Special Immigrant Visas for Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters

Frequently Asked Questions for Iraqi and Afghan Translator/Interpreter Special Immigrant Visa Applicants

Important Notice: Anyone who, on or after October 1, 2008, files a Form I-360 petition for special immigrant status with block “k” checked in Part 2, claiming status as “Special Immigrant Afghanistan or Iraq National who worked with the U.S. Armed Forces as a translator” will be subject to the FY 2009 annual fiscal year limitation of 50 special immigrant visas. Please note that demand for visas in this category exceeds annual limits and you may wish to consider one of the following categories For information on these other programs see Learn More.

A provision in Public Law 110-242, applicable only to cases in which petitions for such status were filed before October 1, 2008, authorized the continued processing and adjudication of applications for special immigrant visas for eligible nationals of Iraq and Afghanistan who have worked directly with United States Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority as a translator or interpreter for at least twelve months, even though the annual limit of 500 visas had already been reached. That legislative change allows us to continue the processing and scheduling of those SIV cases for Iraqi and Afghan translators and interpreters with petitions that were filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before October 1, 2008 that are currently at the National Visa Center. Afghan and Iraqi translators and interpreters do not need to provide any additional documents or meet any other eligibility requirements as long as they meet the requirements under the Section 1059 translator and interpreter program.

Applicants will be notified as soon as the National Visa Center is ready to schedule their case. For inquiries related to cases currently at the National Visa Center, please email NVCSIV@state.gov.

Please note that Section 1244 of Public Law 110-181 established a completely distinct SIV program authorizing 5,000 numbers per fiscal year for certain nationals of Iraq who have been employed by, or on behalf of the United States Government. Section 602(b) of Public Law 111-8 established another SIV program authorizing 1,500 numbers per fiscal year for certain nationals of Afghanistan who have been employed by, or on behalf of the United States Government. For information on these programs see Learn More. Any Iraqi national claiming status under Section 1244 law should check block “l,” “Special Immigrant Iraq National who was employed by or on behalf of the United States Government,” on Form I-360. Any Afghan national claiming status under section 602(b) should check Form I-360’s block “m,” “Other, explain” and write “Afghan Worker” in the space provided.

The applicant should NOT make any travel arrangements, sell property, or give up employment until the US Embassy or Consulate General has issued a visa.
Resettlement Benefits - Iraqis and Afghans applying for Special Immigrant Visas are eligible for resettlement benefits. To learn more please review the important resettlement benefits information, in the 'Arrival in the U.S.' section below.

Overview - What is this program?
What is meant by fiscal year?
STEP 1 - File an Application with USCIS
STEP 2 - Petition approved by USCIS - Sent to NVC
Option for resettlement benefits now available
STEP 3 - The Visa Interview
STEP 4 - Arrival in the U.S.

What is this program?
Under section 1059 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, Public Law 109-163, up to 50 Iraqi and Afghan translators working for the U.S. military have been eligible for special immigrant visas (SIVs) each fiscal year (FY). Public Law 110-36, which President Bush signed into law on June 15, 2007, amended section 1059 by expanding the total number of beneficiaries to 500 a year for FY 2007 and FY 2008 only. In FY 2009, the number of visas available for this category reverted to 50 annually. In addition to these Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants, also see the USCIS Fact Sheet on Afghan and Iraqi Translators.

As amended, section 1059 provides for SIV status for eligible Iraqi and Afghan translators and interpreters who have worked directly with United States Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission (COM) authority.

What is meant by fiscal year?
The fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends September 30.

STEP 1: File an application with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Who can apply? What are the requirements for the applicant?
What about my family? May they immigrate with me?
Who files the petition? What documents are required with the petition?
Where do I find the forms?
Who may submit the letter of recommendation?
Is there a template or format for the letter of recommendation?
Should I submit copies of commendations and recommendations along with the required recommendations?
Where do I file the petition?
What mailing address should be used on the I-360 for the translator?
Can the I-360 be filed by E-filing (electronically)?
Where will the petitions be adjudicated? Who makes the decision?
If my I-360 is denied, will the application fee be refunded?
What is the difference between Part I and Part 3 of the Form I-360 and should both be completed?
In Part 2, what box should be checked?
In Part 9 of the I-360 Form, who can sign the section for USCIS Officers or Consular Officers?
What are the fees associated with filing the petition?
What is the method of payment of the petition filing fee?
Can the fee be waived?
Can an Iraqi or Afghan national with refugee status in the United States, file application Form I-485 with USCIS to apply for adjustment from refugee to SIV status?
My question wasn't answered here. Where can I get more information about filing I-360 petitions with the Nebraska Service Center?

Who can apply? What are the requirements for the applicant?
Foreign nationals may self-petition for this special immigrant visa classification as COM or U.S. Armed Forces candidates if they meet all of the following requirements:

Must be a national of Iraq or Afghanistan.
Must have worked directly with the U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority as a translator or interpreter for a period of at least 12 months.
Must have obtained a favorable written recommendation from a General or Flag Officer in the chain of command of the U.S. Armed Forces unit that was supported by the translator, or from the Chief of Mission from the Embassy where he/she worked.
Must have cleared a background check and screening as determined by a General or Flag Officer in the chain of command of the U.S. Armed Forces unit that was supported by the translator, or by the Chief of Mission.
Must be otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa and be otherwise admissible to the U.S. for permanent residence, except in determining such admissibility, the grounds for inadmissibility specified in section 212 (a)(4) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182 (a)(4) relating to "public charge" shall not apply).

What about my family? May they immigrate with me?
Spouses and minor unmarried children, younger than 21, of the translator/interpreter who have been issued visas may travel with the principal applicant or may follow or join after the translator/interpreter has been admitted to the United States.

Who files the petition? What documents are required with the petition?
The translator/interpreter should file the petition and the following package of documents directly with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The petition must have the following supporting documents and required evidence at the time of filing:

A copy of the passport or birth certificate showing the alien is a national of Iraq or Afghanistan.
Proof of working as a translator/interpreter with the Armed Forces or under the Chief of Mission for at least 12 months.
Proof of a background check and screening by the U.S. Armed Forces or the COM.
A recommendation letter from a General or Flag Officer in the chain of command of the unit supported by the translator/interpreter, or from the COM at the Embassy in Baghdad or Kabul.
Payment of fees for filing the petition (see below).
Form I-360 [NOTE: The Form I-360 must have the original signature of the translator/interpreter to be properly filed].

Where do I find the forms?
The forms are available on the USCIS website, http://www.uscis.gov/forms.

Who may submit the letter of recommendation?
General, Lieutenant General, Major General, Brigadier General in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps; Admiral, Rear Admiral in the Navy, or the Chief of Mission in Baghdad or Kabul.

Is there a template or format for the letter of recommendation?
There is no formal format, but the letter should include the length of service, information concerning the translator's security clearance, and the recommendation.

Should I submit copies of commendations and recommendations along with the required recommendations?
Copies of any additional commendations and recommendations may be submitted, but they do not take the place of the required documents.

Where do I file the petition?
Translators/Interpreters may file with:
USCIS Nebraska Service Center
P.O. Box 87360
Lincoln, NE 68501-7360

What mailing address should be used on the I-360 for the translator/interpreter?
All applicants should list an e-mail as this is the best way for USCIS to reach them.

USCIS cannot mail any letter outside the United States except to an APO address. If the translator has access to an APO address, USCIS will use this address. If there is not access to an APO and they have family or friends with an address in the United States, that address may be used with the permission of the family or friend. In Part 1, line 3, the family member's or friend's name must be listed in the C/O section; otherwise the post office will not deliver the mail.

Can the I-360 be filed by E-filing (electronically)?
No, this form is not set up for E-filing.

Where will the petitions be adjudicated? Who makes the decision?
All petitions for this program will be adjudicated at the USCIS Nebraska Service Center. Then the petitions will be forwarded to the Department of State National Visa Center (NVC). After the petitions are forwarded to the NVC, the NVC will contact the petitioner by email and begin to process the necessary documentation for the visa. Once the file is complete, immigrant visa interviews for the translator and immediate family may be conducted at an embassy or consulate that processes Immigrant Visas and that the applicant can easily travel to. Applicants should contact the National Visa Center to inquire if the case may be processed in the country that they are currently residing in or can easily travel to.

If my I-360 is denied, will the application fee be refunded?
No, this is a processing fee and is not based on the decision.

What is the difference between Part 1 and Part 3 of the Form I-360 and should both be completed?
Part 1 and Part 3 contain similar information but Part 3 includes additional needed information. Both should be completed.

In Part 2, what box should be checked?
Box "k" should be checked for a claim for SIV classification under section 1059 as a translator or interpreter."

NOTE:
If you are a national of Iraq who has been employed in Iraq by or on behalf of the United States Government for at least one year, you may be eligible to claim SIV classification under section 1244 of Public Law 110-181 by checking box “l”.

If you are a national of Afghanistan who has been employed in Afghanistan by or on behalf of the United States Government for at least one year, you may be eligible to claim SIV classification under section 602(b) of Division F, Title VI of Public Law 111-8 by checking box M and writing “Afghan Worker” in the space provided .

For further information regarding qualifications under section 1244 or section 602(b) see Learn More.

In Part 9 of the I-360 form, who can sign the section for USCIS Officers or Consular Officers?
Because of the dangers in Iraq and Afghanistan, USCIS will accept the signature of a U.S. military officer in the chain of command of a translator or interpreter who has worked directly with the United States Armed Forces.

What are the fees associated with filing the petition?
For applicants filing through the Nebraska Service Center while residing outside the U.S., the Form I-360 fee is $375.00 for a claim for classification under section 1059.

See www.uscis.gov for more information about fees.

What is the method of payment of the petition filing fee?
The method of payment is either a personal check on a U.S. bank, a money order in U.S. dollars, or a fee receipt from a U.S. Embassy abroad. This may be paid by anyone. If paid by someone other than the translator and by personal check, it is suggested the translator's name be written on the bottom of the check.

Can the fee be waived?
Yes, the translator may request a fee waiver by placing a cover sheet on the petition and explaining the reasons for the request. However, if the waiver is denied the petition will be rejected and the filing date will not be retained, i.e. you will lose your place in line and need to re-file the petition, going to the back of the line.

Can an Iraqi or Afghan national with refugee status in the United States, file application Form I-485 with USCIS to apply for adjustment from refugee to SIV status?
No. A refugee is not eligible to file Form I-485 and make an application to adjust status from refugee to SIV status. Under INA 245(c)(7), an employment-based immigrant must be in valid nonimmigrant status in order to apply for adjustment. Instead, a refugee may adjust under INA 209 based on his/her refugee admission (Note: there is no fee for applicants who are filing Form I-485 based on having been admitted to the United States as a refugee.)

My question wasn't answered here. Where can I get more information about filing I-360 petitions with the Nebraska Service Center?
Individuals seeking information on the petition filing process can send an email to SIVTranslator.NSC@dhs.gov.

STEP 2: The petition is approved by USCIS and sent to the National Visa Center

When is a case ready for processing?
What documents do I need to send to NVC? (For Iraqi SIV applicants)
What documents do I need to send to NVC (For Afghan SIV applicants)
Am I eligible for Resettlement Benefits?
I submitted a Special Immigrant Visa petition. How do I find out the status of my application?
My question wasn't answered here. Where can I get more information about my approved petition?

When is a case ready for processing?
Interpreter/translator cases will be processed according to the order that they become documentarily qualified. For these cases, the priority date is the date when the petition was received or filed at the Nebraska Service Center.

The National Visa Center (NVC) will receive the approved petition from USCIS and contact the applicants to advise them to begin collecting documents and procure a passport. (Only the G series Iraqi passport is valid for travel to the United States.) NVC is now working with petitioners by e-mail to collect the appropriate visa application forms and copies of civil documents, at which point they will schedule the immigrant visa interview at a post overseas and forward the case to that post. Applicants should have or obtain and provide an e-mail address to facilitate communication with NVC, as this has proved to be the only reliable means of reaching approved petition beneficiaries to provide instructions. Applicants with an approved petition at NVC may contact NVC by e-mail at NVCSIV@state.gov.

What documents do I need to send to NVC? (For Iraqi SIV applicants)

A copy of the biodata page from the passport of each applicant. Iraqi applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain G series Iraqi passports.
The DS-230 parts 1 and 2
The DS-157
Family Book (Copy of Entry 1957). Scanned copies of a birth certificate for each applicant and any other civil documents showing the relationship between the petitioner and his/her spouse or minor children (e.g., marriage and divorce certificates, adoption decrees, etc.). If no birth certificate is available, the Iraqi national identity card (bataqa shaksiya) may be used instead of a birth certificate;
Any documentation that provides evidence of military service, including service dates, rank, post of assignment, etc.
If the applicant lived in a different country of nationality for more than 6 months AND was 16 years old at that time, THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from the police authorities of that locality. Follow this link for additional information on how to obtain a police certificate
A completed Resettlement Election Form
A completed Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (if you elect to receive Resettlement Benefits)

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

What documents do I need to send to NVC? (For Afghan SIV applicants)

A copy of the biodata page from the passport of each applicant (valid for at least 12 months beyond the anticipated visa interview date).
The DS-230 parts 1 and 2
The DS-157
Scanned copies of a birth certificate (Tazkara) for each applicant and any other civil documents showing the relationship between the petitioner and his/her spouse or minor children (e.g. marriage (Nikah Khet) and divorce certificates, adoption decrees, etc.)
Police certificates are NOT required for residents of Afghanistan.
Police certificates are required if you lived in a different country for more than 12 months since reaching the age of 16.
A completed Resettlement Election Form
A completed Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (if you elect to receive Resettlement Benefits)

In addition, all applicants should submit 2 recent photographs of themselves, which meet photo requirements shown at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html.

NOTE: Please scan and send copies of all documentation to the National Visa Center via e-mail. Do not send any original documents or photos to the National Visa Center. Original documents and photographs should be hand carried by the applicant to the immigrant visa interview.

Am I eligible for Resettlement Benefits?
Yes. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-161 of December 26, 2007) initially made Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa recipients. 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 months from their date of admission or date of adjustment if applying domestically. The period of eligibility was later extended under subsequent legislation.

Iraqi SIV Applicants - The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181 of January 28, 2008) extended the period of eligibility of Iraqi Special Immigrants for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits to up to eight months from their date of admission or date of adjustment if applying domestically.

Afghan SIV Applicants – The Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Law 111-8 of March 10, 2009) extended the period of eligibility of Afghan Special Immigrants for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits to up to eight months from their date of admission or date of adjustment if applying domestically. For Afghan Special Immigrants already in the United States to be eligible for uninterrupted benefits for an additional two months beyond the original six months 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.

All SIV applicants should indicate their decision to receive or decline these benefits by returning a scanned, signed copy of the Resettlement Benefits Election Form, included in their visa application packet, to the National Visa Center (NVC) as soon as possible but no later than 10 days after the visa issuance date, as indicated on the visa itself. Failure to do so will result in the denial of any future request for Department of State-funded refugee benefits. SIV recipients who choose to elect Department of State benefits must accept all of the associated benefits, including IOM-arranged travel. For more information on SIV benefits offered through the State Department, please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), available at http://www.wrapsnet.org/RPCWRAPS/FAQs/tabid/75/language/en-US/Default.aspx.

I submitted a Special Immigrant Visa petition. How do I find out the status of my application?
When an approved petition reaches the National Visa Center, the applicant 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, please email NVC at NVCSIV@state.gov and provide your USCIS receipt number, full name and date of birth in the email. Individuals who have questions about their SIV petition once it’s been approved should contact the National Visa Center directly at NVCSIV@state.gov or 1-603-334-0828. Customer Service Representatives at the National Visa Center are available from 7:30 a.m. to midnight (EST).

My question wasn't answered here. Where can I get more information about my approved petition?
You may e-mail the National Visa Center at NVCSIV@state.gov.

Step 3: The Visa Interview

Is a personal interview required?
Will the SIV translator be required to provide a written description of their position and responsibilities for their work as a translator/interpreter at the interview?
Will the translator be required to interview in English?
If the translator is in Iraq or Afghanistan, may the interview be conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad or Kabul
I am an Iraqi and do not have a valid passport, or I have an S, M or N series Iraqi passport.
Can the translator's family accompany or follow to join him/her to the United States?
What documents should I bring to the interview?
Will the USG pay the cost for my travel to the interview or provide accommodations at the interview site?
Can the U.S. Embassy arrange for my entry visas and guarantee admission for my interview?
Can the visa fee be waived?
Will I get my visa on the same day as my interview?
My question wasn't answered here. Where can I get more information about my pending visa?

Is a personal interview required?
Yes. While USCIS approves petitions, an interview is required to determine visa eligibility. For that, an applicant must appear in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate where a consular officer will interview the applicant. U.S. law also requires all applicants to submit finger scans.

Will the SIV translator be required to provide a written description of their position and responsibilities for their work as a translator/interpreter at the interview?
Yes. Applicants for Special Immigrant status based upon one year of service as a translator/interpreter will be required to provide, for the scheduled interview appointment, a written description of their position and responsibilities for translation/interpretation and be prepared to interview in English only.

Will the translator be required to interview in English?
Yes. The SIV applicant should be prepared to interview in English only.

If the translator is in Iraq or Afghanistan, may the interview be conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad or Kabul?
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad does conduct interviews and issue visas in Baqhad. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul does NOT interview for or issue immigrant visas in Kabul. If the applicant is in a third country, the interview will be conducted at the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Many of the interviews are scheduled at Embassy Amman, Jordan, Embassy Islamabad, Pakistan, and Embassy New Delhi, India. You can also find a list of our embassies at http://www.usembassy.gov.

I am an Iraqi and do not have a valid passport, or I have an S, M or N series Iraqi passport.
In order to apply for a U.S. visa and travel to the U.S., Iraqi citizens must have a "G" series passport. You should make all possible efforts to obtain an Iraqi G Series passport; failure to do so will complicate your ability to travel and delay your application. If your immigrant visa appointment has been scheduled, please contact the Embassy where the interview will be scheduled for information about what documents may be required for travel to that country. You should be aware that Iraq S, M and N series passports are not valid for travel to the United States, though in some instances a waiver may be available. Again, this will delay your travel significantly. Follow this link for more information: http://iraq.usembassy.gov/iraqippts.html

Can the translator's family accompany or follow to join him/her to the United States?
Yes, the spouse and unmarried/under 21 children may accompany or follow to join the translator to the United States. These family members may accompany the translator to the Embassy interview and if the visas are issued, the family may travel as well. The translator will have to provide proof of the marriage relationship and the relationship to the children.

NOTE: We strongly advise that SIV applicants make plans to bring their spouse and unmarried/under 21 children with them to their Special Immigrant Visa interview. This will facilitate having all of you travel to the United States together.

What documents should I bring to the interview?
In addition to your passport, please bring your Iraqi national identity card (bataqa shaksiya), if you are Iraqi, as well as your military photo identification and originals of any civil documents, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates or death certificate.

Will the USG pay the cost for 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 for my interview?
No. While Embassies work closely with their host country counterparts to ensure coordination on important programs like the special immigrant visa program, the final decision about whom to admit into a country rests with the government of that country. Should entry prove to be a problem, the applicant should remain in close contact with the Embassy to which his or her case has been assigned.

Can the visa fee be waived?
No. We do not have any authority to waive the immigrant visa fees.

Will I get my visa on the same day as my interview?
At the conclusion of your interview, the Officer will indicate if there are any problems with your case that might prevent issuance of a visa, or any documentation that you still 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?
You should directly contact the Embassy to which your case has been assigned. If you are an Iraqi national and your case has been assigned to Embassy Amman or Embassy Baghdad, you may e-mail ammansiv@state.gov or BaghdadSIV@state.gov. If you are an Afghan national and your case has been assigned to Embassy Islamabad or Embassy New Delhi you may email pakivinfo@state.gov or ivnd@state.gov. Otherwise, go to http://www.usembassy.gov to locate contact information for the Embassy that is handling your case.

STEP 4: Arrival in the U.S.

As an Iraqi or Afghan Translator/Interpreter Special Immigrant visa holder, am I eligible for any resettlement benefits?
How do I obtain a travel loan?
How do I obtain refugee benefits if I am processed for an SIV after June 1, 2008?
On the “Special Immigrant Biodata Form” the instructions 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?
At what point can I begin to make travel arrangements, sell my property, and/or give up my job?
What kind of assistance will I receive and from whom if I elect to receive refugee benefits?
If admitted, do I get U.S. citizenship? If so, how long does it take?
What if someone already has a file with UNHCR or a UN number? What should they do?
I would like to be resettled in XX city/state. What should I do?
How will I know which agency is responsible for providing services?
Contact information

As an Iraqi or Afghan Translator/Interpreter Special immigrant visa holder, am I eligible for any benefits?
Yes. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-161 of December 26, 2007) initially made Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa recipients 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 months from their date of admission or date of adjustment if applying domestically. The period of eligibility was later extended under subsequent legislation.

Iraqi SIV Applicants - The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181 of January 28, 2008) extended the period of eligibility of Iraqi Special Immigrants for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits as refugees to up to eight months from date of admission or date of adjustment if applying domestically.

Afghan SIV Applicants- The Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Public Law 111-8 of March 10, 2009) extended the period of eligibility of Afghan Special Immigrants for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits to up to eight months from date of admission or date of adjustment if applying domestically. For Afghan Special Immigrants already in the United States, to be eligible for uninterrupted benefits for an additional two months beyond the original six months 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.

Benefits for Iraqi and Afghan SIV recipients are also available through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). You can find additional information about these benefits by visiting the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement web site at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr.

Refugees and SIVs receiving travel loans are expected to begin repaying them after six months in the United States. They remain interest-free as long as payments are made according to the terms spelled out in the promissory note. Refugee benefits include financial support for initial food, housing and necessary clothing as well as referrals to medical, social service, training and other programs.

How do I obtain a travel loan?
Afghans and Iraqis who have been issued Special Immigrant Visas, but are still overseas, may begin receiving Department of State-funded services immediately. This includes a loan for travel to the United States and the assistance of an experienced resettlement agency in the United States. After June 1, 2008, individuals should indicate their interest in receiving this assistance by e-mailing a scanned copy of the Resettlement Benefits Election Form to the National Visa Center as soon as possible but no later than 10 days after the visa issuance date, as indicated on the visa itself. Once a visa has been issued, if an individual has elected to receive travel and resettlement assistance from the Department of State, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will prepare his or her travel loan and arrange travel to the U.S.

How do I obtain refugee benefits if I am processed for an SIV after June 1, 2008?
Beginning in June of 2008, Iraqi and Afghan SIV applicants are required to complete a Resettlement Benefits Election Form as part of the SIV application process. Applicants are required to indicate – while still overseas before their visa interview – if they wish to receive transportation and initial resettlement benefits from the Department of State and submit a scanned, signed copy of the election form to the National Visa Center as soon as possible but no later than 10 days after visa issuance, along with all of the other required documentation.

After arrival in the U.S., HHS-funded benefits may be available to SIV recipients even if they elected not to receive State Department benefits. You can find additional information about these benefits by visiting the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement web site at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr.

Once a visa has been issued, if an individual has elected to receive travel and resettlement assistance from the Department of State by submitting a scanned, signed copy of the Resettlement Benefits Election Form to the National Visa Center (NVC) no later than 10 days after visa issuance, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will prepare his or her travel loan and arrange travel to the U.S. Applicants should not make their own arrangements for travel. Participation in the Department of State’s resettlement program requires that travel must be arranged by IOM.

On the "Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form" the instructions 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?
One Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form for each family member must be completed and returned to the National Visa Center via email at NVCSIV@state.gov.

At what point can I begin to make travel arrangements, sell property, and/or give up my job?
The applicant should NOT make any travel arrangements, sell property, or give up employment until the US Embassy or Consulate General has issued a visa. Once a visa has been issued, if an individual has elected to receive travel and resettlement assistance from the Department of State by submitting a scanned, signed copy of the Resettlement Benefits Election Form to the National Visa Center (NVC) no later than 10 days after visa issuance, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will prepare his or her travel loan and arrange travel to the U.S. In order to receive Reception and Placement (R&P) benefits upon arrival in the U.S., travel must be arranged through IOM.

For additional information, individuals may contact the National Visa Center (NVC) at NVCSIV@state.gov.

What kind of assistance will I receive and from whom if I elect to receive refugee benefits?
The Department of State funds nine non-profit organizations and one state agency to help provide initial reception and placement services and assist refugees to achieve economic self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. All refugees and certain SIVs approved for admission to the United States are provided 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 SIVs may be eligible. The program would not succeed without volunteers in communities across the United States to assist with these activities. You may learn more about the programs of the U.S. resettlement agencies by consulting their websites.

U.S. Refugee Resettlement Agencies
Church World Service (CWS)
www.churchworldservice.org

Episcopal Migration Ministres (EMM)
www.episcopalchurch.org/emm/

Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC)
www.ecdcinternational.org

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS)
www.hias.org

Bureau of Refugee Programs
Iowa Department of Human Services
http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/refugee/bureau/default.asp

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

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
www.usccb.org/mrs

World Relief (WR)
www.wr.org

If admitted, do I get U.S. citizenship? If so, how long does it take?
Recipients of Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) have Legal Permanent Status (LPR) upon entry into the United States. Once admitted, SIV recipients are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after residing for five (5) years in the United States.

What if someone already has a file with UNHCR or a UN number? What should they do?
Applicants who meet the requirements may be considered under this SIV program even if they have been registered with UNHCR.

I would like to be resettled in XX city/state. What should I do?
SIV recipients may designate a resettlement preference on the Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form under Section D - U.S. Ties. However, unless the applicant is joining close family members, it is not always be possible to honor the applicant’s resettlement location preference. Please note that only cases with close family ties are currently being resettled in Detroit. Placements are restricted to the following relationships: spouse, father, mother, sibling, children, and grandparents. A child (under the age of 18) traveling alone with no other relatives in the U.S. may also be placed there.

How will I know which agency is responsible for providing services?
If an applicant chooses to receive Department of State-funded Reception and Placement services by submitting a scanned, signed copy of the Resettlement Benefits Election Form to the National Visa Center (NVC) no later than 10 days after visa issuance, his/her case will be assigned to a resettlement agency before arrival in the U.S. Prior to departure, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will prepare the applicant’s travel and the Refugee Processing Center will the inform applicant of the final destination and the affiliate office which will provide services upon arrival.

Contact Information

If you have an approved Form I-360 petition, and have questions regarding your status, please contact the National Visa Center at NVCSIV@state.gov.
If you have questions regarding filing requirements and instructions for an SIV petition, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), at sivtranslator.nsc@dhs.gov.
For questions regarding SIV benefits and post-arrival services, please contact SIV@wrapsnet.org for more information.
If you have an immigrant visa interview scheduled, please contact the embassy where the interview will be scheduled. You can find a list of our embassies at http://www.usembassy.state.gov
If you think you might be eligible to apply for this visa, please contact your supervisor in the Armed Forces, or the Human Resources office at your Embassy.
If you have an approved Form I-360 petition, please contact the National Visa Center at NVCSIV@state.gov.
If you have an immigrant visa interview scheduled, please contact the embassy where the interview will be scheduled. You can find a list of our embassies at http://www.usembassy.gov/
If you think you might be eligible to apply for this visa, please contact your supervisor in the Armed Forces, or the Human Resources office at your Embassy.

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Special Immigrant Visas for Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters

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