Information for Iraqis


There are a number of ways for an Iraqi to enter the United States for the purpose of resettling. While we do not go into all of them here, the 4 most common are the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, application to USRAP as a Priority 2 (P2) refugee, referral from UNHCR as a Priority 1 (P1) refugee, and the Visas 93 (V-93) Family Reunification program. Iraqis may apply to more than one program simultaneously.


SIV P2 Refugee P1 Refugee
Who is eligible for admission into this program? Iraqis who worked for the U.S. government or military—either directly or with a private contractor—for at least one year.  The spouse and unmarried children of an SIV holder may also move to the United States. Iraqis in Jordan, Egypt, or Iraq who work or worked for the U.S. government, contractors, or U.S.-based media or NGOs, their close relatives. Any Iraqis is eligible to be referred to the program by UNHCR, a U.S. embassy, or a designated NGO. UNHCR has historically referred the vast majority of cases under this priority.
How do I apply? You must submit a letter of recommendation from an American supervisor, along with a completed DS-157, electronically to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad at IraqSIVapplication@state.gov. You can start the process by calling or e-mailing the IOM in Baghdad, Amman, or Cairo.  Processing times are currently slowest in Baghdad and fastest in Cairo. You can start the process by contacting your nearest UNHCR Field Office.  We hope to have a list of field offices in the region available soon on this site.
Can TLP help with my application? Yes Yes No
More Information State Department Fact Sheet State Department Fact Sheet UNHCR Contact Page