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

The Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009, Section 602(b) of Division F, Title IV, of the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, Public Law 111-8, authorizes 1,500 special immigrant visas annually for Afghan employees and contractors for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 who have been employed by or on behalf of the United States Government in Afghanistan on or after October 7, 2001, for a period of not less than one year, and who have experienced or are experiencing an ongoing serious threat as a consequence of that employment.

You can find instructions about the Afghan Allies program here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_4495.html.  Please do not contact the Front Office, Consular Section or other Embassy offices directly.  Applications for the Chief of Mission letter, the first step of the process, must be sent to the National Visa Center as described on the web page above.

Notice: Applicants should NOT make any travel arrangements, sell property, or give up employment until the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General has issued a visa.

This new program is completely distinct from another program authorizing special immigrant visas for certain Iraqi and Afghan translators/interpreters working for the USG. For information on that program see Learn More.