What does SIV stand for immigration?

Special Immigrant Visa
SIV stands for Special Immigrant Visa. While there are many categories of SIVs, this webpage discusses only SIVs for eligible Iraqi and Afghan translators and interpreters who have worked directly with the U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission (COM) authority at U.S. Embassy Baghdad or U.S. Embassy Kabul.

What are SIV benefits?

Are you an Afghan or Iraqi individual who has been granted an SIV or SQ/SI parole? You may be eligible for cash assistance, medical assistance, employment preparation, job placement, English language training, and other services offered through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

Are Afghan parolees eligible for SNAP?

Afghan Parolees entering with SIV status are eligible for all Federal benefits, including SNAP benefits, cash assistance, and medical assistance/CHIP without a five-year waiting period.

Can Afghan parolees work?

For all Afghan parolees seeking to work, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must approve your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, before you can work legally in the United States.

Who qualifies for an SIV?

SIVs are available to individuals who have worked as translators, interpreters, or other professionals employed by or on behalf of the United States government in Afghanistan or Iraq. Those who are eligible for these visas and their dependents can apply through one of two SIV programs.

How do I appeal SIV denial?

You can appeal your COM denial within 120 days of the day that you received your COM denial letter from NVC. You can only appeal your denial one time. Multiple appeals are not accepted. If your appeal gets denied, you will need to submit a new COM application for approval.

Which person is a noncitizen?

Non-Citizen National: A person born in an outlying possession of the U.S. (e.g., American Samoa or Swain’s Island) on or after the date the U.S. acquired the possession, or a person whose parents are U.S. non-citizen nationals. All U.S. citizens are U.S. nationals; however, not every U.S. national is a U.S. citizen.