Update on Visa Processing at U.S. Embassy Kabul (Aug. 24, 2021)

DOS, Aug. 24, 2021

"The consular section at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul is closed.  Nonimmigrant visa appointments remain unavailable and all immigrant visa appointments, including Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), at the Embassy have been cancelled.

The Department of State’s efforts are devoted to evacuations at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA).  Our first priority is U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States, along with eligible family members.  We are also prioritizing several other categories of people, including our locally employed staff; personnel from partner nations and international organizations with whom we have agreements; Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders and applicants; certain immigrant visa applicants; Afghans who would be eligible for P1/P2 refugee programs; and certain Afghans at risk.

Immigrant visa applicants, including Special Immigrant Visa applicants, should continue monitoring official U.S. Government websites, including travel.state.gov, for updated information.  Immigrant visa applicants outside of Afghanistan may request their case be transferred to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to complete processing.  To request a case transfer, please submit a request to the National Visa Center via this form:  https://nvc.state.gov/inquiry.

We are accelerating our efforts to process and relocate those Afghans who have worked with us or on our behalf over the years.  Afghan nationals who are eligible for the SIV program who have not yet done so, are encouraged to submit one complete application package to the National Visa Center (AfghanSIVapplication@state.gov) to facilitate processing in an expeditious manner. 

Please refer to Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans - Who Were Employed by/on Behalf of the U.S. Government (state.gov) for more information regarding the SIV process and who to contact with questions.

General inquiries about the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program can be directed to +1-606-526-7594 or AfghanSIVApplication@state.gov. This contact information is for general SIV inquiries only. We cannot provide any evacuation or emergency assistance at this phone number or email. Individuals seeking to leave Afghanistan should refer to the Embassy Kabul website for the most up to date information."