If you are a lawful permanent resident who did not obtain your status on the basis of an approved Special Immigrant Visa petition (SIV), your spouse and your unmarried children under the age of 21, and unmarried adult sons and daughters may be eligible to immigrate from Afghanistan to the United States.

 

The process is started by filing Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If USCIS approves the petition, the National Visa Center (NVC) will contact your family members to apply for their immigrant visas. The NVC will also request additional documentation from you to demonstrate your relatives’ eligibility for an immigrant visa, including Form I-864 Affidavit of Support to show you are able to financially support them after they arrive in the U.S. 

 

NOTE: If you became a lawful permanent resident through the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, your family members may have additional immigration options. Visit this Settle In Help Center link for more information about petitioning family members if you have become a lawful permanent resident through the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program: 

https://www.settlein.support/hc/en-us/articles/8950386706077

 

IMPORTANT: The family reunification process can be complicated as can the documentary requirements to prove qualifying relationships, so you may want to consult with a qualified legal service provider to help determine if your relatives are eligible to join you in the U.S., and/or to assist you with the process. 

 

IMPORTANT: You should NOT travel to Afghanistan to accompany your family members. You are not required to be in Afghanistan for the U.S. Government to help your family members depart Afghanistan.  The U.S. Government will not help your family members depart more quickly if you are in Afghanistan.

 

For information on family reunification with other immigration statuses, visit these Settle In Help Center links:

 

U.S. Citizens and Afghan Family Reunification

 

Lawful Permanent Residents Through Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program and Afghan Family Reunification

 

Refugees and Asylees and Afghan Family Reunification

 

Parolees and Afghan Family Reunification