Who this is for
- Afghan nationals who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan, or for certain international forces, for the required period
- Iraqi nationals who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq, under a program whose application window has largely closed
- Iraqi and Afghan nationals who worked as translators or interpreters with the U.S. armed forces or the Chief of Mission, under a separate smaller program
- Applicants who can show faithful and valuable service and, in many cases, a serious threat because of that work
- Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of the principal applicant, who may be included
Forms involved
| Form | Official name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| DS-157 | Petition for Special Immigrant Classification for Afghan or Iraqi SIV Applicants | Submitted with the Chief of Mission application; for many applicants since 2022 it also serves as the petition, so no I-360 is needed. |
| I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | Still used by some applicants, such as translators and interpreters and certain applicants who did not submit a qualifying DS-157. |
| DS-260 | Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application | The immigrant visa application completed abroad after the case reaches the National Visa Center. |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Used by eligible applicants who are already in the U.S. to apply for the green card. |
Step by step
- Apply for Chief of Mission approvalAfghan applicants generally submit an application to the State Department with proof of employment, a letter of recommendation and the DS-157. Translator and interpreter cases follow their own rules.
- Receive the Chief of Mission decisionThe State Department reviews the employment, service and threat evidence. A denial can generally be appealed within the time the decision letter gives.
- Petition stepFor many applicants the DS-157 now serves as the petition. Others, including translators and interpreters, file Form I-360 with USCIS.
- Apply for the visa or green cardApplicants abroad complete the DS-260, submit documents, get a medical exam and attend a consular interview. Applicants in the U.S. may file Form I-485.
- Enter the U.S. or receive the green cardAn SIV holder generally becomes a lawful permanent resident on admission to the U.S. Those adjusting in the U.S. receive a decision from USCIS.
Documents usually requested
- Afghan or Iraqi passport and national ID (such as a tazkira)
- Proof of employment by or on behalf of the U.S. government, such as an HR or contractor letter
- Letter of recommendation from a U.S. supervisor, or a general or flag officer letter for translator cases
- Description of any threats received because of the work, when required
- Chief of Mission approval letter, once issued
- Marriage and birth certificates for family members
- Medical exam results from an approved panel physician
- Certified English translations of foreign-language documents
How long it takes
Timing depends on the Chief of Mission review, security checks, consular capacity and the number of visas Congress makes available, and it has changed sharply with policy decisions. Check the State Department SIV pages for current information.
Government filing fees
Afghan and Iraqi SIV petitions and many related applications have generally been fee-exempt, but some later steps can carry fees. Fees are set by USCIS and the State Department and change, so check the fee schedule at uscis.gov/g-1055.
Working and traveling while you wait
People in the U.S. with a pending I-485 can generally apply for a work permit and advance parole. Travel during a pending case can affect it, so check with an attorney first.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting employment letters that do not clearly show dates, duties and the U.S. government connection
- Leaving out the DS-157 or failing to sign it, which can change whether an I-360 is needed
- Missing the deadline to appeal a Chief of Mission denial
- Assuming past deadlines or pauses no longer apply, without checking the current official page
- Not updating contact information, so important emails or notices are missed
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chief of Mission approval?
Chief of Mission approval is a State Department decision confirming that an Afghan or Iraqi applicant meets the employment and service requirements for an SIV. It is generally required before the visa process can continue. Translator and interpreter cases follow a different path.
Do I still need to file Form I-360?
Often not. Since a 2022 change, many applicants whose Chief of Mission application included a DS-157 do not need to file a separate I-360, because the DS-157 is treated as the petition. Some applicants, including certain people inside the U.S. and translators and interpreters, still use the I-360.
Is the Afghan SIV program still open?
It depends on the date and the step of the case. Congress has set and extended application deadlines, and visa issuance for Afghan nationals has been affected by policy changes in 2025 and 2026. Check the State Department Afghan SIV page for the current status.
Can my family come with me on an SIV?
In many cases, yes. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can generally be included as derivatives, but the rules about age and marriage depend on dates in the case. An attorney can review a family's specific situation.
Is an SIV the same as a green card?
An SIV is an immigrant visa, so a person admitted with one generally becomes a lawful permanent resident when they enter the U.S. The physical green card is usually mailed afterward.
Official sources
Last reviewed: October 2026
These guides have been reviewed by MyUSVisa counsel. They are provided as is: immigration laws and regulations change often, and like any written communication, this information may contain errors or typos. MyUSVisa is not a law firm, does not provide legal advice and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; reading a guide does not create an attorney–client relationship. Only the information on the official USCIS website (uscis.gov) applies — always verify it there, especially if in doubt.