Visa Applications and Adjustment of Status
Special Immigrant Visas
Certain groups of foreign residents are eligible to file special visa petitions and adjust their status outside of the normal family-based or employment-based process.
Armed Forces Special Immigrants—These include U.S. Armed Forces enlistees or veterans who served honorably on active duty after October 15, 1978, who originally enlisted outside the United States under a treaty or agreement in effect on October 1, 1991. These include persons who have served a total of 12 years and were separated only under honorable conditions or who have served six years on active duty and have re-enlisted for an additional six years for a total 12-year commitment.
Special Immigrant Juveniles—Juveniles in the United States are eligible for classification as special immigrants if they meet the following criteria. They are under the age of 21; are unmarried; have been declared dependant upon a juvenile court located in the United States; have been deemed eligible for long-term foster care; who continue to be dependant on a juvenile court.
Special Immigrant Status for Certain Iraqi Nationals—This category is for those Iraqi nationals who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government in Iraq on or after March 20, 2003 for a period of at least one year. They must have provided faithful and valuable service and are experiencing or have experienced serious threat as a consequence of that employment.
Special Immigrant Translators—Nationals of Iraq or Afghanistan, who worked for the U.S. Armed Forces as translators for a period of 12 months, may be eligible to receive an immigrant visa.