State Dept. Updates Guidance for Afghans; Pro Bono Help Needed With Afghan SIV/P-2 Applications

The Department of State released new information for Afghan nationals seeking to leave Afghanistan:

• Afghan immigrant visa applicants, including Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants, should continue monitoring official U.S. government websites, including https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/AfghanistanEvacuation.html, for updated information, the Department of State said on August 20, 2021. Immigrant visa applicants outside of Afghanistan may request that their cases be transferred to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to complete processing. To request a case transfer, applicants can submit a request to the National Visa Center via https://nvc.state.gov/inquiry.
• Also, the Department of State said that Afghan nationals who are eligible for the SIV program but have not yet applied are “encouraged to submit one complete application package to the National Visa Center (AfghanSIVapplication@state.gov) to facilitate processing in an expeditious manner.” The consular section at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul is closed.

Meanwhile, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is receiving inquiries from Afghans abroad, U.S. veterans, and nonprofits seeking assistance regarding the review of Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)/P-2 applications. AILA has posted a form online for those interested in helping on a pro bono basis.

Related Link:

• Update on Visa Processing at U.S. Embassy Kabul, Dept. of State, Aug. 20, 2021
• Afghanistan Evacuation, Dept. of State, Aug. 21, 2021
• Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans, Dept. of State
• Afghan Allies Application Review Form, AILA