USCIS Guidance for Afghans and Iraqis

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USCIS

Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans and Iraqis

Afghans and Iraqis USCIS guidance. USCIS has updated its policy manual with counsel regarding Afghan and Iraqis seeking special immigrant classification. The new counsel explains that noncitizens seeking an Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) on or after July 20, 2022, must file Form DS-157, Petition for Special Immigrant Classification for Afghan SIV Applicants with the Department of State. Afghan nationals granted special immigrant status by the USCIS and having a valid Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) are eligible for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits. These benefits are available to refugees admitted under Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for a period not to exceed six months.

USCIS

USCIS Guidance for Afghans & Iraqis — re-parole, SIVs, parole requests, and practical next steps

USCIS has issued targeted guidance for Afghan and Iraqi nationals that affects special-immigrant classifications (SIVs), humanitarian parole and re-parole processes, and related benefits such as employment authorization. The agency has updated its Policy Manual and public webpages to clarify procedures and where to submit re-parole or parole requests.

Key program points you should know

  • Re-parole for certain Afghan parolees: USCIS created a streamlined re-parole process (including some fee exemptions and case-by-case extensions) so eligible Afghan parolees can request an additional period of parole and a new EAD. Follow USCIS re-parole instructions carefully. 
  • Parole requests for Afghan nationals outside Afghanistan: USCIS continues to accept and prioritize urgent parole requests for Afghan nationals located abroad, but processing can take months and medical screening/vaccination requirements usually apply before travel is authorized. 
  • Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) pathways remain active: SIV programs for qualifying Afghan and Iraqi interpreters/translators and certain other categories continue to operate under State/DOS rules; statutory caps and program rules affect timelines and eligibility. Consult DOS guidance for SIV-specific steps. 

Practical steps (what to do now)

  1. Check the exact USCIS page for your situation (re-parole FAQs, parole-request instructions, SIV policy manual chapter) and save the URLs and screenshots of any notices. 
  2. Preserve key documents: identity papers, prior USCIS notices, sponsor letters, employment or military-service verification, and medical records.
  3. Follow re-parole instructions if you are an Afghan parolee whose initial parole is expiring — submit required forms and evidence per USCIS guidance. 
  4. Get legal help early — SIV and parole matters can hinge on narrow evidentiary points and timing; counsel can draft persuasive cover letters, check eligibility, and request expedites where appropriate.

Quick notes & cautions

  • Guidance and processing priorities change — always rely on USCIS and DOS pages for the latest instructions. 
  • Medical screening and vaccinations are usually required for approved parole travel; plan for those steps and potential costs. 

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