USCIS has updated its policy manual with guidance regarding Afghan and Iraqis seeking special immigrant classification. The new guidances 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 when they are applying for Chief of Mission approval. Employment requirements for Afghan SIV is now one year and USCIS clarifies in its policy what type of employment with the International Security Assistance Force qualifies. The agency updates eligibility criteria for surviving spouses and children of deceased principal noncitizens to expand the scope of who may apply for Afghan and Iraqi SIV.