Your SIV Questions Answered Here

Following is list of most common SIV questions that Afghan SIV applicants frequently ask me on Facebook:

1. I applied in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, or 2018, etc. when I will get COM approval?
   • COM approval is lengthy process take can take 12 to 36 months processing time.
   • The most common reasons for delays are:
     • Incomplete, invalid or missing documents.
     • HR (employment) or Recommendation Letter not getting verified by HR office or American supervisor when US embassy Kabul contacts them.
2. I submitted my DS-260 application, when will I get interview appointment in Kabul?
   • Please note that currently there is an average waiting period of 9 – 12 months to get visa interview appointment in US embassy Kabul.
   • The long waiting period is due to thousands of SIV applicants pending in the appointment que to be scheduled for interview.
3. I gave my interview, when will I get the medical exam notification?
   • After interview, you will need to allow enough time for your administrative processing to complete before getting medical exam notification from US embassy Kabul.
   • Administrative processing can take 6 to 18 months to complete.
   • The processing time is different for each applicant. DO NOT compare your case with others!
4. My case was denied, what should I do?
   • The case denials are specific to each applicant and thus requires individual case assistance.
   • Unfortunately, the NOLB and IRAP are no longer accepting new cases for appeal assistance. You will need to work with your employer and US citizen supervisor to resolve your denial issue.
   • Visit the appeal page for to better understand the appeal process: Appeal Help Page
5. I appealed my denied case, when will my appeal get approved?
   • This is impossible question to answer since each appeal approval depends on specific circumstances and factors the Afghan SIV applicants were denied for.
6. I got my visa issued, how can I apply for resettlement benefits (IOM)?
   • Visit the How to apply for Resettlement Benefits (IOM) post for instructions.
7. When will IOM book my tickets?
   • IOM generally gives ticketing priority based on your visa expiration dates and pregnancy issues. For example, if your visa is valid for 30 days, then IOM will book your tickets in 7 – 10 days.
   • It is very important to have patience and wait for IOM to process your case.
8. I got married. How can I add my husband or wife under my SIV case?
   • If you are the principal applicant

To see the full list of frequently asked SIV questions, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.