Special Immigrant Visas for Iraqis – Who Worked for/on Behalf of the U.S. Government


Frequently Asked Questions for Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa Applicants

Please click here for the Arabic translation of this web document.

Overview – What is this program?
What is meant by fiscal year?
STEP 1 – Chief of Mission Approval
STEP 2 – File a Petition with USCIS
STEP 3 – Petition Approved by USCIS and sent to the National Visa Center
STEP 4 – The Visa Interview
STEP 5– Arrival in the U.S.

What is this program?
The Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, Public Law 110-181, was signed into law on January 28, 2008. Section 1244 of this legislation, entitled “Special Immigrant Status for Certain Iraqis”, as amended by section 1 of Public Law 110-242 enacted on June 3, 2008, authorizes 5,000 special immigrant visas annually for Iraqi employees and contractors for fiscal years 2008 through 2012. This provision creates a new category of special immigrant visa (SIV) for Iraqi nationals who have provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. Government (USG), while employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq, for not less than one year after March 20, 2003, and who have experienced or are experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of that employment. In addition to these Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants, also see the USCIS Fact Sheet on Iraqi Special Immigrant Visas.

NOTICE: The applicant should NOT make any travel arrangements, sell property, or give up employment until the US Embassy or Consulate General has issued a visa.

What is meant by fiscal year?
The fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends September 30.

STEP 1 – Chief of Mission Approval

Who can file a petition? What are the requirements for the applicant?
What about my family? May they immigrate with me?
Who may submit the letter of recommendation?
What if it is not possible for a contract employee to obtain this certification from a United States Citizen Supervisor?
Does a record of disciplinary actions that have been taken against an employee automatically disqualify the employee?
How do I demonstrate an “ongoing serious threat”?
Is there a template or format for the letter of recommendation?
Should I submit copies of commendations and recommendations along with the required recommendations?
What other forms are required?
How do I submit my documents for Chief of Mission approval?
What happens after I submit my documents?
If I have already been scheduled for interview or have been interviewed as a refugee, but am also eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa, which application should I pursue?

Who can file a petition? What are the requirements for the applicant?
Foreign nationals must self-petition for this special immigrant visa classification only if they can establish that they meet the following requirements:

  • Must be a national of Iraq.
  • Must have been employed by, or on behalf of the United States Government in Iraq, on or after March 20, 2003, for a period of not less than one year;
  • Must have provided faithful and valuable service to the United States Government, which is documented in a letter of recommendation from the employee’s supervisor that is approved by the Chief of Mission (COM), as described below;
  • Must have experienced or be experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of the employment by the United States Government, as determined through a risk assessment conducted by the Chief of Mission (COM) or the designee of the COM;
  • Must be able to clear a background check and appropriate screening as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security(DHS); and
  • Must be otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa and otherwise admissible to the United States for permanent residence, except in determining such admissibility, the grounds for inadmissibility specified in section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182 (a)(4)), relating to “public charge” shall not apply.

What about my family? May they immigrate with me?
Spouses and unmarried children, younger than 21, accompanying or following to join a principal immigrant may be accorded the same special immigrant classification as the principal visa applicant. Visas issued to derivative spouses and children do not count toward the cap of 5,000 special immigrant visas per year.

Who may submit the letter of recommendation?
The recommending supervisor should normally be the United States citizen who directly supervises the employee, or supervises the company for which the Iraqi worker is employed. In all cases, before offering a recommendation for the employee for purposes of obtaining an SIV for the employee, the recommending supervisor must have met the employee and must certify, in writing, that the referred applicant is personally known to the supervisor and, to the best of the his or her knowledge, presents no threat to the national security or safety of the United States. The recommendation must also contain the supervisor’s e-mail address.

What if it is not possible for a contract employee to obtain this certification from a United States Citizen Supervisor?
Then it would be necessary to provide a letter of recommendation signed by the employee’s non-citizen supervisor and co-signed by the U.S. citizen who is responsible for the contract, who indicates that, based on his or her relationship with the employee’s contract supervisor, he or she is confident that the information provided by the supervisor is correct, and also certifies that to the best of his or her knowledge, the employee presents no threat to the national security or safety of the United States. If the supervisor is not a U.S. citizen, the U.S. citizen co-signer’s e-mail address must be included in the letter of recommendation.

Does a record of disciplinary actions that have been taken against an employee automatically disqualify the employee?
The COM, or his/her designee, must assess the gravity of the reasons for the disciplinary action and whether the record as a whole, notwithstanding the disciplinary actions, is one of faithful service. It will generally be more difficult for an employee to demonstrate faithful service if the record reflects that disciplinary action has been taken against the employee.

How do I demonstrate an “ongoing serious threat”?
Applicants must submit information to demonstrate that they have or are experiencing an ongoing serious threat, which may include statements from their employer, personal statements, or statements from community leaders.

Is there a template or format for the letter of recommendation?
There is no required format, but the letter should include a description of the employee’s “faithful service” to the U.S. Government, the length of service (including the start/end dates of service), the applicant’s duties, special clearances, any ongoing serious threat experienced by the employee as a consequence of the employment by or on behalf of the U.S. Government., and the certification that to the best of the writer’s knowledge, the applicant presents no threat to the national security or safety of the United States.

Should I submit copies of commendations and recommendations along with the required recommendations?
Applicants may submit copies of any additional commendations and recommendations may be submitted, but they do not take the place of the required documents.

What other forms are required?
Applicants must also present a completed DS-157.

How do I submit my documents for Chief of Mission approval?
Send all required documents electronically to Embassy Baghdad at the following e-mail address: IraqSIVapplication@state.gov

What happens after I submit my documents?
The Chief of Mission SIV approval designee and staff will review your documents and evaluate and verify any information. Once approved, a Chief of Mission Approval form will be attached to the documents and you will be notified of the approval. Your documents will be returned to you via e-mail with instructions on how to send your application and Form I-360 petition to the Nebraska Service Center.

If I have already been scheduled for an interview or have been interviewed as a refugee, but am also eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa, which application should I pursue?
It is up to you to determine which route you choose to pursue. Both processes take some months to complete. Registration and application for either program is not a guarantee of eventual admission to the United States. You may pursue both applications simultaneously. The refugee and SIV programs differ in terms of process and eligibility. Information on the refugee program can be found at the Embassy Baghdad website, http://iraq.usembassy.gov, by following the link to the Refugee and IDP Affairs Office.


STEP 2 – File a Petition with USCIS

Who files the petition (I-360)? What documents are required with the petition?
Where do I find the forms?
Where do I file the petition?
What mailing address should be used on the I-360 for the Iraqi SIV?
Can the I-360 be filed by E-filing (electronically)?
Where will the petitions be adjudicated? Who makes the decision?
How many Special Immigrant Visas can be issued per year?
When the cap of 5,000 visas is reached, will the petitions be rejected and have to be re-filed?
What is the difference between Part I and Part 3 of the Form I-360 and should both be completed?
In Part 2, what box should be checked?
What are the fees associated with filing the petition?
Can an Iraqi national with refugee status in the United States, file application Form I-485 with USCIS to apply for adjustment from refugee to SIV status?
My question wasn’t answered here. Where can I get more information about filing I-360 petitions with the Nebraska Service Center?

Who files the petition? What documents are required with the petition?
An employee seeking special immigrant status must submit the following package of documents directly to USCIS’ Nebraska Service Center (USCIS), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):

  • A completed Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. [NOTE: To be properly filed, the Form I-360 must include the employee’s original signature.]
  • A copy of the passport, birth certificate or national identification card showing that the applicant is a national of Iraq, along with a certified English translation, if the document is in a foreign language.
  • A positive recommendation, confirming employment of not less than one year beginning on or after March 20, 2003, normally from the U.S. citizen who has directly supervised the Iraqi employee or supervises the company for which the worker is employed. The supervisor must have met the employee and must certify, in writing, that the referred employee is personally known to the supervisor and, to the best of the supervisor’s knowledge, presents no threat to the national security or safety of the United States. The letter of recommendation must also contain the supervisor’s e-mail address. If it is not possible to obtain a recommendation from a supervisor who is a U.S. citizen, then the letter of recommendation may come from a non-U.S. citizen supervisor, provided the U.S. citizen responsible for the contract co-signs the letter and indicates that, based on his or her relationship with the contract supervisor, he or she is confident that the information provided is correct, and also certifies that to the best of his or her knowledge, the employee presents no threat to the national security or safety of the United States. If the supervisor is not a U.S. citizen, the U.S. citizen co-signer’s e-mail address must also be included in the letter of recommendation.
  • “Chief of Mission Approval for SIV Status,” including the following statements by the COM, Embassy Baghdad, or his or her designee, that the COM or designee:

    • Has determined that the prospective applicant has been employed by, or on behalf of the United States Government on or after March 20, 2003, for a period of not less than one year;

    • Has conducted an independent review of records maintained by the U.S. Government or hiring organization or entity to confirm employment and determined that the Iraqi worker has provided faithful and valuable service to the United States Government; and

    • Has determined that the employee has experienced or is experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of his or her employment by the United States Government.

  • If the petition is filed by an applicant in the United States, a copy of the front and back of the applicant’s form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record

Where do I find the forms?
The forms are available on the USCIS website, http://www.uscis.gov/forms.

Where do I file the petition?
Applicants may file, by either regular mail or overnight delivery, to the following addresses:

Regular Mail:
USCIS/ Nebraska Service Center (NSC)
P.O. Box 87360
Lincoln, NE 68501-7360

Overnight Deliveries:
USCIS/ Nebraska Service Center (NSC)
850 “S” Street
Lincoln, NE 68508

What mailing address should be used on the I-360 for the Iraqi SIV?
All applicants should list an e-mail as this is the best way for USCIS to reach them.  USCIS cannot mail any letter outside the United States except to an APO address. If the applicant has access to an APO address, USCIS will use this address. If there is not access to an APO and they have family or friends with an address in the United States, that address may be used with the permission of the family or friend. In Part 1, line 3, the family member’s or friend’s name must be listed in the C/O section; otherwise the post office will not deliver the mail.

Can the I-360 be filed by E-filing (electronically)?
No, this form is not set up for E-filing.

Where will the petitions be adjudicated? Who makes the decision?
All petitions for this program will be adjudicated at the USCIS Nebraska Service Center. Then the petitions will be forwarded to the Department of State National Visa Center (NVC). After the petitions are forwarded to the NVC, the NVC will contact the petitioner by email and begin to process the necessary documentation for the visa. Once the file is complete, immigrant visa interviews for the SIV applicant and immediate family will be scheduled at an embassy or consulate that processes Immigrant Visas and to which the applicant can travel. Applicants with pending cases at the NVC should contact NVC to inquire if the case may be processed in a country where they are currently residing or to which they can easily travel.

How many Special Immigrant Visas can be issued per year?
The total number of principal visa applicants who may be provided special immigrant status under this section may not exceed 5,000 per year for Fiscal Years 2008-2012.

When the cap of 5,000 visas is reached, will the petitions be rejected and have to be refiled?
USCIS will continue to process each petition, even after the annual cap has been reached. If the numerical limitation is not reached during a given fiscal year, the numerical limit for the following fiscal year shall be increased by the amount of numbers that were unused. If the numerical limitation for Fiscal Year 2012 is not reached, any unused numbers from that year may be used in Fiscal Year 2013. Numbers will not carry forward into Fiscal Year 2014. Family members do not count against this cap. When the petition has been approved, it will be sent to the National Visa Center. NVC will be in contact with the petitioner and will forward the petition to the Embassy when the visa case is ready for scheduling.

What is the difference between Part 1 and Part 3 of the Form I-360 and should both be completed?
Part 1 and Part 3 contain similar information but Part 3 includes additional required information. Both should be completed.

In Part 2, what box should be checked?
Petitioners should check box l, Special Immigrant Iraq National who was employed by or on behalf of the United States Government, in Part 2 of the Form I-360. If an earlier form is used, petitioners should check box K, Other, explain, and write “Iraqi Worker” in the space provided.

What are the fees associated with filing the petition?
Under this particular program, there are no filing or biometric fees associated with filing the petition.

Can an Iraqi national with refugee status in the United States, file application Form I-485 with USCIS to apply for adjustment from refugee to SIV status?
No.   A refugee is not eligible to file Form I-485 and make an application to adjust status from refugee to SIV status.  Under INA 245(c)(7), an employment-based immigrant must be in valid nonimmigrant status in order to apply for adjustment. Instead, a refugee may adjust to legal permanent resident status under INA 209 one year after his/her refugee admission (Note:  there is no fee for applicants who are filing Form I-485 based on having been admitted to the United States as a refugee.)

My question wasn’t answered here. Where can I get more information about filing I-360 petitions with the Nebraska Service Center?
You can send an email to SIVTranslator.NSC@dhs.gov


STEP 3: The petition is approved by USCIS and sent to the National Visa Center

When is a case ready for processing?
What documents do I need to send to NVC?
Am I eligible for Resettlement Benefits?
I submitted a Special Immigrant Visa petition. How do I find out the status of my application?
My question wasn’t answered here. Where can I get more information about my approved petition?

When is a case ready for processing?
SIV cases will be processed according to the order that they become documentarily qualified.

The National Visa Center (NVC) will receive the approved petition from USCIS and contact the applicants to advise them to begin collecting documents and procure a passport. (Only the G series Iraqi passports are valid for travel to the United States.) NVC is now working with petitioners by email to collect the appropriate visa application forms and copies of civil documents. NVC also completes additional administrative processing for posts. Once this is completed, NVC will schedule the immigrant visa interview at a post overseas and forward the case to that post. Applicants must have or obtain and provide an email address to facilitate communication with NVC, as this has proved to be the only reliable means of reaching approved petition beneficiaries to provide instructions. Applicants with an approved petition at NVC may contact NVC by email at NVCSIV@state.gov.

What documents do I need to send to NVC?

  • A copy of the biodata page from the passport of each applicant. Iraqi applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain G series Iraqi passports. Follow this link for more information.
  • The DS-230 parts 1 and 2.
  • The DS-157
  • Family Book (Copy of Entry 1957). Scanned copies of a birth certificate for each applicant and any other civil documents showing the relationship between the petitioner and his/her spouse or minor children (e.g., marriage and divorce certificates, adoption decrees, etc.). If no birth certificate is available, the Iraqi national identity card (bataqa shaksiya) may be used instead of a birth certificate;
  • Any documentation that provides evidence of work for or on behalf of USG, including service dates, type of work, rank, post of assignment, and copies of identification badges.
  • If the applicant lived in a different country of nationality for more than 6 months AND was 16 years old at that time, THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from the police authorities of that locality. Follow this link for additional information on how to obtain a police certificate  
  • A completed Resettlement Benefits Election Form
  • A completed Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (if you elect to receive Resettlement Benefits)

All documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator that states that the translation is accurate, and the translator is competent to translate.

NOTE: Please scan and send copies of all documentation to the National Visa Center via e-mail. Do not send any original documents or photos to the National Visa Center. Original documents and photographs should be hand carried by the applicant to the immigrant visa interview.

In addition, all applicants should submit 2 recent photographs of themselves, which meet photo requirements shown at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3740.html.

Am I eligible for Resettlement Benefits?
Yes.  Iraqi special immigrants are eligible for the same resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits as refugees admitted under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Resettlement assistance is available under section 1244(g) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, Public Law 110-181, to Iraqis who are admitted to the United States on Special Immigrant Visas on or after December 26, 2007, for a period not to exceed eight months.

All SIV applicants should indicate their decision to receive or decline these benefits by returning a scanned, signed copy of the Resettlement Benefits Election Form, included in their visa application packet, to the National Visa Center (NVC) as soon as possible but no later than 10 days after the visa issuance date, as indicated on the visa itself.  Failure to do so will result in the denial of any future request for Department of State-funded refugee benefits. SIV recipients who choose to elect Department of State benefits must accept all of the associated benefits, including IOM-arranged travel. For more information on SIV benefits offered through the State Department, please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), available at http://www.wrapsnet.org/RPCWRAPS/FAQs/tabid/75/language/en-US/Default.aspx.

I submitted a Special Immigrant Visa petition. How do I find out the status of my application?
When an approved petition reaches the National Visa Center, the applicant will be advised by e-mail and provided with instructions. If you believe that you have an approved petition, but you have not been contacted by NVC, please email NVC at NVCSIV@state.gov and provide your USCIS receipt number, full name and date of birth in the email. Individuals who have questions about their SIV petition once it’s been approved should contact the National Visa Center directly at NVCSIV@state.gov or 1-603-334-0828. Customer Service Representatives at the National Visa Center are available from 7:30 a.m. to midnight (EST).

My question wasn’t answered here. Where can I get more information about my approved petition?
You may email the National Visa Center at NVCSIV@state.gov.


STEP 4 – The Visa Interview

Is a personal interview required?
If the applicant and family are in Iraq, may the interview be conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad?
I do not have a valid passport, or I have an S, M or N series Iraqi passport. Do I need to obtain a G series passport?
Can the applicant’s family accompany or follow to join him/her to the United States?
What happens if the principal applicant dies after approval of the petition?
What documents should I bring to the interview?
Will the USG pay the cost of my travel to the interview?
Can the U.S. Embassy arrange for my entry visas and guarantee admission for my interview?
Is there a visa fee?
Will I get my visa on the same day as my interview?
My question wasn’t answered here. Where can I get more information about my pending visa?

Is a personal interview required?
Yes.  While USCIS approves petitions, an interview is required to determine visa eligibility.  For that, an applicant must appear in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate where a consular officer will interview the applicant.  U.S. law also requires all applicants to submit finger scans, which will be taken at the interview.  The consular officer will also require evidence that the applicant has resigned or plans to resign his or her position in order to immigrate to the United States.

If the applicant is in Iraq, may the interview be conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad?
Yes, Embassy Baghdad can conduct the interview and can issue visas.  If the applicant is in a third country, the interview will be conducted at the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

I do not have a valid passport, or have an S, M or N series Iraqi passport. Do I need to obtain a G series passport?
In order to apply for a U.S. visa and travel to the U.S., Iraqi citizens must have a “G” series passport. You should make all possible efforts to obtain an Iraqi G Series passport; failure to do so will complicate your ability to travel and delay your application.  If your immigrant visa appointment has been scheduled, please contact the Embassy where the interview will be scheduled for information about what documents may be required for travel to that country.  You should be aware that Iraq S, M and N series passports are not valid for travel to the United States, though in some instances a waiver may be available.  Again, this will delay your travel significantly.  Follow this link for more information: http://iraq.usembassy.gov/iraqippts.html

Can the applicant’s family accompany or follow to join him/her to the United States? 
Yes, the spouse and unmarried/under 21 children may accompany or follow to join the applicant to the United States. These family members may accompany the applicant to the Embassy interview and if the visas are issued, the family may travel as well.  The applicant will have to provide proof of the marriage relationship and the relationship to the children. 

NOTE: We strongly advise that SIV applicants make plans to bring their spouse and unmarried/under 21 children with them to their Special Immigrant Visa interview. This will facilitate having all of you travel to the United States together.

What happens if the principal applicant dies after approval of the petition?
A spouse or child may also be eligible if the principal applicant had a petition approved by USCIS, but the petition was revoked or terminated after its approval due to the death of the petitioning applicant.

What documents should I bring to the interview?
In addition to your passport, please bring your Iraqi national identity card (bataqa shaksiya) as well as your military photo identification, civilian identification badges, and originals of any civil documents, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates or death certificates.  At the visa interview, the principal alien will also be expected to provide written evidence of intent to immigrate promptly to the United States. 

Will the USG pay the cost of my travel to the interview?
No. When budgeting your time and your funds, please plan for the possibility that you may need to stay for more than one day in the country where your interview takes place.  You will not be able to complete your medical examination and interview on the same day.  Some medical exams may require tests with delayed results.

Can the U.S. Embassy arrange for my entry visas and guarantee admission for my interview?
No.  While Embassies work closely with their host country counterparts to ensure coordination on important programs like the special immigrant visa program, the final decision about whom to admit into a country rests with the government of that country.  Should entry prove to be a problem, the applicant should remain in close contact with the U.S. Embassy to which his or her case has been assigned.

Is there a visa fee?
No. Under this particular program there is no immigrant visa fee.  Applicants will still be required to pay any and all medical examination charges.

Will I get my visa on the same day as my interview?
At the conclusion of your interview, the Officer will indicate if there are any problems with your case that might prevent issuance of a visa, or any documentation that you still need to provide. However, even if your visa interview is successful, you might not receive your visa on the same day. Many immigrant visa cases require additional administrative processing after the interview.

My question wasn’t answered here.  Where can I get more information about my pending visa?
You should directly contact the U.S. Embassy to which your case has been assigned.  If your case has been assigned to Embassy Amman, you may email ammansiv@state.gov. If your case has been assigned to Embassy Baghdad, you may email BaghdadSIV@state.gov. Otherwise, go to http://www.usembassy.gov to locate contact information for the Embassy that is handling your case.

STEP 5 – Arrival in the U.S.

As an Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa recipient, am I eligible for any benefits?
How do I obtain a travel loan?
How do I obtain refugee benefits if I am processed for an SIV after June 1, 2008?
On the “Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form” the instructions state that it is to be completed by each beneficiary.  Does that mean each member of my family needs to complete a form or is one form sufficient for all family members included on the SIV case?
At what point can I begin to make travel arrangements, sell property, and/or give up my job?
If I elect to receive refugee benefits, what help will I receive once in the United States and from whom?
If admitted, do I get U.S. citizenship? If so, how long does it take?
What if someone already has a file with UNHCR or a UN number? What should they do?
I would like to be resettled in XX city/state. What should I do?
How will I know which agency is responsible for providing services?
Contact Information

As an Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa recipient, am I eligible for any benefits?
Yes.  Iraqi special immigrants are eligible for the same resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits as refugees admitted under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Resettlement assistance is available under section 1244(g) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, Public Law 110-181, to Iraqis who are admitted to the United States on Special Immigrant Visas on or after December 26, 2007, for a period not to exceed eight months.

If you are an Iraqi and have applied for a Special Immigrant Visa, you will receive a Resettlement Benefits Election Form in your instruction package from NVC, which explains the resettlement benefits options available to you. NOTE: You must complete the Resettlement Benefits Election Form and return a scanned copy to the National Visa Center along with other required documents as instructed on the Resettlement Election Benefits form. For more information on Resettlement Benefits please also see the section below on, “Arrival in the U.S.”

Benefits for Iraqi and Afghan SIV recipients are also available through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).You can find additional information about these benefits by visiting the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement web site at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr. 

Refugees and SIVs receiving travel loans are expected to begin repaying them after six months in the United States. The loans remain interest-free as long as payments are made according to the terms spelled out in the promissory note. Refugee benefits include financial support for initial food, housing and clothing as well as referrals to medical, social service, training and other programs.

How do I obtain a travel loan?
Once a visa has been issued, if an individual has elected to receive travel and resettlement assistance from the Department of State by submitting a scanned, signed copy of the Resettlement Benefits Election Form to the National Visa Center (NVC) no later than 10 days after visa issuance, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will prepare his or her travel loan and arrange travel to the U.S.

How do I obtain refugee benefits if I am processed for an SIV after June 1, 2008?
Beginning in June of 2008, Iraqi and Afghan SIV applicants are required to complete a Resettlement Benefits Election Form as part of the SIV application process.  Applicants will be required to indicate – before their visa interview – if they wish to receive transportation and initial resettlement benefits from the Department of State and submit a scanned copy of the election form to the National Visa Center as soon as possible but no later than 10 days after visa issuance along with all of the other required documentation. 

After arrival in the U.S., HHS-funded benefits may be available to SIV recipients even if they elected not to receive State Department benefits. You can find additional information about these benefits by visiting the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement web site at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr.

Once a visa has been issued, if an individual has elected to receive travel and resettlement assistance from the Department of State by submitting a scanned, signed copy of the Resettlement Benefits Election Form to the National Visa Center (NVC) no later than 10 days after visa issuance, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will prepare his or her travel loan and arrange travel to the U.S. Applicants should not make their own arrangements for travel.  Participation in the Department of State’s resettlement program requires that travel must be arranged by IOM. 

On the " Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form, DS-0234” the instructions state that it is to be completed by each beneficiary.  Does that mean each member of my family needs to complete a form or is one form sufficient for all family members included on the SIV case?
One Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form for each family member must be completed and returned to the National Visa Center via email at NVCSIV@state.gov.

At what point can I begin to make travel arrangements, sell property, and/or give up my job?
The applicant should NOT make any travel arrangements, sell property, or give up employment until the US Embassy or Consulate General has issued a visa. Once a visa has been issued, if an individual has elected to receive travel and resettlement assistance from the Department of State by submitting a scanned, signed copy of the Resettlement Benefits Election Form to the National Visa Center (NVC) no later than 10 days after visa issuance, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will prepare his or her travel loan and arrange travel to the U.S.  In order to receive Reception and Placement (R&P) benefits upon arrival in the U.S., travel must be arranged through IOM.

For additional information, individuals may contact the National Visa Center (NVC) at NVCSIV@state.gov.

If I elect to receive refugee benefits, what help will I receive once in the United States and from whom?
The Department of State funds nine non-profit organizations and one state agency to help provide initial reception and placement services and assist refugees to achieve economic self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.  All refugees and eligible SIVs approved for admission to the United States are provided with sponsorship and resettlement services appropriate to their personal circumstances by one of these organizations.

These organizations provide airport reception; basic needs support including housing, furnishings, food, and necessary clothing; community, health, and employment orientation; school registration for children; and referrals to public benefit programs and other community services for which refugees and SIVs may be eligible.  The program would not succeed without volunteers in communities across the United States to assist with these activities.  The following organizations provide initial resettlement services to refugees and SIVs. You may learn more about them from information provided in their websites.

U.S. Refugee Resettlement Agencies

Church World Service (CWS)
www.churchworldservice.org

Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM)
www.episcopalchurch.org/emm/

Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC)
www.ecdcinternational.org

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS)
www.hias.org

Bureau of Refugee Programs
Iowa Department of Human Services
http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/refugee/bureau/default.asp

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
www.theirc.org

Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service (LIRS)
www.lirs.org

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
www.refugees.org

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
www.usccb.org/mrs

World Relief (WR)
www.wr.org

If admitted, do I get U.S. citizenship?  If so, how long does it take?
Recipients of Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) have Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status upon admission to the United States. Once admitted, SIV recipients are normally eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after residing for five years in the United States.

What if someone already has a file with UNHCR or a UN number?  What should they do? 
Applicants who meet the requirements may be considered under this SIV program even if they have been registered with UNHCR.

I would like to be resettled in XX city/state.  What should I do?
SIV recipients may designate a resettlement location preference on the Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form, DS-0234 under Section D - U.S. Ties. However, unless the applicant is joining close family members, it is not always be possible to honor the applicant’s resettlement location preference. Please note that only cases with close family ties are currently being resettled in Detroit. Placements are restricted to the following relationships: spouse, father, mother, sibling, children, and grandparents. A child (under the age of 18) traveling alone with no other relatives in the U.S. may also be placed there.

How will I know which agency is responsible for providing services?
If an applicant elects to receive Department of State-funded Reception and Placement services by submitting a scanned, signed copy of the Resettlement Benefits Election Form to the National Visa Center (NVC) no later than 10 days after visa issuance, his/her case will be assigned to a resettlement agency before arrival in the U.S.  Prior to departure, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will prepare the applicant’s travel and the Refugee Processing Center will inform the applicant of the final destination and the affiliate office which will provide services upon arrival.

Contact Information

  • If you have questions on how to receive Chief of Mission Approval, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad at IraqSIVapplication@state.gov.
  • If you have an approved Form I-360 petition, and have questions regarding your status, please contact the National Visa Center at NVCSIV@state.gov.
  • If you have questions regarding filing requirements and instructions for an SIV petition, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), at sivtranslator.nsc@dhs.gov.
  • For questions regarding SIV benefits and post-arrival services, please contact SIV@wrapsnet.org for more information.
  • If you have an immigrant visa interview scheduled, please contact the embassy where the interview will be scheduled. You can find a list of our embassies at http://www.usembassy.gov.