Official Announcement: Mandatory Deadline for New Chief of Mission (COM) Applications

Official Announcement: Mandatory Deadline for New Chief of Mission (COM) Applications December 10, 2025 Dear friends,

This is an important update regarding the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program and the upcoming mandatory deadline for new Chief of Mission (COM) applications.

Final Deadline: December 31, 2025

The last day to submit a new COM application, DS-157, is December 31, 2025.

Any application submitted after this date will not be accepted unless the United States Congress passes a new law extending the deadline. At this time, no extension has been approved, and it is uncertain whether Congress will act.

If you want to be considered for an SIV, please do not miss this deadline.

Pending Application

We believe that COM decisions have been paused for many applicants, but internal review may still be ongoing. Please monitor all communication closely and respond promptly to any request from the U.S. Government.

Failure to respond, missing deadlines, or not attending required interviews may result in your case being considered abandoned.

Appeals of COM Denials

• If you received a COM denial and are eligible for an appeal:

• You must submit your COM appeal by the deadline written in your denial letter.

• Appeals submitted after December 31, 2025 may still be reviewed, as long as they are submitted before your individual appeal deadline.

• Important: If your pending appeal is denied after December 31, 2025, you will not be able to open a new COM application.

• If you are having issues with your HR or recommendation letter, see the resources below.
  

What You Should Do Now

• If you are preparing a new COM application, submit your packet as soon as possible, and no later than December 31, 2025. See resources below for guidance.

• If you are working on a COM appeal, make sure your appeal is complete and submitted before the deadline listed in your COM denial.  If you have been able to gather additional evidence, you may send it to ASIV to be added to your case file for review by the Chief of Mission. Unless Congress extends the SIV process, the pending appeal is your last chance to obtain COM approval. 
  

Resources

There are excellent resources to help you prepare your application. 

• Department of State:

  • https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/special-immg-visa-afghans-employed-us-gov.html

  • IRAP:

    • https://support.iraplegalinfo.org/hc/en-us/sections/36667387418260-Special-Immigrant-Visa-SIV-Information

  • If you are having issues with your HR letter or letter of recommendation:

    • https://support.iraplegalinfo.org/hc/en-us/articles/360056580672-How-can-I-find-a-former-employer-or-supervisor-for-my-SIV-applicationhttps://support.iraplegalinfo.org/hc/en-us/articles/360056581112-What-do-my-recommendation-and-human-resources-letters-need-to-include-for-my-SIV-application
      

Please share this message with anyone who may be affected.