EB-4 Visa, Afghanistan or Iraq Nationals Who Support the U.S. Armed Forces as Translators, Permanent Residency (Green Card)

In recognition of their services and to permit such translators a haven from retaliation for their services, a special immigrant visa (SIV) program was created in 1996 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for translators who support the U.S. Armed Forces or under the Chief of Missions authority as a translator.

Such applications are processed on USCIS Form I-360, whether the translator resides inside the U.S. or overseas. If residing overseas, you will be eligible for Consular Processing upon approval. Then you must wait for admission into the U.S. as a fourth preference EB-4 visa category similar to an employment entry, if approved in the U.S. You will also need to file USCIS I-485 to Adjust Status. Both processes will require extensive accompanying documentation, biometrics, and filing fees. If you have an Adjustment of Status pending, you will be eligible to obtain a Work Authorization and an Advanced Parole (travel document).

The USCIS imposes an annual cap on these special immigrant visas, and the cap often changes by year.