Afghan U.S. Government worker Visas (SQ Visas) Immigration Law

Afghan U.S. Government worker Visas (SQ 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

Afghan U.S. Government worker Visas (SQ Visas):

SQ visas are Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) specifically for qualified Afghans who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan. This SIV program originally began in 2009 and allowed for 1,500 Afghan SQ visas to be granted to Afghans each year up until 2013. However, the program has since been extended by legislation. As of now, the program allows for an additional 4,000 Afghan SQ visas to be given out to qualified applications for 2014. The program is slated to end December 31, 2014, or when all of the allotted visas have been given out (whichever occurs first).

This program is available to Afghans who worked for/on behalf of the U.S. government as an employee or contractor for at least one year between October 7, 2001 and December 31, 2014. In addition, the Afghan employee must have or is currently experiencing an ongoing serious threat (or threats) as a result of their employment with the U.S. government. Unmarried minor children and spouses of Afghans that receive an Afghan SQ visa are allowed to also come to the United States along with the visa holder. The Afghan SQ visa holder and family will then receive special resettlement benefits after entering the U.S. and will receive Lawful Permanent Resident status.

Legal Issues of SQ Visas for Afghans:

There are a limited number of SQ visas for Afghans who worked for/on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan and the program is slated to end shortly, at the end of 2014. It is important to act fast if one wishes to apply for an Afghan SQ visa under this SIV program. However, there are many strict requirements that must be met in order to qualify for these visas. In addition, there are multiple forms to complete, evidence to provide, letters of recommendation to obtain, and an important interview to partake in. If any discrepancies are found or any misrepresented information submitted, the visa application may quickly be denied.

What an Immigration Lawyer can do for you:

An immigration attorney who is knowledgeable about these SQ visas for Afghans who worked for/on behalf of the U.S. government can help you understand this SIV program and all that it entails. An immigration lawyer can help you determine if this is the right visa program for you, and then will work with you directly to ensure all forms and documentation are submitted correctly and quickly so that you do not miss this tight deadline for Afghan SQ visas. You will receive expert assistance in applying for Chief of Mission approval and in submitting your official application and the associated documentation/evidence required for an Afghan SQ visa. Having an immigration attorney on your side to guide you through this process can be your best bet at obtaining an Afghan SQ visa so that you can safely and legally move to the United States.

Lawyer Referral Service:

If you are an Afghan who worked for/on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan and want to apply for an Afghan SQ visa through this limited SIV program, contact Attorney Search Network. We can help you find an immigration lawyer who can help you quickly.

If you have any questions about the information provided above, contact Attorney Search Network. We can provide you with a free Lawyer Referral to an Immigration Lawyer with SQ Visas for Afghans Who Worked for/on Behalf of the U.S. Government experience.

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.