The Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) is a U.S. immigration program that offers permanent residence to individuals who served alongside U.S. government forces abroad most notably Iraqi and Afghan interpreters, embassy staff, and support personnel.
SIV Matters for Afghan Allies:
Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, thousands of Afghan nationals who assisted American operations have sought SIVs. Though the law mandates a processing time of no more than nine months, actual timelines have stretched to three years or more due to serious backlogs and delays in vetting Committee on Foreign Affairs
Congress authorized an additional 8,000 Afghan SIVs under the Emergency Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (ESSAA) AILA. Advocacy groups are now urging lawmakers to allocate at least 20,000 more SIVs as incidents of violence against interpreters continue to rise VisaVergeReuters.
Check Also: U.S. B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa – Complete Guideline
Legal Basis & History:
- The SIV program was created in 1965 and later expanded by Congress through several acts:
- 2006 NDAA: Added translators from Iraq and Afghanistan.
- 2007 RCIA and 2009 AAPA: Broadened eligibility to a wider group of Iraqi and Afghan employees.
- 2015 Amendment: Included Afghan ISAF translators operating off-base U.S. Representative Ami Bera+15Office of Inspector General+15migrationpolicy.org+15Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- These laws ensured that eligible individuals could safely relocate to the U.S. and obtain legal permanent residence upon arrival.
SIV Caps and Allocations:
- Iraqi SIV began with an annual cap of 10,000 in 1990.
- Afghan SIV initially allowed only 1,500 visas per year. Congress later increased the total permitted visas to 26,500, and ESSAA added an additional 8,000, raising the total to 34,500 since 2014
- Once all SIVs are issued, the program ends unless Congress votes to expand it further Reuters.
Afghan SIV Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify, Afghan applicants must:
- Be Afghan nationals.
- Have at least one year of qualifying service with the U.S. government or ISAF (including interpreters, translators, or support staff).
- Face credible threats due to this service.
- Provide a letter of recommendation from a U.S. supervisor or embassy official.
- Be able to bring immediate family (spouse and children under 21).
SIV Application Steps:
1. Chief of Mission (COM) Approval
Submit:
- DS-157 form
- Proof of qualifying service (employment letter, badge, supervisor recommendation)
- Afghan identity proof (passport or taskera)
- Threat assessment documentation
Applications are currently emailed to AfghanSIVApplication@state.gov.
2. Form I-360 Petition (for applicants from inside the U.S.)
Filed with USCIS, including COM approval and recommendation letters.
3. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
Once I‑360 is approved, NVC will request:
- Translations of passports, police records, civil documents
- Forms DS-0234 (Biodata) and DS-260
- Medical forms (waivers may apply under ESSAA)
4. Visa Interview
Applicants attend at a U.S. embassy/consulate. Bring:
- Valid passport (≥6 months)
- Civil and professional documents
- Photos meeting U.S. specifications
A medical exam within 30 days of departure is required U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
5. Arrival in the U.S.
Receive lawful permanent residence and access post-arrival resources such as social services, language training, and financial support migrationpolicy.org+1National Immigration Forum+1.
Processing Times & Backlogs
Although the law stipulates completion within 9 months, actual processing often exceeds 3 years, as noted by both House subcommittee members and State Department oversight reports
Common bottlenecks include:
- Employment verification delays
- Security background checks taking over a year
- Staffing shortages at U.S. agencies migrationpolicy.org
Costs & Fees:
- No filing fees for SIV applications.
- Applicants are responsible for:
- Travel expenses for interviews
- Medical examination fees
- Legal representation (optional)
Conclusion:
The Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) provides a vital path to safety and stability for Afghan allies. While the program is designed to be swift, bureaucratic delays, staffing challenges, and security vetting have led to lengthy processing times. With additional visas authorized and ongoing congressional efforts to expand the program, there is cautious hope—but applicants must be prepared for a complicated and often frustrating journey.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Is there a cap or limit on SIVs issued each year?
Yes. Congress sets annual limits for the number of SIVs issued. For Afghan SIVs, additional visas have been authorized over the years to accommodate demand.
-
What happens after the SIV is approved?
Once your visa is issued, you can travel to the U.S. and become a lawful permanent resident upon entry. You will receive your Green Card by mail after arrival.
-
Can I work and live permanently in the U.S. with an SIV?
Yes. The SIV grants lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, which allows you to work, live, and study in the U.S., and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
