US simplifies application process for Afghan special immigrant visa
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to the media after a condolence visit for late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in Fussa, Tokyo prefecture, Japan July 11, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS
The United States will simplify the application process for Afghan special immigrant visas with applicants only needing to file one form, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
New applicants, beginning this week, will no longer need to file a separate petition for special immigrant status, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in the joint statement.
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"This new streamlined process, which is part of our ongoing efforts to make the program more efficient, will help to eliminate barriers for applicants and reduce application times," they said.