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

Mizajou nan dat Desanm 4, 2025
Afghan nationals evacuated to the USA have different immigration statuses. Understand the SIV program, parole, asylum, and other statuses. Get updates on new rules after recent events.
Enprime

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.

Ki sa ou ka fè kounye a

  • 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.

Kategori Estati Afgan an

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.

Li enpòtan pou chèche konsèy legal nan men yon avoka imigrasyon oswa yon reprezantan ki akredite.

Pwogram imanitè liberasyon kondisyonèl

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.

Moun Afganestan ki annatant aplikasyon pou renouvèlman pèmi sejou tanporè, azil oswa lòt ajisteman nan estati yo ka toujou jwenn benefis menm si peryòd antre sou kondisyon ou kounye a fini.

If you received a notice stating your parole is ending and you must leave the U.S., it may not be correct if you entered via OAW (but could be valid if you entered via CBP One). If you are affected, talk to an immigration lawyer as soon as possible.

Alert

Pwosesis re-parole

Si w gen antre sou kondisyon pou rezon imanitè atravè Operasyon Allies Welcome (OAW) ou ka mande renouvèlman pèmi sejou tanporè. Yo konsidere demann sa yo ka pa ka.

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 yo aksepte demann ou a, ou ka kontinye viv ak travay legalman nan Etazini pou yon lòt 2 zan. W ap toujou kalifye pou sèvis ORR tou. Gouvènman ameriken an gendwa pa pèmèt moun ki gen antre sou kondisyon pou aplike pou yon dezyèm fwa pou renouvèlman pèmi sejou tanporè.

Pou depoze yon renouvèlman pèmi sejou tanporè, ou dwe ranpli epi soumèt yon Fòm I-131 revize. Sa a ka fè an liy oswa pa lapòs. Fòm I-131 pral mande tou de yon renouvèlman pèmi sejou tanporè ak yon ekstansyon otorizasyon travay ou. Pa gen lòt fòm ki nesesè.

You will have to pay a $1,000 fee unless you qualify for an exception. The U.S. government will notify you and provide instructions on how to pay this fee if you are approved for parole. Do not pay this $1,000 fee when you submit Form I-131.

Konsèy pou mande renouvèlman pèmi sejou tanporè:

  • Gade kat EAD w la pou w asire w enfòmasyon an koresponn ak sa w mete sou fòm lan. Sa enkli òtograf non w, dat nesans ou ak A-number (A-Nimewo).
  • Depoze an liy ka ede w evite erè komen. Si w chwazi ranpli sou Entènèt, w ap bezwen yon kont myUSCIS.
  • Depoze pi vit posib pou w pa riske yon diferans nan sitiyasyon epi w pèdi aksè a benefis ak sèvis yo.
  • Ou ka ranpli pou renouvèlman pèmi sejou tanporè menm si ou gen yon aplikasyon annatant pou yon lòt estati, tankou azil.
  • Revize yon lis dokiman pou prepare, tankou yon kopi EAD ou ak I-94. (Lis tou nan دری / Dari ak پښتو / Pashto)
  • Revize kesyon yo poze souvan

If you change your address, you must notify USCIS within 10 days, even if you are moving to a temporary location. Use the USCIS Change of Address form.

Sonje

Visa Espesyal pou Imigran (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.

The current deadline to apply for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program is December 31, 2025. The government will not accept new applications after this date unless Congress passes a new law to extend it.

Azil

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.

de fanm konsilte nan mi brik ki chita sou yon tab
Jwenn èd jiridik

Aprann kijan pou jwenn èd gratis oswa bon mache nan men avoka imigrasyon ak reprezantan legal de konfyans.

Kòmanse

Refigye

Si ou te antre Ozetazini kòm yon refijye, ou ka aplike pou Green Card ou yon ane apre yo rive. Ajans reyentegrasyon w la ka ede w jwenn èd legal pou ranpli aplikasyon sa a.

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.

Benefisyè Estati Pwoteksyon Tanporè (TPS)

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

Some Afghans have been detained by ICE during routine check-ins or court visits. Always carry proof of your immigration status and any pending case. 

Alert

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.

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.

Pèmi travay

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.

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.

Pèmi vwayaj

Moun ki benefisye de TPS ka jwenn yon pèmi vwayaj. Yo rele li otorizasyon antisipe. Li montre ofisyèl imigrasyon yo ke ou gen otorizasyon pou vwayaje aletranje epi tounen nan USA.

Ou ka aplike pou yon pèmi vwayaj nan depoze Fòm I-131. Swiv enstriksyon yo avi Enskripsyon Federal lè w ap aplike pou yon pèmi vwayaj.

Anvan w vwayaje andeyò Etazini, pale ak yon avoka. Règ imigrasyon yo ka chanje, epi li enpòtan pou konnen si li an sekirite pou vwayaje.

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.

There is a full travel ban for people from Afghanistan. This means you are not allowed to enter the U.S. unless you are a Permanent Resident or U.S. Citizen, or have already been granted refugee or asylee status. The ban currently applies to the family reunification of asylees and refugees.

Reyinyon ak manm fanmi yo

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.

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.

Many lawful immigrants, including refugees and asylees, may no longer get certain public benefits – even if they used to qualify. These policies will go into effect on different dates.

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.

Gen kèk benefis ak sèvis ORR ki sispann oswa chanje akòz politik administrasyon Trump la. Ajans Reyenstalasyon yo rekòmanse sèvis limite pou ede refijye ki fèk rive ak SIV Afgan yo.

Plis soti nan USAHello

K ap chèche enfòmasyon espesifik?

kat jeyografik mondyal ak senbòl èd Jwenn èd entènasyonal si w andeyò Etazini Èske w ap chèche èd entènasyonal? Jwenn yon lis òganizasyon ki ede imigran deyò Etazini. Jwenn enfòmasyon parennaj. Aprann sou resous pou Afgan, Ikrenyen, ak moun ki toupre fwontyè Etazini ak Meksik.
Kat pèmi travay EAD Kisa EAD la ye? Yon gid pou Otorizasyon Travay Etazini Anpil imigran vin Etazini pou travay. Si ou pa yon sitwayen ameriken, Detantè Green Card, oswa yon asil, ou dwe genyen yon Dokiman Otorizasyon pou Travay (EAD). Jwenn enfòmasyon sou fason pou aplike pou yon pèmi travay epi renouvle li.
muslim family at airport Fason pou aplike pou yon dokiman vwayaj ameriken. Si w gen plan pou vwayaje an deyò Etazini, ou ka bezwen yon dokiman vwayaj peyi Etazini bay pou retounen. Aprann ki moun ki bezwen yon dokiman vwayaj ak fason pou aplike. Konnen sa pou w konsidere lè w ap deside si li san danje pou w vwayaje aletranje.
nonm ki kenbe timoun nan ayewopò Reyinifikasyon fanmi pou refijye ak azil yo Refijye yo, moun ki asile yo, ak moun ki gen SIV Afgan yo ka aplike pou sèten manm fanmi yo rantre nan yo nan USA. Aprann plis sou reyinifikasyon fanmi an. Jwenn enfòmasyon sou pwogram sa a ak kijan pou aplike.
manman ak pitit gason ak pitit fi Imigrasyon fanmi pou sitwayen Ameriken ak moun ki gen Green Card yo Si ou se yon sitwayen ameriken oswa yon rezidan pèmanan legal, ou ka fè yon petisyon pou kèk manm fanmi ou vin jwenn ou Ozetazini. Aprann plis sou tip viza imigrasyon pou fanmi ki disponib ak kijan pou aplike.
Sit entènèt USCIS sou laptop Kouman pou itilize zouti ak resous USCIS yo USCIS bay anpil zouti ak resous pou ede w konprann epi aplike pou benefis imigrasyon. Aprann kijan pou kreye yon kont USCIS pou ranpli aplikasyon yo. Jwenn konsèy pou chèche enfòmasyon ak resous sou sitwèb USCIS la.

Enfòmasyon ki nan paj sa a vini de DHS, USCIS, IRAP, CLINIC, MPI, ak lòt sous nou ka fè konfyans. Objektif nou se pou ofri enfòmasyon ki fasil pou konprann epi yo mete yo ajou regilyèman. Enfòmasyon sa yo pa konsèy jiridik.