Effective January 1, 2026, in line with Presidential Proclamation 10998 on “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” the Department of State is fully suspending visa issuance to nationals of Afghanistan.  The suspension includes Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (Afghan SIVs).

• Deadline to Apply for Chief of Mission (COM) Approval = December 31, 2025
• Deadline to submit all supporting documentation for your COM approval application, including any additional documentation requested by the Department = June 5, 2026. These deadlines do not apply to visa processing steps after receiving COM approval.