoln, NE 68508

What return email or mailing address should I use on the Form I-360 petition?

If you scan and email your Form I-360 petition, include the email address you want USCIS to use to send your electronic receipt (Form I-797). If no email address is submitted with the form, the receipt notice will be sent electronically to the email address from which the petition was submitted. 

USCIS cannot send mail outside the United States except to an APO address. If you have access to an APO address, USCIS will use this address. If you do not have access to an APO address, but you have family, friends, or an attorney with an address in the United States, you may list their address (with their permission). In Part 1, line 3, the family member’s, friend’s, or attorney’s name must be listed in the C/O (in care of) section; otherwise the post office will not deliver the mail. You should also list your email address as this is the best way for USCIS to reach you.

If you don’t have an APO address or an address in the United States, you should list your email address.

Where will my petition be adjudicated? Who makes the decision?

All petitions for this program are adjudicated at USCIS Nebraska Service Center. If approved, USCIS will forward your petition to NVC, which will then contact you by email to begin collecting the necessary documentation to support your visa application. NVC also will schedule your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.

How many Special Immigrant Visas can be issued per year?

The total number of principal applicants who can receive SIV status under this program may not exceed 1,500 per year for fiscal years 2009 through 2013. Family members do not count against this annual limit.

When the annual limit of 1,500 visas is reached, will my petition be rejected and have to be refiled?

USCIS will continue to process each petition, even after the annual limit of 1,500 visas has been reached. If 1,500 visas are not used during a given fiscal year, the annual limit for the following fiscal year shall be increased by the amount that were unused. If the annual limit for Fiscal Year 2013 is not reached, any unused amount from that year may be used in Fiscal Year 2014. Numbers will not carry forward into Fiscal Year 2015.

When your petition has been approved, it will be sent to NVC, which will hold it until visas are available for the next year. NVC will contact you at that time to schedule the visa interview.

What is the difference between Part 1 and Part 3 of the Form I-360? Should both parts be completed?

Part 1 and Part 3 contain similar information, but Part 3 includes additional required information. Both parts should be completed.

In Part 2, what box should be checked?

You should check box “m” - “Other, explain” and write “Afghan Worker” in the space provided.

What are the fees associated with filing the petition?

Under this particular program, there are no filing or biometric fees associated with filing the petition.

If I am an Afghan refugee already in the United States, can I file Form I-485 with USCIS to apply for adjustment from refugee to SIV status?

No. A refugee in the United States is not eligible to file Form I-485 and make an application to adjust from refugee to SIV status. Under U.S. law, an employment-based immigrant must be in valid nonimmigrant status in order to apply for adjustment. Instead, a refugee may adjust to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status one year after his or her refugee admission. (Note: there is no fee for applicants who are filing Form I-485 to adjust to LPR status based on having been admitted to the United States as a refugee.)

See the USCIS website for further information.

My question wasn’t answered here. Where can I get more information about filing a Form I-360 petition?

If you need further information about the petition filing process, you may email the USCIS Nebraska Service Center at SIVTranslator.NSC@dhs.gov.

STEP 3: Prepare for your visa application

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When will my case be ready for visa processing?

Once NVC receives your approved petition from USCIS, NVC will contact you by e-mail to advise you to begin collecting the appropriate documents to move ahead with your visa application. NVC will schedule your immigrant visa interview for you and your family at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas. NVC will forward your SIV case to that embassy or consulate for your visa interview. NVC will work with you to schedule your appointment at the embassy or consulate in the country in which you reside or to which you can easily travel.

You must provide an e-mail address to facilitate communication with NVC. You may contact NVC by e-mail at NVCSIV@state.gov.

What documents do I need to send to NVC for visa processing?

You must submit the following forms and documents for yourself and all family members also applying for visas. If you have previously submitted any of these documents to NVC, you do not need to submit them to NVC again.

  • Application for Immigrant Visa: NVC will e-mail you instructions on which Immigrant Visa Application Form you need to complete; Please await NVC instructions to determine which form to complete:
  • Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application;
  • A copy of the biodata page from the passport of each applicant (Each passport must be valid for at least 12 months beyond the anticipated visa interview date);
  • Scanned copies of a birth certificate/taskera for each applicant, and any other civil documents showing the relationship between you and your spouse and/or minor children (e.g. marriage (Nikah Khet) and divorce certificates, adoption decrees, etc.);
  • Police certificates are NOT required if you are a resident of Afghanistan. However, if you have lived in a different country for more than 12 months since reaching the age of 16, then you must submit a police certificate from the authorities of that locality. See additional information how to obtain a police certificate.
  • A completed Resettlement Benefits Election Form;
  • A completed DS-234, Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (if you elect to receive Resettlement Benefits; see explanation below).

All documents must be accompanied by an English translation. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator that the translation is accurate, and the translator is competent to translate.

I have a question about which documents I need for the visa interview.

If you have questions about gathering the necessary documents for the visa application, please contact the National Visa Center at NVCSIV@state.gov.

How do I submit my documents to NVC?

Please scan and send all documentation to NVC via e-mail at NVCSIV@state.gov. Do not mail any original documents or photos to NVC. You should hand-carry your original documents and photos with you to your visa interview.

Am I eligible for Resettlement Benefits?

Yes. Afghan special immigrants are eligible for the same resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits as refugees admitted under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, for a period of up to eight (8) months after being admitted to the United States.

If you wish to participate in the U.S. Department of State’s Reception and Placement (R&P) Program, which covers only your first 30-90 days in the United States, you must apply for it before you arrive in the United States.

To apply, you must return scanned, signed copies of the Refugee Benefits Election Form (signature required) and the Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (DS-234), included in the visa instruction packet, to NVC as soon as possible but no later than 10 calendar days after the date your visa is issued. In addition, you must submit to NVC a scanned copy of your visa as soon as possible but no later than 30 calendar days prior to the visa’s expiration. You should not wait to submit the Refugee Benefits Election Form and the Special Immigrant Biodata Form until visa issuance. All three items must be received by NVC prior to the deadlines indicated above. Failure to do so will result in the denial of any future request for Department of State-funded resettlement benefits. Additional information about Department of State-funded benefits can be found here.

If you decline to receive Department of State-funded resettlement benefits, you may still be eligible to receive benefits funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement (HHS/ORR). Unlike Department of State-funded benefits, HHS/ORR-funded benefits can be claimed upon arrival in the United States. Additional information about HHS/ORR-funded benefits can be found here.

I submitted an SIV petition. How do I find out the status of my application?

When your approved petition reaches NVC, you will be advised by e-mail and provided with instructions. If you believe that you have an approved petition, but you have not been contacted by NVC, or you have questions about your pending SIV case after the petition has been approved, please email NVC at NVCSIV@state.gov or call 1-603-334-0828 and provide your USCIS receipt number, full name, and date of birth. Customer Service Representatives at NVC are available from 7:30 a.m. to midnight (EST). The hours for congressional inquiries are from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (EST).

My question wasn’t answered here. Where can I get more information about my approved petition?

You may email NVC at NVCSIV@state.gov.

STEP 4 – The Visa Interview

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Is a personal interview required?

Yes. After USCIS has approved your petition, an interview is required to determine if you are eligible for a visa. You must appear in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate where a consular officer will interview you. U.S. law also requires you to submit fingerprints, which will be taken at the interview. The consular officer will also require evidence that you plan to resign from your position in order to immigrate to the United States.

Each family member who is applying for a visa with you must also appear at the embassy or consulate for an interview.

If I am in Afghanistan, can my interview be conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul?

Yes. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, conducts interviews for and issues immigrant visas. If you are in another country, the interview will be conducted at the closest U.S. embassy or consulate that adjudicates immigrant visa applications. You can find a list of our embassies and consulates at http://www.usembassy.gov.

May my family accompany me or follow to join me in the United States?

Yes, your spouse, as well as your unmarried minor children under age 21, may accompany you to the United States or follow to join you in the United States. These family members must also attend the visa interview. You must provide proof of the marriage relationship to your spouse and the relationship to your children. Your family members may not precede you in entering the U.S.

NOTE: We strongly advise you to bring your spouse and minor dependent children with you to your visa interview. This will facilitate having all eligible family members travel to the United States together. If it is not possible for your family members to travel to the interview with you, they will be required to schedule interviews at a later date and may follow-to-join you in the United States at a later time.

If you marry after your petition is approved but before you travel to the United States, your new spouse may be added to the original petition. You should immediately contact the U.S. embassy or consulate where your interview took place, to notify consular officials that your new spouse should be added to the petition and an interview scheduled. If you marry a foreign national after you have already traveled to the United States, you will need to file a new petition for your spouse.

What happens if the principal applicant dies after approval of the petition?

Your spouse or children may, in some circumstances, still be eligible for a visa if a petition had been approved by USCIS, but the petition was revoked or terminated after its approval due to the death of the principal applicant.

What documents should I bring to the visa interview?

Please bring your passport, any military photo identification, civilian identification badges, and originals of any civil documents, such as marriage certificates, taskeras or death certificates, including all documents that were submitted by e-mail to NVC. At the visa interview, you will also be expected to provide written evidence of your intent to immigrate promptly to the United States.

In addition, you should bring two recent photographs of each applicant, which meet the Photo Requirements.

Will the U.S. government pay the cost of my travel to the interview or provide accommodations at the interview site?

No. When budgeting your time and your funds, please plan for the possibility that you may need to stay for more than one day in the country where your interview takes place. You will not be able to complete your medical examination and interview on the same day. Some medical exams may require tests with delayed results.

Can the U.S. Embassy arrange for my entry visas and guarantee admission to another country for my visa interview?

No. While embassies and consulates work closely with their host-country counterparts to ensure coordination on important programs, such as this SIV program, the final decision about whom to admit into a country rests with the government of that country. If you have difficulty entering another country for your visa interview, you should remain in close contact with the U.S. embassy or consulate to which your case has been assigned.

Is there a visa application fee?

No. Under this particular program, there is no immigrant visa application fee. You are required to pay all costs associated with the medical examination.

Will I receive my visa on the same day as my interview?

At the conclusion of your interview, the consular officer will let you know if there are any problems with your case that might prevent issuance of a visa, or if there is missing documentation that you need to provide. However, even if your visa interview is successful, you might not receive your visa on the same day. Many immigrant visa cases require additional administrative processing after the interview.

My question wasn’t answered here. Where can I get more information about my pending visa?

If you have been approved for a COM letter, had your petition approved by USCIS, and NVC has scheduled your case for an interview, you should directly contact the U.S. embassy or consulate to which your case has been assigned:

If your case has been assigned to: You may contact the Embassy at:
U.S. Embassy Kabul KabulSIV@state.gov

Otherwise, go to http://www.usembassy.gov to locate contact information for the U.S. embassy or consulate that is handling your case.

STEP 5 – Arrival in the United States

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As an Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) recipient, am I eligible for any benefits? How do I apply?

Yes. Afghan SIV recipients are eligible for the same resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits as refugees admitted under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Resettlement assistance is available under section 602(b) of Division F, Title VI, of the Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009, Public Law 111-8 to Afghans who are admitted to the United States on Special Immigrant Visas, for a period not to exceed eight months. For more information about the relevant U.S. law, see References - U.S. Laws, number 2 & 3 .

If you wish to participate in the U.S. Department of State’s Reception and Placement (R&P) Program, which covers only your first 30-90 days in the U.S., you must apply for it before you travel to the United States.

To apply, you must return scanned, signed copies of the Refugee Benefits Election Form (signature required) and the Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (DS-234), included in the visa instruction packet, to NVC as soon as possible but no later than 10 calendar days after your visa is issued. In addition, you must submit to NVC a scanned copy of your visa as soon as possible but no later than 30 calendar days prior to the visa’s expiration. You should not wait to submit the Refugee Benefits Election Form and the Special Immigrant Biodata Form until visa issuance. All three items must be received by NVC prior to the deadlines indicated above. Failure to do so will result in the denial of any future request for Department of State-funded resettlement benefits. Additional information about Department of State-funded benefits can be found here.

Are other benefits available to me, if I decline benefits from the Department of State?

If you decline to receive Department of State-funded resettlement benefits, you may still be eligible to receive benefits funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement (HHS/ORR). Unlike Department of State-funded benefits, HHS/ORR-funded benefits can be claimed upon arrival to the United States. Additional information about HHS/ORR-funded benefits can be found here.

The instructions on the "Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (DS-234)" state that it is to be completed by each beneficiary. Does that mean each member of my family needs to complete a form or is one form sufficient for all family members included on the SIV case?

You must complete a separate form for each family member and return it to NVC at NVCSIV@state.gov. NVC will provide you with the Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (DS-234) as part of the visa application packet. This form can also be found on the Refugee Processing Center’s (RPC) website.

I would like to be resettled in a specific city/state. What should I do?

You may designate a resettlement preference if you have family or friends living in the United States. You may include this information on the Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (DS-234) under Section D, entitled “U.S. Ties.” If you have a resettlement preference, you should provide the full name, address, telephone number, and email address of the individual(s) you desire to be resettled near, including the nature of your relationship to this individual(s) (i.e. mother, daughter, brother, etc.). If more than one individual is provided and all of them live in different locations, you should indicate your order of preference. Please note that the individual(s) you provide must currently reside in the United States, and must be willing to discuss your case with a resettlement agency.

Changes to resettlement preferences may delay your travel to the United States, and requests for changes received within 30 days of your visa expiration date will not be accommodated. Unless you are joining close family members, it may not be possible to honor your resettlement location preference. If you do not have any family or friends in the United States, your final destination will be determined by the resettlement agency. Decisions are based on your needs/background and local capacity.

How do I obtain a travel loan?

Once your visa has been issued, if you have elected to receive travel and resettlement assistance from the Department of State by submitting scanned, signed copies of the Refugee Benefits Election Form and the Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (DS-234) to NVC no later than 10 calendar days after the visa issuance date, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will prepare your travel loan and arrange your travel to the United States. This interest-free travel loan is a benefit provided through the U.S. Department of State’s Reception and Placement (R&P) Program, for which you must apply while you are still overseas. Additional information about Department of State-funded benefits can be found here.

If I decided to receive benefits from the Department of State, may I book my own flight?

No. If you have elected to receive travel and resettlement assistance from the Department of State by following the steps described above, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will prepare your travel loan and arrange travel to the United States once your visa has been issued. You should not make your own arrangements for travel or book your own flight. Participation in the Department of State’s resettlement program requires that your travel must be arranged by IOM.

At what point can I begin to make travel arrangements, sell property, and/or give up my job?

You should NOT make any travel arrangements, sell property or give up employment until the U.S. embassy or consulate has issued your visa. Once your visa has been issued, if you have elected to receive travel and resettlement assistance from the Department of State, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will prepare your travel loan and arrange travel to the United States. All applicants who elect to participate in the R&P Program must arrange their travel through IOM. For additional information, individuals may contact the NVC at NVCSIV@state.gov.

How will I know which agency is responsible for providing services to me in the U.S.?

If you choose to receive Department of State-funded Reception and Placement (R&P) services by filling out and returning scanned copies of the Refugee Benefits Election Form and the Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (DS-234) to NVC within 10 days of visa issuance, your case will be assigned to a resettlement agency before you depart for the United States. Prior to departure, the entity responsible for processing your case for R&P benefits - either an overseas processing entity (OPE) or the Refugee Processing Center (RPC) - will provide you with an Assurance Form indicating your final destination in the U.S. and the affiliate office that will provide services upon your arrival.

If I elect to receive refugee benefits, what help will I receive once I am in the U.S., and from whom?

The Department of State funds 10 Resettlement Agencies that participate in the Reception and Placement (R&P) Program under a cooperative agreement. These agencies have more than 370 affiliated Reception and Placement offices across the United States. The resettlement agency is responsible for providing initial reception and placement services and assisting refugees and SIV beneficiaries to achieve economic self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. All refugees and SIV recipients who elected to participate in the program are provided with sponsorship and resettlement services appropriate to their personal circumstances by one of these organizations.

These organizations provide airport reception; basic needs support including housing, furnishings, food, and necessary clothing; community, health, and employment orientation; school registration for children; and referrals to public benefit programs and other community services for which refugees and SIV recipients may be eligible. The program would not succeed without volunteers in communities across the United States to assist with these activities. The following organizations provide initial resettlement services to refugees and SIV recipients. You may learn more about them from information provided in their websites.

U.S. Refugee Resettlement Agencies

Church World Service (CWS)

www.churchworldservice.org

Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM)

www.episcopalchurch.org/emm

Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC)

www.ecdcinternational.org

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS)

www.hias.org

Kurdish Human Rights Watch, Inc.

www.khrw.org

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

www.theirc.org

Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service (LIRS)

www.lirs.org

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)

www.refugees.org

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

http://usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/

World Relief (WR)

www.wr.org

What if I already have a file with UNHCR or a UN number? What should I do?

If you meet the eligibility criteria of the SIV Program, you may apply for an SIV even if you are already registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and/or have an application pending with the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

If I am admitted to the U.S., do I receive U.S. citizenship? If so, how long does it take?

As an SIV recipient, you will have Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status upon admission to the United States. Once you are admitted to the United States you will be mailed your Permanent Resident Card (also known as Green Card). You are normally eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after residing for five (5) years in the United States. For more information, see naturalization information on the USCIS website.

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Contact Information

If you: Please contact: At:
have questions on how to receive Chief of Mission (COM) approval,

National Visa Center (NVC)

 AfghanSIVapplication@state.gov

have questions regarding filing requirements and instructions for an SIV Form I-360 petition,

USCIS Nebraska Service Center

sivtranslator.nsc@dhs.gov
have an approved Form I-360 petition and have questions regarding your case status,

National Visa Center (NVC)

NVCSIV@state.gov
have questions about your immigrant visa interview, the U.S. embassy or consulate where the interview will be scheduled You can find a list of our U.S. embassies and consulates at:
http://www.usembassy.gov
would like information about SIV resettlement benefits and post-arrival services,

the Refugee Processing Center

SIV@wrapsnet.org

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References – U.S. Laws

The chart below contains a list of U.S. laws relevant to Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for eligible Iraqi or Afghan nationals who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. Government in Iraq or Afghanistan, respectively. You can find more detailed information about each of these laws by going to the National Archives Office of the Federal Register website.

 

Law:

Information about the Law:

1

The Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009, Section 602(b) of Division F, Title IV, of the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, (Public Law 111-8)

This law allows up to 1,500 Afghan nationals who have provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. Government, while employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan after October 7, 2001, for not less than one year, and who have experienced or are experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of that employment, to receive special immigrant visas (SIVs) annually through fiscal year (FY) 2013.

2

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-161 of December 26, 2007)

This law initially made Afghan and Iraqi SIV holders eligible for the same resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits as refugees admitted under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for up to six (6) months from their date of admission or date of adjustment if applying domestically. The period of eligibility was later extended under subsequent legislation. See law below.

3

The Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Public Law 111-8 of March 10, 2009)

This law extended the period of eligibility of Afghan SIV holders for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits to up to eight (8) months from their date of admission or date of adjustment if applying domestically. For Afghan SIV holders already in the U.S. to be eligible for uninterrupted benefits for an additional two (2) months beyond the original six months (6) allowed under previous law, you must have been admitted to the U.S. on or after September 10, 2008, or if applying domestically, have a date of adjustment of September 10, 2008 or later.

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