PUBLIC INFORMATION NOTICE
SPECIAL IMMIGRANT STATUS FOR CIVILIAN TRANSLATORS
Special immigrant status is available in limited numbers (500 applications per year) to Afghan and Iraqi nationals who have worked directly for the United States Military as translators. This new allotment of Special Immigrant Visas allows translators and their immediate families to gain admission to the United States, apply for permanent residency and eventually acquire U.S. Citizenship. To request special immigrant status, translators must file a "Petition for Amerasians, Widow (er), or Special Immigrant" (form I-360) with the requested evidence below.
Note: Iraqi asylum seekers who have previously worked for the United States Government in Iraq should refer to a separate information sheet on Political Asylum and the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Eligibility for Special Immigrant Translator Status:
Be a national of Iraq or Afghanistan;
Have worked directly with the U.S. Armed Forces as a translator for a period of at least 12 months;
Have obtained a favorable recommendation from a General or Flag Officer in the chain of command of the unit supported by the translator;
Have cleared a background check and screening required on a case-by-case basis; and
Be eligible to receive an immigrant visa and otherwise admissible to the United States for permanent residence. In determining such admissibility, the grounds for inadmissibility to "public charge" shall not apply.
Required evidence at time of filing:
A copy of the passport or birth certificate showing the alien is a national of Iraq or Afghanistan;
Proof of greater than 12 months employment as a translator for the U.S. military, certified or provided by the U.S. Armed Forces;
Proof of background check and screening as required on a case-by-base basis;
A recommendation letter from a General or Flag Officer in the chain of command of the unit supported by the translor;
A copy of the front and back of the applicant´s Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94) if filed in the United States.
Numerical limitations:
The total number of principal aliens who may receive special immigrant translator status during any fiscal year cannot exceed 500. Only the principal aliens count towards the numerical limit. The spouse and children of the principal alien may be able to follow to join the applicant after adjustment of status or visa issuance.
Aliens outside the United States:
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Overseas Office in London has informed us that individuals who are eligible for special immigrant translator status should file form I-360 with the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) for adjudication. The filing fee for the I-360 is $375. The NSC will send all approved form to the Department of State's National Visa Center; they will be prepared for immigrant visa application at an overseas consulate. The Department of State will advise the petitioner of the application fees.
Where to file:
Aliens residing in Sweden must mail their I-360 and supporting evidence to the Nebraska Service Center:
Regular Mail:
USCIS/Nebraska Service Center (NSC)
P.O. Box 87360
Lincoln, NE 68501-2521
