Who Qualifies for the Afghan SIV Program?

This post attempts to clarify the qualification requirements and the type of applicants that qualify for the Afghan SIV program. What is the Afghan SIV program? The Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program was created by the US Congress in 2009 to allow immigration of qualified Afghans that worked for or served the United States government in Afghanistan and have …

Afghan SIV Process Explained

  Are you wondering how long your Afghan SIV application will take? Find out the average processing times in this infographic. Click on the picture to read full details. Infographic obtained and modified from No One Left Behind organization. Average processing times based on the Quarterly Report of the Afghan SIV Program – July 2020.

Children Eligibility Requirements For SIV

Following are the eligibility requirements for the Afghan SIV program children in order to have visas issued under a parent’s case. Child must be younger than 21 years old. This means 0-20 years. Child must be unmarried. Being engaged (naamzad) is ok. If step-child from another husband/wife, then the child must had been under 18 years old at time of …

Common SIV Application Problems

How To Avoid Common SIV Application Problems The following information has been sourced and adapted from the IRAP organization’s guide for COM approval. Below is a list of common SIV problems. This list is not complete. Always check the U.S. government COM guidelines. If there are any issues with the LOR or HR letter, ask for an updated letter that …

Guide for COM Denial Appeals

IRAP organization has published an excellent Guide for COM Denial Appeals. This guide is for Afghans who: Worked in Afghanistan for the U.S. government, a company with a U.S. government contract, or the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) or a successor mission, and Submitted an application for Chief of Mission (COM) approval to the National Visa Center (NVC) and Received a denial …

Information for Applicants Whose SIV COM Applications Were Denied Due to “Sensitive and Trusted” Eligibility Requirements

On December 20, 2019, U.S. law changed. Afghan SIV applicants no longer need to meet the requirement that they worked as an interpreter or translator or “perform[ed] sensitive and trusted activities for the United States government in Afghanistan.” The law did not change other eligibility requirements. Because this requirement no longer exists, if you received a Chief of Mission (COM) …

How to Designate Someone Else to Collect Your Passport

This post is about situation where you or your spouse wishes for someone else to collect your passports from the US Embassy Kabul. In order for someone else to pick up (collect) your passports, you need to submit request to the US Embassy Kabul first. Once the embassy reviews your request and a decision is made, then they will contact …

SIV Resettlement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Banner for refugee resettlement

Dari and Pashtu translations are provided for your convenience. Scroll to bottom. ترجمه دری و پښتو در زیر ارائه شده است Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Resettlement Benefits for Iraqi and Afghan Recipients of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) Q: I am an Afghan/Iraqi SIV recipient. Am I eligible for any resettlement benefits? A: Afghan and Iraqi SIV recipients are eligible …

How to Send Inquiry Emails?

Afghan SIV applicants waiting for their case to be processed can email AfghanSIVApplication@state.gov to check their case status. In the email, include your full name, date of birth, and SIV case number as shown in the email template below. Email Sample Template To: AfghanSIVApplication@state.gov Subject: SIV case inquiry – Case Number: NVC 123 4508 Message: I am writing this email to …

Guide for Finding SIV Information

The following are links to find most commonly sought after Special Immigration Visa (SIV) information. Official Afghan SIV web-page: U.S. Deptartment of State – Afghan SIV Application Guideline for Chief of Mission (COM) Approval in English Form i-360 Application DS-260 Application US Embassy Kabul Interview Process Video Additional Biographic (Bio) Data Form for Interview Day Medical Exam Appointment Instruction for …