Project: Afghan Legal Assistance

Priority-2 (P-2) for Refugees

Human Rights First

Afghans who worked with American forces or programs, but don’t meet the criteria for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) may be eligible for Priority-2 (P-2) for U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) visas.

The P-2 program is for Afghans in one of three categories:

  • Afghans who do not meet the minimum time served to be an SIV but who worked as employees of contractors, locally employed staff, interpreters/translators for:
    • U.S. government
    • United States Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A)
    • International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
    • Resolute Support
  • Afghans who worked for programs or projects in Afghanistan supported through a U.S. government grant or cooperative agreement.
  • Afghans who were employed in Afghanistan by a U.S-based NGOs or media organizations.

To qualify for P-2 status, Afghans must depart Afghanistan on their own accord, as the U.S. can only process them as refugees when they are in a third country.

An applicant cannot directly refer themselves to the P-2 program.

Only U.S. government departments and agencies, U.S.-based NGOs, or media organizations with operations in Afghanistan may submit P-2 referrals for Afghans.

Individuals who believe they are eligible for P-2 should work with their employer, contact in the U.S. government, NGO, or media organization to complete a referral package.

A completed referral package must be submitted with the approval of the most senior U.S. citizen in the U.S.-headquartered organization

Send via the GovCloud Google form: USRAP U.S.-based NGO and U.S.-based Media Direct Referral Creation Eligibility Form.

NOTE:  If a referral was emailed to [email protected] prior to January 31, 2022, 5 pm Eastern, the submission will be processed. Do not re-resubmit those referrals.

The U.S. is unable to provide protection or support to individuals in third countries awaiting decisions on their P-2 refugee case.

If you are in a country that has an established asylum process, please register with that government for international protection and assistance as a refugee.

Afghans can also register with the UN Refugee Agency.

Processing P-2 visas can take several years and applicants will undergo extensive background security checks and interviews.

Even with a referral, you are not guaranteed a P-2 visa.

We recommend pursuing other immigration options while filing for a P-2.