Special Immigrant Visa

#What this actually means

A Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) is an immigrant visa for people who fall into specific, narrowly defined categories. The most well-known are the SIVs for Afghan and Iraqi nationals who worked as translators or interpreters for the U.S. military or government. But the category also includes religious workers, certain international organization employees, and juveniles who qualify for SIJS.

#Why it matters

SIVs provide a direct path to permanent residence (a green card) for people who might not qualify under the standard family or employment-based categories. For Afghan and Iraqi allies in particular, these visas were created because helping the U.S. government put them and their families at serious risk back home.

#Key things to know

• SIVs are limited to specific categories defined by Congress — you can't apply if you don't fit one
• Afghan and Iraqi SIV programs have their own application processes and requirements separate from standard immigration
• Religious worker SIVs require at least 2 years of qualifying work and a job offer from a U.S. religious organization
• SIV holders receive green cards and can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization