Iraqi SIV Follow-to-Join in Riverside: Family Reunification for Interpreters
Bringing family members of Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa holders to America
Quick Answer
For Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders in Riverside whose family members remained in Iraq or elsewhere, the follow-to-join process provides a pathway to reunification. SoCal Immigration Services helps Iraqi interpreter families navigate this important benefit.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders in Riverside whose family members remained in Iraq or elsewhere, the follow-to-join process provides a pathway to reunification. SoCal Immigration Services helps Iraqi interpreter families navigate this important benefit.
What is Follow-to-Join for SIV Holders?
Key Points:
• For immediate family members of SIV holders
• Available when family couldn't travel with principal
• Spouse and unmarried children under 21 eligible
• Different process than regular family petitions
• Must be processed before principal naturalizes
Who Qualifies for Follow-to-Join
| Relationship | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Married before SIV issued | Must have been spouse when you got SIV |
| Child | Unmarried and under 21 | At time of SIV issuance |
| Stepchild | Marriage before child turned 18 | Stepparent relationship valid |
| Adopted child | Legally adopted | Must meet adoption requirements |
The Follow-to-Join Process
- •Step 1: Confirm SIV status is still valid (haven't naturalized)
- •Step 2: Gather documentation of relationship
- •Step 3: Family members apply for immigrant visa
- •Step 4: National Visa Center processes case
- •Step 5: Embassy interview in family's location
- •Step 6: Medical exam and security clearance
- •Step 7: Visa issuance and travel to U.S.
- •Step 8: Admission as lawful permanent resident
Required Documentation
- •Copy of principal's SIV visa or passport entry stamp
- •Principal's green card (if issued)
- •Marriage certificate (for spouse) with English translation
- •Birth certificates for children with English translation
- •Evidence relationship existed at time of SIV issuance
- •Passport photos of family members
- •Medical examination results (Form DS-2053)
- •Police certificates from residence countries
Timing Considerations
Before Naturalization:
• Follow-to-join eligibility ends when principal becomes U.S. citizen
• If you're planning to naturalize, petition family first
• Consider delays in processing when planning timeline
Relationship Timing:
• Spouse must have been married before SIV issuance
• Children must have been under 21 at SIV issuance
• Child Status Protection Act may provide some relief
What If Family Members Were Already in the U.S.
Adjustment of Status:
• May be able to adjust status (Form I-485)
• Must have been derivative eligible at time of your SIV
• Different requirements than consular processing
• Consider immigration status and entry method
Consult about the specific situation, as rules are complex.
Children Aging Out
Aging Out Risk:
• If child turns 21 before immigrating, may lose eligibility
• Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) provides protection
• CSPA age calculation may keep them eligible
To Preserve Eligibility:
• File as early as possible
• Track processing times carefully
• Child must seek to acquire status within 1 year
• Document all application submissions
Embassy Interview Locations
- •U.S. Embassy Baghdad (if accessible)
- •U.S. Embassy Amman, Jordan (common alternative)
- •U.S. Embassy Ankara, Turkey
- •U.S. Embassy Cairo, Egypt
- •Other locations based on family's residence
- •Interview scheduling through NVC
After Arrival in the U.S.
Immigration Status:
• Enter as lawful permanent residents
• Receive green card in mail after arrival
• Same benefits as other permanent residents
Next Steps:
• Apply for Social Security Number
• Eligible for work immediately
• Can travel with green card
• Path to citizenship after 5 years
If You've Already Naturalized
After Naturalization:
• Follow-to-join eligibility ends
• Must use regular family petition process
• File Form I-130 for immediate relatives
Timelines After Naturalization:
• Spouse: Immediate relative (no wait)
• Unmarried children under 21: Immediate relative (no wait)
• Unmarried children over 21: F1 category (years wait)
• Married children: F3 category (long wait)
Riverside Iraqi SIV Family Services
- •Arabic and English speaking staff
- •Follow-to-join application assistance
- •Document preparation and translation
- •NVC communication support
- •Embassy interview preparation
- •Family petition filing if naturalized
- •Connection to Iraqi community resources
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does follow-to-join take for Iraqi SIV families?
A: Processing times vary but typically range from 12-24 months. This includes NVC processing, security checks, and embassy scheduling. Embassy wait times in locations like Amman can vary significantly.
Q:Can I add family members I married after getting my SIV?
A: No. Follow-to-join only covers spouses married before your SIV was issued and children who existed at that time. For family members acquired after, you would need to file regular family petitions.
Q:What if I already became a U.S. citizen?
A: Follow-to-join is no longer available. You would need to file Form I-130 family petition for your relatives. Spouses and children under 21 are immediate relatives with no wait. Adult children face longer waits.
Q:My child is about to turn 21. What can I do?
A: File immediately to establish the earliest possible date. The Child Status Protection Act may protect them by calculating their 'CSPA age' based on a formula. Complex calculations apply - consult for your specific situation.
Q:Can my family apply from Iraq?
A: They can apply through the U.S. Embassy Baghdad if it's processing immigrant visas. Often, families process through other locations like Amman, Jordan due to security and capacity issues. NVC will provide instructions.
Q:Do my family members get green cards immediately?
A: Yes. When they enter the U.S. on the immigrant visa, they're admitted as lawful permanent residents. The physical green card is mailed to them after arrival, but they have permanent resident status from entry.
Need Help Reuniting Your Iraqi SIV Family in Riverside?
Our Arabic-speaking team helps Iraqi interpreter families with follow-to-join applications. We understand the unique circumstances of SIV holders and their families.
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