INTERNATIONAL — May 13, 2026
US State Department Reports No Special Immigrant Visas Issued to Afghans in 2026
The US State Department reports that no Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) have been issued to Afghans since January 2026 due to a presidential order, though application processing continues.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Hasht-e Subh — corroborated by Khaama Press — 2 min read
The US State Department has reported that no Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) have been issued to Afghan applicants since January 1, 2026, following a presidential proclamation.
Despite the halt in issuance, the department stated that it continues to process applications and conduct interviews in coordination with the US Department of Homeland Security. Consular services for Afghan applicants also remain operational.
According to the report, more than 23,000 applicants have received Chief of Mission (COM) approval since the beginning of 2026. There are currently 5,970 visa numbers remaining for future primary applicants.
In 2025, approximately 18,319 visas were issued to Afghans. The total number of Afghan SIVs issued since 2014 is approximately 50,500.
Additionally, more than 1,100 Afghan refugees remain at the Al-Sailiya camp near Doha, Qatar, awaiting resettlement.
Read the original reporting at Hasht-e Subh →
Reliability assessment
Two independent sources provide identical, specific data points and figures attributed directly to a US State Department report.
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
The United States has not issued any Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) to Afghan applicants since January 2026 after a presidential order suspended visa issuance for Afghan citizens
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- No SIVs have been issued since January 2026 due to a presidential order.
- Application processing and interviews are still ongoing.
- 18,319 visas were issued in 2025.
- Total SIVs since 2014 reach approximately 50,500.
- 5,970 visa slots remain available.
- Over 23,000 COM approvals were granted in 2026.
- Consular services are still active.
Filed by 2 outlets
Hasht-e Subh
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Khaama Press
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — US State Department, SIV, Afghanistan, Visas
Spotted an error or have more on this story? Tip the desk on Telegram → or WhatsApp →.
Reader supported
Keep Ehtebar running
Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.
€5
helps cover daily verification runs
€15
supports a week of source comparison
€50
keeps independent analysis moving
More in International
Australia Allocates 43.8 Million AUD to Investigate War Crimes in Afghanistan
— Reliable
Pentagon Reports War Costs with Iran Reach 29 Billion Dollars
— Reliable
EU Invites Islamic Emirate to Brussels for Migrant Repatriation Talks
— Reliable
NATO Secretary General Credits Trump's Re-election for Increased Defense Spending
— Reliable