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

Updated September 2, 2025
Afghan nationals evacuated to the USA have different immigration statuses. Understand the SIV program, parole, asylum, and other statuses. Learn if you need to take further steps to stay in the USA permanently. Also, find a helpful list of available benefits and services.
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If you are an SIV recipient trying to come to the U.S., see IRAP’s information on travel. For support outside the U.S., you can find international help.

Afghan Status Categories

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

Find official guidance in USCIS’ Information for Afghan Nationals.

You can apply for more than one immigration status at the same time. Filing an application for asylum or TPS 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.

It is important to seek legal advice from an immigration lawyer or accredited representative. Many organizations and lawyers offer free or low-cost legal services. You can also find help with the Afghan Coalition, Afghan Association of Central Virginia, and Afghan Evac.

Humanitarian parole

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

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.

Afghan parolees with pending applications for re-parole, asylum or other adjustment of status can still get benefits even if your current parole period ends.

ALERT: 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.

Re-parole process

If you have humanitarian parole through Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) you can request re-parole. These requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. If your request is accepted you can continue to live and work legally in the USA for an additional 2 years. You will also still be eligible for ORR services.

You do not need to apply for re-parole if you:

  • meet the criteria for automatic consideration of re-parole
  • have a pending asylum application or adjustment of status application
  • applied for asylum or AOS before your initial parole expires

To file for re-parole, you must complete and submit a revised Form I-131. This can be done online or by mail. Form I-131 will request both a re-parole and an extension of your work authorization. No other form is needed.

The U.S. government may not allow people with parole to apply for re-parole a second time. Be prepared for this option to not be available.

Tips for requesting re-parole:

  • Look at your EAD card to make sure the information matches what you put on the form. This includes the spelling of your name, date of birth, and A-number.
  • Filing online can help you avoid common mistakes. If you choose to file online, you will need a myUSCIS account.
  • File as soon as possible so you do not risk a gap in status and lose access to benefits and services.
  • You can file for re-parole even if you have a pending application for another status, such as asylum.
  • Review a list of documents to prepare, including a copy of your EAD and I-94. (List also in دری / Dari and پښتو / Pashto)
  • Review these frequently asked questions

(https://youtu.be/Vxe8JI37S4c)

Special Immigrant Visa (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.

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.

Asylum

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. 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.

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

Refugee

If you entered the U.S. as a refugee, you can apply for your Green Card one year after arrival. Your resettlement agency can help you find legal help to complete this application.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

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

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.

Work permit

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 more about the application process.

Reunite with family members

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.

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.

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. Find ORR information in multiple languages.

Note: Some ORR benefits and services have stopped or changed due to a pause on funding for refugee resettlement agencies.

Learn about benefit programs

Find help with food, housing, health, and other public benefits for immigrants. Find out if you qualify and how to apply.

Learn more.

The information on this page comes from DHS, USCIS, IRAP, CLINIC, MPI, and other trusted sources. We aim to offer easy to understand information that is updated regularly. This information is not legal advice.

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