Special Immigrant Visa Program for Iraqis To Expire

On September 30, 2013, the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for Iraqi nationals who worked for or on behalf of the United States government in Iraq will expire.

The program covers Iraqi nationals who have been employed by or on behalf of the United States government in Iraq for at least one year, from March 20, 2003, to the present. The expiration date does not apply to spouses and unmarried children who are following to join a principal applicant.

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

Source: USCIS