Immigration status and benefits for Afghan immigrants in the U.S.

Important updates for Afghan nationals

There are new U.S. government rules that affect Afghan nationals. We will update this page as soon as we learn more.

All visa processing for Afghan passport holders is paused.

• U.S. embassies and consulates are refusing all visas for people who use an Afghan passport. This includes immigrant visas, non-immigrant visas, and Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs).
• If a visa was approved but not issued yet, officers must cancel it.
• Afghans who have already received an SIV or other visa can continue to travel to the U.S. at this time.
• Afghan SIVs can still apply for and receive support from resettlement agencies. 

Refugee resettlement for Afghan nationals is also paused.

• The U.S. government is not processing new refugee travel for Afghans right now.
• Refugee cases that were already in process are also on hold while the government creates new security rules.
• We do not know when refugee processing will restart.

Immigration applications for Afghans are paused because Afghanistan is on the travel ban list.

• The U.S. government is pausing immigration applications for all 19 travel ban countries.
• If you have already applied for a benefit, including a Green Card or naturalization, your case is on hold. 
• People can still file immigration applications, but the government will not make any decisions on these applications right now.

Asylum decisions for all nationalities are paused.

• People can still apply for asylum, but the government is not making decisions right now.
• Do not file any new applications without talking to an immigration lawyer first.

Possible reviews for Afghans already in the United States

• The U.S. government has said there may be new security reviews for immigration cases of Afghans who are already inside the United States, including those with permanent residence (Green Card holders), SIV, or refugee status.
• We do not know when these reviews will happen, what they will include, or what the outcome will be.

Lo que puedes hacer ahora

• Talk to a qualified immigration lawyer or legal representative before taking action on your case.
• Do not travel outside the United States. If you leave the U.S., you may not be able to return. If you need to travel, talk to an immigration lawyer first.
• Do not submit new applications until you get legal guidance.
• If you get a letter or notice from USCIS or another U.S. government office, do not ignore it. Read it and talk to a legal representative.
• Get free mental health support from the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) 24/7 helpline in English, Dari, and Pashto.
• Find help with these organizations: Afghan Coalition, Afghan Evac, Muslim for Just Futures, Project ANAR, and Afghan Association of Central Virginia.

We stand with you.  We will continue to share updates and support you as we learn more.

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Categorías de estatus afgano

Afghan evacuees could have humanitarian parole, a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), asylum, or refugee status. Most Afghan evacuees will need to file additional paperwork to get legal status that allows them to stay in the USA permanently.

You can apply for more than one immigration status at the same time. Filing an application for asylum at the same time as your SIV application will not slow down the process. Afghans are encouraged to apply for permanent status as soon as possible.

Beneficiario de parole humanitario

If you are a humanitarian parolee not eligible for the SIV program, your status is temporary. It lasts for up to 2 years. You can apply for re-parole to temporarily extend your protection while you apply for a different status.

Note: Processing of parole applications for Afghans may be paused indefinitely while USCIS reviews its security process. See update at the top of the page.

Parolees can not get a Green Card. You must be approved for a different status to get lawful permanent residence. The best option for Afghan parolees may be to apply for asylum.

Los afganos que estén en libertad condicional y tengan solicitudes pendientes de nueva libertad condicional, asilo u otro ajuste de estatus aún pueden obtener beneficios incluso si su período de libertad condicional actual finaliza.

Proceso de re-libertad condicional

Si tiene libertad condicional humanitaria a través de la Operación Aliados Bienvenidos (OAW), puede solicitar una nueva libertad condicional. Estas solicitudes se consideran caso por caso.

Note: Processing of re-parole applications for Afghans may be paused indefinitely while USCIS reviews its security process. See update at the top of the page.

Si su solicitud es aceptada, podrá continuar viviendo y trabajando legalmente en los EE. UU. durante 2 años más. También seguirá siendo elegible para los servicios de ORR. El gobierno de Estados Unidos podría no permitir que personas con libertad condicional soliciten una nueva libertad condicional por segunda vez.

Para solicitar una nueva libertad condicional, debe completar y enviar un Formulario I-131 revisado. Esto se puede hacer en línea o por correo. El formulario I-131 solicitará tanto una nueva libertad condicional como una extensión de su autorización de trabajo. No se necesita ningún otro formulario.

Consejos para solicitar una nueva libertad condicional:

• Revise su tarjeta EAD para asegurarse de que la información coincida con la que puso en el formulario. Esto incluye la ortografía de su nombre, fecha de nacimiento y número A.
• Presentar su declaración en línea puede ayudarle a evitar errores comunes. Si decide presentar su solicitud en línea, necesitará una cuenta myUSCIS.
• Presente su solicitud lo antes posible para no correr el riesgo de una brecha en su estatus y perder el acceso a beneficios y servicios.
• Puede solicitar una nueva libertad condicional incluso si tiene una solicitud pendiente para otro estatus, como asilo.
• Revise una lista de documentos para preparar, incluida una copia de su EAD y I-94. (Lista también en دری/Dari y پښتو/Pashto)
• Revise estas preguntas frecuentes

Visa especial para inmigrantes (SIV)

You can apply for an SIV if you were employed by the U.S. government, a U.S. contractor, or ISAF in Afghanistan for at least one year. Once you have a Chief of Mission Approval Letter (and, if required, an approved I-360 SIV), you can apply for a Green Card with Form I-485. You may have to attend an interview at your local USCIS office. You may be asked questions related to your status.

Note: SIV applications are on pause. See update at the top of the page.

There is no fee to apply for a Green Card for Afghan SIVs with USCIS. You must pay a fee when filing in Immigration Court.

Asilo

If you were forced to leave Afghanistan to escape persecution and you do not have SIV or refugee status, you may be eligible for asylum. Applying for asylum is a long process, but it offers a pathway to legally stay in the U.S. permanently.

You typically must file your application within one year of arrival in the USA. You may be eligible to apply after one year if you apply before your parole expires. Learn how to apply for asylum.

Note: Asylum decisions for all nationalities are paused. See update at the top of the page.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXL_oR1psVI&feature=youtu.be)

Once you are approved for asylum, you will be eligible for certain benefits. You can apply for your Green Card one year after your asylum case is approved. You must be physically present in the U.S. for at least one year to apply. You may have to answer questions about your status.

Refugiado

Si ingresó a los EE. UU. como refugiado, puede solicitar su Tarjeta Verde un año después de su llegada. Su agencia de reasentamiento puede ayudarle a encontrar ayuda legal para completar esta solicitud.

Note: Refugee resettlement for Afghan nationals is also paused. There may be reviews of the status of Afghan refugees already in the United States. See update at the top of the page.

Beneficiario de Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS)

TPS Afghanistan ended on July 21, 2025. You can no longer apply for or renew TPS Afghanistan.

Green card

Many Afghans, including refugees, asylees, SIVs, and their families, can apply for a Green Card after waiting a certain amount of time. A Green Card allows you to live and work in the USA permanently.

• Learn how to apply for a Green Card.

Note: Decisions on adjustment of status (Green Card) applications may be paused. Green Card holders already in the United States may have their statuses reviewed again. See update at the top of the page.

Permiso de trabajo

You can apply for a work permit or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you have a qualifying status. This includes refugees, asylees, temporary protected status, and parole.

• Learn how to apply for a work permit.

Note: Processing of work permit applications for Afghans may be paused indefinitely while USCIS reviews its security process. See update at the top of the page.

Permiso de viaje

Hay permisos de viaje disponibles para personas con TPS. Se le conoce como libertad condicional anticipada. Muestra a los funcionarios de inmigración que usted tiene permitido viajar al extranjero y regresar a los EE. UU.

Puedes solicitar un permiso de viaje presentando el Formulario I-131. Sigue las instrucciones del aviso del Registro Federal cuando solicites un permiso de viaje.

Antes de viajar fuera de los EE. UU., hable con un abogado. Las reglas de inmigración pueden cambiar y es importante saber si es seguro viajar.

Note: Processing of travel authorization applications for Afghans may be paused indefinitely while USCIS reviews its security process. See update at the top of the page.

Reunirse con miembros de la familia

You can apply for your spouse and unmarried children under 21 to come to the USA. There is no fee to apply for Form I-730.

• Los titulares de la tarjeta verde presentan el formulario I-130
• Los refugiados y asilados presentan el Formulario I-730
• Los titulares de la tarjeta verde SIV presentan el formulario I-824
• Expediente DS-4317para personas en libertad condicional

Note: Processing of family-based applications for Afghans may be paused indefinitely while USCIS reviews its security process. See update at the top of the page.

Public benefits and ORR services

The U.S. government offers public benefits for essential services, including food, housing, healthcare, and education. You may be eligible for public benefits based on your immigration status and state rules.

• Learn more about public benefits.

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) services help refugees, asylees, SIV holders, and other new immigrants pay for basic needs as they settle in the United States.

Algunos beneficios y servicios de la ORR se suspendieron o cambiaron debido a las políticas del gobierno de Trump. Las agencias de reasentamiento volvieron a ofrecer servicios limitados a fin de ayudar a los refugiados recién llegados y a los SIV afganos.

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