Infographics

The infographics on this page provide a visual guide to the complex processes of relocating individuals from Afghanistan, applications & security vetting for various types of visas, and the processing steps between leaving Afghanistan and reaching safety.

 

Department of State Flight Manifest Eligibility

This chart is meant to provide a general overview of flight manifest eligibility for various populations.

It does not provide definitions for each possible type of visa status.

Current as of March 2024.

 

Relocation Process

This process map is meant to provide a general overview of the relocation process for various populations.

It does not provide definitions for each possible scenario.

Current as of March 2024.

 

Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) Afghan Security Vetting

This graphic describes the series of identity and security checks required during consideration of individuals for Operation Allies Welcome.

Current as of January 17, 2022

 

Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Application Processing Priority

This graphic describes the order in which Special Immigrant Visa applications are processed by the U.S. Department of State.

More information can be found at this link: 9 FAM 502.5: Special Immigrants.

Established February 15, 2019

 

Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Application Vetting & Approval

This graphic describes the Special Immigrant Visa vetting and approval process.

Official U.S. Government instructions can be found at this link: Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans - Who Were Employed by/on Behalf of the U.S. Government.

Current as of August 21, 2022

 

Refugee Assistance Program (USRAP) Refugee Referral Journey

This graphic describes the refugee journey following P1 or P2 referral to the United States Refugee Referral Program (USRAP).

Official U.S. Government instructions can be found at this link: Refugee Processing & Security Screening

Current as of January 17, 2022

 

Superseded Infographics

The infographics below were created to assist the relocation of Afghan Allies immediately after the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021 and are no longer current.

Evacuation Journeys

Evacuating people from Afghanistan is a complex problem, and given the volatile nature of the situation, conditions are difficult to predict. You can find more information on current evacuation options below.

Current as of August 30, 2021.

Click the drop menus below for more information.

  • Unclear number and unknown locations of evacuees

  • Risk from checkpoints, exposure, extortion, and faulty or conflicting information

  • Evacuees unable to pass through airport gates; inadequate airport conditions

  • Insufficient rights to land evacuees in third-party countries and capacity at selected facilities

  • Deficit of mid-/long-term evacuee resettlement capacity; transit to these locations

 

Landing Rights

This graphic provides a general overview of the process to secure landing rights

Current as of August 30, 2021.

See below for more info

  • A large volume of charter flights have been arranged with funding secured to evacuate Afghan allies; however, logistics to utilize these flights continue to be a challenge. Chart flights need coordination and approval of end-to-end journey prior to beginning. “Third-party countries” will not grant clearance for a flight to land unless they have assurances that evacuees have legal onward destinations.

 

Initial Relocation Journey

This graphic provides a general overview of the relocation process back in August 2021. Relocating people from Afghanistan is a complex problem, and given the volatile nature of the situation, conditions are difficult to predict.

Current as of August 30, 2021.

Click the drop menus below for more information.

  • • Unclear numbers of evacuees
    distributed across Afghanistan and
    potentially isolated from assistance

    • Varied levels of threat and exposure
    within Afghanistan

    • Limited resources available to
    support movement and emigration

  • • Potential reopening of air transit, including possible return of commercial air and NGO charters for bulk evacuation

    • Limited evacuee access based on immigration status, resources, and risk

  • • Afghanistan’s porous borders enable some ground evacuation

    • Routes are indirect and have variable risk exposure and length

  • • Neighboring countries have varied policies toward evacuees

    • Routes and initial destinations will become congested and resource-constrained

    • Evacuees may either be forced to move on from initial destinations or prevented from freely moving toward desired subsequent destinations

    • Location of all evacuees uncertain given unofficial organization of charter flights and landing rights

  • • US Embassies and the US Refugee Assistance Program (USRAP) will assist in processing immigration and asylum applications, though resource scaling to process large numbers of evacuees is required

    • Seven US government-accredited Resettlement Support Centers (RSCs) will provide processing support

    • Applications will be completed while immigration applicants and asylum seekers are in third-party countries, unless an evacuee is granted Humanitarian Parole

    • Some countries will not permit the US to process evacuees’ asylum applications in their countries

  • • UNHCR and NGOs providing refugee assistance are an established presence in many countries and will be able to provide support and assist with resettlement options

    • Capabilities will be taxed by the heavy influx of Afghan evacuees

 

Resettlement Journeys

Evacuating people from Afghanistan is a complex problem, and given the volatile nature of the situation, conditions are difficult to predict. You can find more information on current evacuation options below.

Current as of August 30, 2021.

Click the drop menus below for more information.

  • • Legally permitted to enter the US

    • Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) – Green Card holders

    • No benefits provided upon return home beyond any existing entitlements LPRs may have received through SIV process

  • • Legally permitted to enter the US

    • May transit through an overseas military base depending on means of transportation out of Afghanistan

    • Eligible for up to 5 years of resettlement benefits through Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

    • Assigned resettlement agency is responsible for providing initial services, including housing, furnishings, food, clothing, orientation, and assistance with access to social, medical and employment services

  • • Most evacuees entering US who are SIV/P1/P2-eligible have begun application process

    • Robust biometric and biographic security screenings prior to entering the US

    • Once HP is granted, they are legally allowed to be in the US

    • SIV/P1/P2 application process will continue while on HP; immigration status will be amended following conclusion of process/receipt of visa

    • HPs are not eligible for resettlement benefits through Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR); however resettlement agencies are working with the Administration to provide some limited services