Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa Program in Vista: SIV Application Help for Iraqi Translators

Quick Answer

Vista is home to a growing Iraqi community, many of whom served alongside U.S. military forces as translators, interpreters, and support staff in Iraq. The Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program provides a pathway to permanent residence in the United States for these individuals and their families. SoCal Immigration Services assists Iraqi nationals in Vista and throughout San Diego County with SIV applications, providing Arabic-speaking guidance through every step of the process.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

What Is the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa Program?

The Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program was established under Section 1059 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2006 and later expanded by the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2007. The program provides immigrant visas to Iraqi nationals who worked directly with the U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority as translators, interpreters, or in other qualifying capacities for at least one year. Since its inception, the program has issued over 20,000 principal SIV visas to Iraqi nationals, with tens of thousands of derivative family members also receiving permanent residence.

•Translators and interpreters who worked with U.S. military or coalition forces
•Employees of the U.S. government in Iraq under Chief of Mission authority
•Employees of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
•Iraqi nationals who worked for U.S.-funded projects in Iraq
•Contractors and subcontractors who provided direct support to U.S. operations
•Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of qualifying principal applicants

Iraqi SIV Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria established by federal law:

Requirement	Details
Nationality	Must be an Iraqi national
Employment	Worked as translator/interpreter for U.S. forces or under COM authority
Duration	Minimum 1 year of qualifying employment
Recommendation	Favorable written recommendation from a direct supervisor
Background Check	Pass all required security screenings and background checks
Threat	Experienced or is experiencing ongoing serious threat as a result of employment
No Disqualifiers	No association with organizations that persecute others based on protected characteristics

SIV Application Process Step by Step

The Iraqi SIV application involves multiple government agencies and requires careful documentation at each stage. Processing times vary but typically take 9-14 months from initial filing to visa issuance.

1
Obtain Chief of Mission (COM) Approval
Submit Form DS-157 to the U.S. Embassy or consulate. Include proof of qualifying employment, a letter of recommendation from your supervisor, and evidence of threats. COM review takes approximately 2-4 months.
2
File I-360 Petition with USCIS
After receiving COM approval, file Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant) with USCIS. There is no filing fee for SIV applicants. Include COM approval letter, employment documentation, and threat evidence.
3
National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
Once USCIS approves the I-360, the case transfers to the National Visa Center. Complete Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) and submit civil documents including birth certificates, police certificates, and medical exams.
4
Security Screenings
Undergo mandatory interagency security screenings. These checks are thorough and cannot be expedited. Processing takes approximately 3-6 months depending on complexity.
5
Visa Interview
Attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad or at a designated third-country processing location. Bring all original documents, passport photos, and medical examination results.
6
Visa Issuance and Travel
Upon approval, receive your SIV and travel to the United States within the visa validity period. You enter as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) immediately upon arrival.

Required Documentation for Iraqi SIV

Gathering proper documentation is one of the most challenging aspects of the SIV process. Many applicants face difficulty obtaining records from Iraq. Here is what you need:

•Valid Iraqi passport (or evidence of Iraqi nationality if passport is unavailable)
•Employment verification letter from the U.S. military unit, embassy, or contractor
•Letter of recommendation from a direct U.S. citizen supervisor describing your duties and performance
•Evidence of threats: police reports, threatening letters, photos of damage, witness statements
•Birth certificate with English translation
•Marriage certificate with English translation (if applicable)
•Children's birth certificates with English translations (for derivative beneficiaries)
•Police clearance certificates from all countries of residence
•Medical examination results from a panel physician (IOM-designated)
•Two passport-sized photographs meeting U.S. visa photo requirements

Benefits Available to Iraqi SIV Holders

Iraqi SIV holders receive the same resettlement benefits as refugees upon arrival in the United States. Vista-area Iraqi SIV holders can access these federally funded programs:

Benefit	Duration	Details
Refugee Cash Assistance	Up to 8 months	Monthly financial support while establishing self-sufficiency
Refugee Medical Assistance	Up to 8 months	Health coverage including Medi-Cal enrollment assistance
Employment Services	First 5 years	Job placement, training, and career development programs
English Language Classes	Ongoing	ESL and vocational English programs at no cost
Social Services	Varies	Case management, cultural orientation, and community integration
Green Card Status	Immediate	Permanent resident status upon entry; eligible for citizenship after 5 years

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Iraqi SIV program from Vista community members:

•Q: Is the Iraqi SIV program still accepting applications? A: Yes, the Iraqi SIV program continues to accept applications. Congress has periodically reauthorized the program and allocated additional visa numbers. Check with SoCal Immigration Services for the latest authorization status and available visa numbers.
•Q: Can I apply for SIV if I worked for a U.S. contractor in Iraq? A: Eligibility depends on your specific role. Translators and interpreters who worked directly with U.S. forces through a contractor typically qualify. Other contractor employees may qualify under the Chief of Mission authority pathway if they worked for U.S. government-funded projects.
•Q: What if my supervisor has retired or I cannot locate them for a recommendation letter? A: You can submit alternative evidence such as performance evaluations, commendation letters, employment records, or sworn affidavits from colleagues. SoCal Immigration Services helps locate former supervisors and prepare alternative documentation.
•Q: How long does the entire SIV process take? A: The complete process typically takes 9-14 months, though some cases take longer due to security screening delays. COM approval takes 2-4 months, I-360 processing takes 1-3 months, and NVC processing with security checks takes 3-6 months.
•Q: Can my family members also get SIVs? A: Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivative beneficiaries on your SIV application. They receive the same permanent resident status and resettlement benefits.

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services in Vista

SoCal Immigration Services provides specialized SIV assistance for Iraqi nationals in Vista and throughout San Diego County:

•Arabic and English bilingual staff who understand Iraqi culture and community needs
•Extensive experience with Iraqi SIV applications and knowledge of program requirements
•Assistance obtaining employment verification and recommendation letters from U.S. military contacts
•Document translation and preparation for all stages of the SIV process
•Guidance on threat documentation and security screening preparation
•Post-arrival support connecting SIV holders with resettlement services in the Vista area

Contact SoCal Immigration Services

Call (714) 421-8872 to schedule a consultation about the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa program in Vista. Our Arabic-speaking team has helped numerous Iraqi translators and interpreters navigate the SIV process from initial application through arrival in the United States. We serve Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, San Marcos, Carlsbad, and all San Diego County communities.

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Who qualifies for the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa?

A: Iraqi nationals who worked as translators, interpreters, or employees for the U.S. government or U.S. forces in Iraq for at least one year and face threats due to their service.

Q:Is there a fee to apply for the Iraqi SIV?

A: There is no filing fee for the I-360 petition for SIV applicants. However, there are costs for medical examinations, document translations, and passport photos.

Q:Can I apply from inside the United States?

A: Yes, if you are already in the United States, you can file the I-360 and then apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to obtain your green card without leaving the country.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Vista and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 14, 2026Last Updated: February 14, 2026

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