NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon.

Summary

U.S.-affiliated Iraqis and their family members can apply for refugee resettlement to the United States through the Direct Access Program (DAP). U.S. government information about the Direct Access Program is available here in English. U.S. government information about the Direct Access Program is also available in Arabic. The DAP application is free of charge. Applying to DAP does not guarantee resettlement to the United States.

Who is Eligible?

People who are eligible to apply for the Direct Access Program are:

• Iraqis who were employed in Iraq by the U.S. government, or who were employed as interpreters or translators for the Multi-National Forces in Iraq.
• Iraqis who worked for an entity in Iraq that received U.S. government funding.
• Iraqis who worked in Iraq for a U.S.-based media or nongovernmental organization.
• Spouses, sons, daughters, parents and siblings of the people described above.
• Spouses, sons, daughters, parents, and siblings of an individual eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa because of work for the U.S. Government in Iraq.
• Syrians and Iraqis with approved I-130 family immigration petitions to the United States. More information on applying to DAP based on an approved I-130 is here.

Can I apply from anywhere?

You can apply for this program if you live in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

If you have a DAP case that was being processed through IOM (RSC MENA) and are now in Europe, contact RSC Eurasia (ICC@iom.int) and RSC MENA (ic@iom.int) to ask them to transfer your case. There is no guarantee that they will transfer your case.

From any other location, you can email ic@iom.int to request access to processing in your location. There is no guarantee that IOM will be able to transfer your case.

How do I apply?

If you live in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, apply to DAP through IOM’s website here.

You will be able to upload one document proving your work (or your family member’s work) for the United States. After you have applied and received an IOM case number, send IOM copies of other proof of your work. Other proof might include your badges or contracts and name and contact information for your supervisors. Email copies to ic@iom.int. Put your full name and case number in the email subject line.

Even if you do not have the documents above, you can start an application. IOM may ask for more information from you to verify your work.

Individuals who reside in Israel should contact RSC Austria/HIAS at caseinquiries@hias-vienna.at.

Individuals who reside in Lebanon should contact RSC TuME/the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) at info.rsc@icmc.net.

If you need to find more evidence of your work, see IRAP's guide on proving your employment here.

What happens after I apply?

You can check your DAP case status on the IOM website. You can also email IOM at ic@iom.int. Put your full name and case number if available in the email subject line.

Most applicants in Iraq will wait a long time for interviews. Here is more information from IOM on delays for interviews. Because of the long delays, you should tell IOM about any threats against you. Email IOM at IC@iom.int to inform them and include any evidence. Put your full name and case number in the subject line of the email to IOM.

DAP is not available for people who worked for the Iraqi government, even if they worked closely with the U.S. government. Iraqi government officials who fled to another country can ask the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for help.