Special Immigrant Visa Program for Iraqis Set To Expire

The Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for Iraqi nationals who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government will expire on September 30, 2013. Individuals applying under this program, including family members, must be admitted to the United States or adjust their statuses before October 1, 2013.

The program covers Iraqi nationals who have been employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq for a period of at least one year, from March 20, 2003, to the present. The expiration date also applies to spouses and unmarried child(ren) accompanying or following to join the principal applicants.

As announced at its inception, the Iraqi SIV program will expire on September 30, 2013, at 11:59 p.m. EDT unless Congress extends the program. After September 30, 2013, USCIS will reject any petitions or applications filed based on the Iraqi SIV program. Beginning on October 1, 2013, USCIS will suspend processing of any pending Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, or Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed based on the Iraqi SIV program.