In 2008, USCIS authorized a special immigrant visa for certain Iraqi nationals who worked for, or were contractors of the United States government in Iraq for at least one year after March 20, 2003.
USCIS provides 5,000 special immigrant visas for Iraqi employees and contractors each year. The benefits of this program extend to spouses and children of qualifying Iraqi nationals, and there is no numerical cap for this group. There are no filing or biometric fees associated with this petition.
The program was extended as of October 4, 2013.The extension permits USCIS to approve petitions or applications for visas or adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident in any Iraqi SIV case under section 1244 that were pending with USCIS or with the Department of State (DOS) when the program expired on Sept. 30, 2013. USCIS may also approve an additional 2,000 cases as long as the initial applications to the DOS Chief of Mission in Iraq are made by Dec. 31, 2013.
To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
- is a national of Iraq
- was employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq on or after March 20,2003 for no less than one year
- provided valuable service, as documented by a qualifying supervisor.
- has experienced or is experiencing persecution as a consequence of connection to the U.S. government
- has a clear background check
- is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa and is otherwise admissible to the U.S. as a permanent resident
Filing requirements:
- Form I-360
- All relevant documentation such as passport or other certified national identification
- Positive recommendation from applicant’s senior supervisor
- Reasonable roof of threats faced in Iraq
Form I-360 and instructions are available for download from the USCIS website.