Iraqi and Afghan Translators Visa (SI Visas) Immigration Law

Iraqi and Afghan Translators Visa (SI Visas) Legal Issues

Iraqi and Afghan Translators (SI Visas)

Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) may be awarded to eligible Iraqi and Afghan translators or interpreters who worked directly with the U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority at U.S. Embassy Baghdad or U.S. Embassy Kabul. These SIVs differ from two other programs that award visas to certain Iraqi and Afghan nationals that worked directly for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan.

There are only 50 SIVs allotted per fiscal year for Iraqi and Afghan translators/interpreters and there are strict requirements that must be met in order to qualify for this special category of visas. Some of these requirements include:

• Being a national of Iraq or Afghanistan, plus
• Working for a period of at least 12 months directly with the U.S. Armed Forces or under COM authority as a translator/interpreter, plus
• Obtaining a favorable written recommendation of a General or Flag Officer from the U.S. Armed Forces or from the Chief of Mission for whom you worked as a translator/interpreter

Legal Issues of SI Visas for Iraqi and Afghan Translators:

As stated, there are only 50 SI Visas allotted for Iraqi and Afghan translators/interpreters per year. This is a very limited amount and demand for these visas typically exceeds the amount available. The process for this particular SIV program is especially detailed and challenging as there are many requirements necessary to qualify for and apply for these visas. A qualifying Iraqi or Afghan translator/interpreter must be able to provide evidence of work for the U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq or Afghanistan, or for the Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad or Kabul. In addition, he or she must provide proof of nationality, proof of a background check conducted by the U.S. Armed Forces or COM, a letter of recommendation from a General, Flag Officer or COM, plus additional forms, documents, and police certificates. There will also be a required interview and many steps and requirements to follow when arriving in the United States.

Spouses and minor children of qualified Iraqi and Afghan translators/interpreters that are awarded SI visas may also come to the United States provided certain additional forms and documentations are also submitted. There are special refugee benefits that accompany an SIV for Iraqi and Afghan translators/interpreters but they also require additional applications and may come with additional requirements and restrictions.

What an Immigration lawyer can do for you:

Immigration laws change constantly, as does the United States’ relations with foreign countries. For this reason, it is wise to seek the council of an immigration attorney who will be knowledgeable about foreign affairs and immigration processes for Iraqi and Afghan nationals. If you are an Iraqi or Afghan translator/interpreter that worked directly for or on behalf of the U.S. Armed Forces or Chief of Mission, talk to an immigration attorney today about your eligibility in the SIV program. An immigration attorney can help you determine if this is the right visa category for you and he or she can help thoroughly explain this complex visa application process. An experienced immigration attorney will work with you on the petition and application process if you are interested in an SIV for Iraqi and Afghan translators/interpreters.

Lawyer Referral Service:

If you worked as a translator or interpreter in Iraq or Afghanistan and want to know more about the SIV program, contact Attorney Search Network. We can help you find an immigration lawyer who can help you attain an SI visa.

If you have any questions about the information provided above, please contact us. Call us toll free at (800) 215-1190 or fill out our online form for your Immigration lawyer referral.