Overview
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is processing limited numbers of immigrant visas for applicants who intend to live permanently in the United States. The United States provides immigrant visas based on family ties, employment, adoption, special immigrant categories, and the Diversity Visa Program. See the Department of State page on immigrant visas for more information.
At present, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is processing the following immigrant visa categories and services:
- Applicants previously interviewed at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad whose cases were refused under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). If you are unsure about your case status, please write to BaghdadIV@state.gov.
- Applicants for family-based immigrant visas whose cases were previously assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Doha, Qatar, and then received subsequent confirmation that their cases were transferred to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
- Special Immigrant Visas pursuant to the Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2007. The National Visa Center (NVC) will contact applicants directly when their cases are ready for interview. Visit the Department of State page on Special Immigrant Visas for Iraqis – Who Were Employed by/on Behalf of the U.S. Government for program information.
- A limited number of applicants selected for the Diversity Visa Program and assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad by the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC). Visit the Department of State Diversity Visa Program page for program information.
- Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and other travelers who wish to submit Form I-131A due to a lost, stolen, or destroyed green card or other travel document. Please write to BaghdadIV@state.gov to schedule appointments for this service.
- Immigrant visa applicants with humanitarian or other emergencies may write to us at BaghdadIV@state.gov.
The Interview
After you have completed the steps on the Immigrant Visa Process on usvisas.state.gov, including paying the necessary fees and submitting the required immigrant visa application form (DS-260), Affidavit of Support, and supporting documents to the National Visa Center (NVC), they will review your file for completeness. Once your case becomes qualified for an interview, NVC will forward your file to us to schedule an interview appointment for you.
You can learn more about the interview process by clicking here.
Case Status
At the end of your immigrant visa interview, the consular officer will inform you whether your visa application is approved or denied.
Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant’s interview by a consular officer. Applicants are advised of this requirement when they apply. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. You can check the status of your visa application on ceac.state.gov.
If your visa has been denied, you may find useful information on Ineligibilities and Waivers on usvisas.state.gov.
After the Interview
If your visa has been approved, you will be informed how and when your passport and visa will be returned to you. Carefully review After the Interview on usvisas.state.gov to learn what to do when you receive your visa, entering the United States, paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee, and other important information.