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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

Free

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

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

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.

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Cost Breakdown

Form I-360 filing fee$0 USD

Immigrant visa application fee (DS-260)$0 USD

USCIS immigrant fee (Green Card production)$0 USD

Medical examination—

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Annual Cap & Quota

50 visas per year

Eligible Nationalities (2)

Afghanistan Iraq

Iraq

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

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

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

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

Gather civil documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage/divorce/adoption certificates, police certificates

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

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

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

Verified Claims (26)

Last verified May 30, 2026

Application Steps

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

travel.state.gov

Dependent Visa

Spouse and children

travel.state.gov

Fee Breakdown

Form I-360 filing fee: 0 USD; Immigrant visa application fee (DS-260): 0 USD; USCIS immigrant fee (G…

uscis.gov

Fees

No fee (filing fee, immigrant visa application fee, and USCIS immigrant fee all waived for Iraqi SIV…

uscis.gov

Forms

I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant); DS-260 (Application for Immigrant V…

travel.state.gov

Forms · DS-0234 · description

Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form

travel.state.gov

Forms · DS-0234 · url

https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/SIVs/DS-0234-AUG-2021.pdf

travel.state.gov

Forms · DS-260 · description

Immigrant Visa Electronic Application

travel.state.gov

Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

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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.

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.

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