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SI — Iraqi Special Immigrant
United StatesUnited States•North America
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SI — Iraqi Special Immigrant

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 day – 2 months

Estimated Cost

Not confirmed

Check the official source
Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Iraqi nationals who worked as translators/interpreters for the U.S. government or who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq.

The Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) is a US immigrant visa for Iraqis and Afghans who served as translators or interpreters for the US Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority, and who faced threats because of that service.

All fees are waived — the I-360, DS-260, and USCIS immigrant fee. Applicants need at least 12 months of qualifying service and a recommendation from a General, Flag Officer, or Chief of Mission. The program is capped at 50 visas per year; spouses and children may accompany the principal.

This visa is ideal for Iraqi or Afghan nationals who served the US mission in a conflict zone and face credible threats as a result of that service.

United States

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Cost Breakdown

Form I-360 filing feeUSD $0
Immigrant visa application fee (DS-260)USD $0
USCIS immigrant fee (Green Card production)USD $0
Medical examination—

Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Annual Cap & Quota

50 visas per year

Eligible Nationalities (2)

AfghanistanAfghanistanIraqIraq

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

National of Iraq or Afghanistan

Worked as translator/interpreter directly with U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority for at least 12 months

Favorable written recommendation from a General or Flag Officer, or the Chief of Mission

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

A or G series Iraqi passport

Family Book (Entry 1957 copy) and birth certificate

Police certificate (if in Iraq 6+ months since age 16, or elsewhere 12+ months)

Refugee Benefits Election Form

DS-0234 Biodata Form

Proof of 12-month employment with U.S. Armed Forces or Chief of Mission

Written recommendation from a General/Flag Officer or Chief of Mission

Background check evidence

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Leads directly to U.S. permanent residence (green card)
  • Family members may immigrate together
  • Recognizes and rewards documented service to U.S. Armed Forces

Worth Knowing

  • Strictly capped at 50 visas per year — extremely limited availability
  • Registration is terminated if applicant fails to apply for immigrant visa within 1 year of notification
  • Requires senior military or diplomatic recommendation (General/Flag Officer or Chief of Mission)
  • 7-step process involving both USCIS and the National Visa Center
  • Do not make travel arrangements, sell property, or leave employment until visa is issued

Application Process

1

File Form I-360 with USCIS Nebraska Service Center (include employment proof, background check, and officer recommendation)

2

Await USCIS approval and NVC processing; receive Welcome Letter and CEAC access

3

Complete Form DS-260 (Application for Immigrant Visa) online via CEAC for each family member

4

Gather civil documents

passports, birth certificates, marriage/divorce/adoption certificates, police certificates

5

Scan documents (≤4MB, .pdf/.jpg/.jpeg formats; include both sides with stamps)

6

Email documents to NVCSIV@state.gov with case number in subject line

7

Attend consular interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate after NVC scheduling

Application Forms

I-360
Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
Fill online
DS-260
Immigrant Visa Electronic Application
Fill online
DS-0234
Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form
Fill online

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