SIV Visa: Special Immigrant Visa for Iraqis

What is an SIV Visa?

An Iraqis Who Worked for/or on Behalf of the U.S. Government (IWAP) visa, also known as the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, is a special category of visa that is available to certain Iraqi and Afghan citizens who have worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan. This includes individuals who have worked as interpreters, translators, or other support personnel for the U.S. military or government agencies. The program was created to provide a safe haven for these individuals who may be at risk due to their association with the U.S. government and its mission in Iraq and Afghanistan. To be eligible for an IWAP visa, an individual must have a close relationship with the U.S. government and must be able to demonstrate that they face a serious threat as a result of their association with the U.S. government. The process of obtaining an IWAP visa can be lengthy and complicated, and typically requires the assistance of a qualified immigration attorney.

Who Qualifies for SIV Visa?

To qualify for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) through the Iraqis Who Worked for/or on Behalf of the U.S. Government (IWAP) program, an individual must meet the following criteria:

  1. National of Iraq or Afghanistan: The individual must be a national of Iraq or Afghanistan.
  2. Employment with or on behalf of the U.S. Government: The individual must have worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan for at least one year. This includes work as an interpreter, translator, security guard, or other support personnel.
  3. Close relationship with the U.S. Government: The individual must have a close relationship with the U.S. government, as demonstrated by their employment.
  4. Serious threat as a result of their association with the U.S. Government: The individual must be able to demonstrate that they face a serious threat as a result of their association with the U.S. government and its mission in Iraq or Afghanistan.
  5. Admissibility to the United States: The individual must be admissible to the United States, which means they must not have any criminal or immigration violations that would make them ineligible for a visa.
  6. Pass security checks: The individual must pass security and background checks.

How to Apply for SIV Visa?

The process of applying for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) through the Iraqis Who Worked for/or on Behalf of the U.S. Government (IWAP) program can be complex and time-consuming. The following is a general overview of the steps involved in the application process:

  1. Gather required documents: The first step in the application process is to gather all of the required documents, including proof of employment with or on behalf of the U.S. government, proof of identity, and any other relevant documentation.
  2. Complete the Application Form: The applicant will need to fill out the form DS-260, which is an online application for Immigrant Visa.
  3. Pay the fees: The applicant will need to pay the required fees for the application.
  4. Submit the application: The completed application, along with the required documents and fees, should be submitted to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence.
  5. Interview: The applicant will be required to attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This will include security and background checks.
  6. Medical Examination: The applicant will need to pass a medical examination by a physician designated by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  7. Wait for a decision: The U.S. government will review the application and make a decision. The process can take several months, and the applicant will be notified of the decision in writing.
  8. If approved, the applicant will be issued an SIV and will be able to travel to the United States.

What is the SIV Visa Interview Process?

The Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) interview process for the Iraqis Who Worked for/or on Behalf of the U.S. Government (IWAP) program is conducted by a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. The following is a general overview of the interview process:

  1. Interview appointment: The applicant will be notified of the date, time, and location of the interview, which is typically scheduled several weeks after the application is submitted.
  2. Arrival at the Embassy: On the day of the interview, the applicant should arrive at the Embassy or Consulate at the designated time, with all required documents and fees.
  3. Security check: The applicant will go through a security check and have their fingerprints taken.
  4. Interview: The consular officer will conduct the interview, during which the applicant will be asked questions about their background, employment with or on behalf of the U.S. government, and any threats they may have faced as a result of their association with the U.S. government. The officer will also verify the documents and information provided in the application.
  5. Decision: The consular officer will make a decision on the application during or after the interview. If the application is approved, the applicant will be issued an SIV and will be able to travel to the United States. If the application is denied, the consular officer will provide the reason for the denial and the applicant will have an opportunity to appeal the decision.

What are the Required Documents for SIV Visa?

The required documents for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) through the Iraqis Who Worked for/or on Behalf of the U.S. Government (IWAP) program will vary depending on the individual case, but generally, the following documents may be required:

  1. Completed Application Form DS-260: This is an online application for Immigrant Visa, which must be completed and submitted by the applicant.
  2. Passport: The applicant must submit a valid passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States.
  3. Passport-style photographs: The applicant will need to submit two passport-style photographs.
  4. Employment verification letter: The applicant must provide a letter from the U.S. government agency or contractor that verifies their employment with or on behalf of the U.S. government.
  5. Proof of relationship: The applicant must provide documents that demonstrate a close relationship with the U.S. government, such as a letter from a U.S. government official or a copy of an ID card issued by a U.S. government agency.
  6. Proof of threat: The applicant must provide documentation that demonstrates that they face a serious threat as a result of their association with the U.S. government, such as a police report or a letter from a government official.
  7. Certified Police Clearance: The applicant will need to provide police clearance certificates from all the countries they have lived in for more than 6 months after reaching the age of 16.
  8. Medical Examination: The applicant will need to pass a medical examination by a physician designated by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  9. Fees: The applicant will need to pay the required fees for the application.

What is the SIV Visa Fee?

The fee for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) through the Iraqis Who Worked for/or on Behalf of the U.S. Government (IWAP) program is currently $445. This fee is paid by the applicant and is used to cover the cost of processing the visa application. The fee is subject to change and should be confirmed with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the application is being submitted.

What is the SIV Visa Processing Time?

The processing time for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) through the Iraqis Who Worked for/or on Behalf of the U.S. Government (IWAP) program can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the completeness of the application, the workload of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the application is being processed, and the applicant’s individual circumstances.

In general, the processing time for an SIV application can take several months. It’s important to note that the processing time can be longer if the applicant’s case is complex or if additional security or background checks are required. The applicant should also be prepared for unexpected delays, as the processing time can be affected by factors beyond the control of the U.S. government.

SIV Visa Frequently Asked Questions

There are several frequently asked questions about the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) through the Iraqis Who Worked for/or on Behalf of the U.S. Government (IWAP) program, some of which include:

  1. Who is eligible for an SIV?
    A: To be eligible for an SIV, an individual must be a national of Iraq or Afghanistan and must have worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan for at least one year. The individual must also have a close relationship with the U.S. government and must be able to demonstrate that they face a serious threat as a result of their association with the U.S. government.
  2. What happens after the SIV is approved?
    A: Once the SIV is approved, the applicant will be issued a visa and will be able to travel to the United States. Once the individual arrives in the United States, they will need to apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
  3. Can an SIV holder bring family members?
    A: SIV holders can bring certain family members to the United States, including a spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age. They will need to apply for derivative visas for their family members, which will be processed at the same time as the SIV application.
  4. Can an SIV holder work in the United States?
    A: SIV holders are authorized to work in the United States, and they will be able to apply for a work permit once they arrive in the United States.
  5. Can an SIV holder travel outside of the United States?
    A: SIV holders can travel outside of the United States, but they will need to apply for and obtain a re-entry permit before they leave the United States.