If you were admitted to the U.S. with Special Immigrant status, and you included your spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21 on your original SIV application for Chief of Mission approval but they did not accompany you to the U.S., your family members may be processed for U.S. visas as SIV “follow-to-join” family members. You should contact the National Visa Center (NVC) by emailing NVCSIV@state.gov and request a case transfer to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate that your family members can access to attend their interview. Note that there is currently no visa processing available for individuals in Afghanistan. If the case has already been transferred to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of Afghanistan, please visit and contact that U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For more information, see the Department of State website.
If you did not enter the United States as an SIV holder but later adjusted to Special Immigrant status, and if you married or had a child before you adjusted to Special Immigrant status, your spouse or child outside the U.S. may be added to your SIV case and processed for U.S. visas as SIV “follow-to-join” family members. You will file the Form I-824 Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If USCIS approves the petition, the NVC will contact you and your family members to begin the immigrant visa application process.
If you married or your child was born after you were admitted to the U.S. as a Special Immigrant, or after you became a lawful permanent resident in the United States, your family members are not eligible for the SIV “follow-to-join” process. Instead, visit Settle In Help Center link: Lawful Permanent Residents and Afghan Family Reunification.
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 and Afghan Family Reunification
Refugees and Asylees and Afghan Family Reunification