SI Visa: Special Immigrant by Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

What is an SI Visa?

SI (Special Immigrant) is not a specific type of immigrant visa issued by the U.S. government. Special Immigrant is a broad category in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that includes several subcategories of individuals who are eligible for immigrant visas.

Special Immigrants are individuals who have been admitted to the United States as legal permanent residents under special provisions of the INA. Some examples of the subcategories of Special Immigrants include:

  • Religious workers (R-1 visa)
  • Certain employees and former employees of the U.S. government abroad
  • Certain non-minister religious workers
  • Certain retired employees of international organizations
  • Certain widows and widowers of U.S. citizens
  • Certain juveniles
  • Certain veterans
  • Certain foreign medical graduates

Each of these subcategories has its own set of requirements and qualifications that an applicant must meet in order to be eligible for an SI immigrant visa.

Who Qualifies for SI Visa?

There are several subcategories of individuals who qualify for an SI (Special Immigrant) visa, which is a type of immigrant visa available to certain individuals who meet specific criteria set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Some examples of individuals who may qualify for an SI visa include:

  • Religious workers (R-1 visa): Individuals who have been a member of a religious denomination for at least two years and who will be working as a minister, or in a religious vocation or occupation for a non-profit religious organization in the United States.
  • Certain employees and former employees of the U.S. government abroad: Individuals who have worked for the U.S. government abroad in certain capacities, such as translators or interpreters for the U.S. armed forces, and who have been targeted for harm as a result of their service.
  • Certain non-minister religious workers: Individuals who have been a member of a religious denomination for at least two years and who will be working in a professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation for a non-profit religious organization in the United States.
  • Certain retired employees of international organizations: Individuals who have retired from certain positions with international organizations, such as the United Nations, and who have been employed by those organizations for at least 15 years.
  • Certain widows and widowers of U.S. citizens: Widows or widowers of U.S. citizens who are able to demonstrate that the marriage was valid and that they have not remarried.
  • Certain juveniles: Unmarried individuals who are under the age of 21 and who have been declared dependent on a juvenile court or have been placed under the custody of an agency or department of a state.
  • Certain veterans: Veterans of the U.S. armed forces who have served honorably and who are able to demonstrate that they have been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • Certain foreign medical graduates: Foreign medical graduates who have worked in underserved areas of the United States for a certain period of time and who are able to demonstrate that they are needed in their field of specialty in the United States.

How to Apply for SI Visa?

The process for applying for an SI (Special Immigrant) visa will vary depending on the specific subcategory of SI visa for which you are applying. However, generally, the process for applying for an SI visa includes the following steps:

  1. Determine Eligibility: Review the eligibility requirements for the specific subcategory of SI visa for which you are applying to ensure that you meet the qualifications.
  2. Obtain Required Documents: Gather all of the required documents that are needed for the SI visa application, such as proof of employment, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any other required documentation.
  3. Complete the Application: Fill out the appropriate application form and pay the required fee. Some subcategories of SI visa require Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, to be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  4. Submit the Application: Submit the completed application, along with all required documents and fees, to the appropriate government agency.
  5. Interview: Some subcategories of SI visa require the applicant to participate in an interview with a consular officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
  6. Wait for a Decision: Once the application and all required documentation have been submitted, the government agency will review the application and make a decision.
  7. If approved, attend medical examination, and pay the immigrant fee, then you will receive the visa and you can travel to the United States.

It’s important to note that the process for each subcategory of SI visa may have some variations and that the processing times for the SI visa application can vary. Also, it’s advisable to have the help of an immigration lawyer throughout the process to make sure that everything is done correctly.

What is the SI Visa Interview Process?

The interview process for an SI (Special Immigrant) visa will vary depending on the specific subcategory of SI visa for which you are applying. However, generally, the interview process for an SI visa includes the following steps:

  1. Schedule an Interview: After the application and all required documents have been submitted and reviewed, the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country will contact you to schedule an interview.
  2. Prepare for the Interview: Review your application and gather any additional documents that may be requested during the interview. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the information provided in your application and be prepared to answer questions related to your qualifications for the SI visa.
  3. Attend the Interview: Arrive at the U.S. embassy or consulate on the date and time of your scheduled interview. Bring the required documents, such as your passport, and any additional documents that may be requested during the interview.
  4. Answer Questions: During the interview, a consular officer will ask you questions about your qualifications for the SI visa and will verify the information provided in your application. It’s important to answer truthfully and be prepared to provide additional information or documentation as needed.
  5. Wait for a Decision: After the interview, the consular officer will review your application and make a decision. The decision will be communicated to you, usually within a few weeks.
  6. If approved, attend medical examination, and pay the immigrant fee, then you will receive the visa and you can travel to the United States.

What are the Required Documents for SI Visa?

The required documents for an SI (Special Immigrant) visa will vary depending on the specific subcategory of SI visa for which you are applying. However, generally, the following types of documents may be required:

  1. Passport: A valid passport that will not expire for at least six months beyond the date of your planned entry into the United States.
  2. Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant: This form is required for most subcategories of SI visa, and it must be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by the employer or organization that is sponsoring you.
  3. Proof of Employment: Depending on the subcategory of SI visa, you may be required to provide proof of your current or past employment, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or letters from your employer.
  4. Proof of Relationship: If you are applying as the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, you may be required to provide proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
  5. Proof of Religious Affiliation: If you are applying as a religious worker, you may be required to provide proof of your membership in a religious denomination for at least two years.
  6. Proof of Medical Examination: You will be required to undergo a medical examination and provide the results as part of the visa application process.
  7. Proof of Financial Support: You may be required to provide proof that you will have adequate financial support in the United States, such as a letter from your employer or sponsor, or evidence of your own assets.
  8. Police clearance certificates from the countries you lived for more than 6 months in the last 5 years.

What is the SI Visa Fee?

The fee for an SI (Special Immigrant) visa will vary depending on the specific subcategory of SI visa for which you are applying. However, generally, the following types of fees may be required:

  1. Form I-360 fee: This fee is required for most subcategories of SI visa, and it must be paid to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when the Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, is filed. The fee for Form I-360 can vary depending on the circumstances, but it is usually around $535.
  2. Application fee: This fee is required for most subcategories of SI visa, and it must be paid when the application is submitted to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. The application fee can vary depending on the circumstances, but it is usually around $325.
  3. Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: This fee is required for most subcategories of SI visa and it is usually around $500.
  4. Medical examination fee: You will be required to pay for a medical examination as part of the visa application process. The cost of the examination can vary depending on the location and the doctor performing the examination.
  5. Immigrant fee: Once the visa is issued, an immigrant fee must be paid to the U.S. Department of State, usually around $220.

What is the SI Visa Processing Time?

The processing time for an SI (Special Immigrant) visa will vary depending on the specific subcategory of SI visa for which you are applying, as well as the U.S. embassy or consulate where the application is being processed. However, generally, the processing time for an SI visa can take several months to a year or more.

SI Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about SI visas:

  1. What is an SI visa?
    A: An SI visa is a type of visa issued to individuals who are traveling to a country for the purpose of short-term business or tourism.
  2. How long is an SI visa valid for?
    A: The validity of an SI visa can vary depending on the country issuing the visa, but it is generally valid for a period of 3 to 6 months.
  3. Can I work on an SI visa?
    A: An SI visa is typically issued for short-term business or tourism, so it is not typically valid for working. However, the specific rules and regulations regarding work on an SI visa can vary depending on the country issuing the visa.
  4. How do I apply for an SI visa?
    A: The process for applying for an SI visa can vary depending on the country you are applying to. In general, you will need to submit a visa application, along with supporting documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial support, and a letter of invitation from your host in the country you are visiting.
  5. Are there any restrictions on an SI visa?
    A: Restrictions on an SI visa can vary depending on the country issuing the visa. Some countries may have restrictions on the type of activities that are allowed on an SI visa, while others may have limits on the length of stay or number of times you can enter the country on an SI visa.
  6. Can I extend my SI visa?
    A: It depends on the country you are in, but some countries allow you to extend your SI visa while others do not. It’s best to check with the local immigration office to find out the details.
  7. Are there any additional documents required for SI visa?
    A: It depends on the country you are applying to, but the required documents may include proof of financial support, a letter of invitation from your host in the country you are visiting, proof of hotel or accommodation booking and return air tickets.