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General information Recent Changes to U.S. Policies U.S. Parole Programs Legal assistance from IRAP Family Reunification Information by home country or region Information by destination country or region
General information +
Recent Changes to U.S. Policies +
U.S. Parole Programs +
Legal assistance from IRAP +
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  1. IRAP
  2. I have a question about refugee "status" or refugee immigration options
  3. U.S. Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)

U.S. Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)

  • What to Know about Chief of Mission (COM) Revocations for Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) Summary This article is for Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs, or “green card holders”) who received their status thro...
  • Information on Travel for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Recipients: What to Know This article was last updated on February 28, 2025.  Summary At this time, the International Organization for Migrati...
  • Know Your Rights: Afghan & Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Holders Arriving to the United States Without Attorney Representation This information was revised in January 2025. Requirements may change.  IRAP developed this guide because in the past...
  • I worked for the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan. Am I eligible for an SIV? NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. Summary Special ...
  • What does the new SIV law mean for me? (31 July 2021) NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. Summary  On 30 Ju...
  • What does the July 2022 change to the SIV process and removal of the I-360 petition mean for me? NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. Summary As of Ju...
  • How can I find a former employer or supervisor for my SIV application? NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. Summary This gui...
  • What do my recommendation and human resources letters need to include for my SIV application? NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. Summary This gui...
  • How do I find contract information for my SIV application? NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. This article is b...
  • What steps can I take while I am waiting for Chief of Mission (COM) approval? NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. Summary This guid...
  • How do I complete the form I-360 for an Iraqi or Afghan SIV? NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. Summary This gui...
  • How do I complete the DS-260 visa application for an Iraqi or Afghan SIV? NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. Summary This gui...
  • How should I prepare for an SIV interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad? NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. Summary If you a...
  • I received a denial letter from COM. How do I appeal this decision? NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. Summary This gui...
  • I received a COM denial because I did not work as a translator or interpreter or perform sensitive and trusted duties. NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. About this guide...
  • Can my spouse and children receive SIVs? This article is being updated. Please check back soon.
  • How can I transfer my SIV application? NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. Summary This guid...
  • I am an Afghan SIV applicant inside the United States. How do I apply to get a green card (lawful permanent residence)? This article was last updated on March 3, 2025 Summary  If you are an Afghan Special Immigration Visa (SIV) applicant...
  • Am I eligible for the new Afghan refugee program? IRAP’s article about this program is located here. The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) provides f...
  • Can I be compensated for injuries from my employment with the United States in Iraq or Afghanistan? NOTE: This information is affected by new policies as of January 20, 2025 and will be updated soon. What is The Defen...

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is a global legal aid organization assisting refugees and displaced people. All of IRAP’s help is free. Learn more about IRAP here.

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