Afghan Special Immigrants
SNAP rules consider Afghan nationals who qualify for special immigration visas (SIV) as refugees for SNAP eligibility and benefits. ITS 3 on 340:50-5-67 indicates that refugees admitted under Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act are both qualified and eligible aliens. As long as they meet the other eligibility criteria, Afghan SIVs are eligible for SNAP benefits indefinitely without a waiting period.
Save and Verification Procedures
All persons claiming alien status must submit verification, and the worker must use Save to verify the person’s status.
USCIS has created a new Class of Admission (COA) code for Afghan nationals who are SIVs. The COA is “SQ4” and “SQ5” (Special Immigrant Status (SQ/SI) Parole) codes. Workers will see this code on the alien verification submitted by this class of aliens and on the Save results.
The verification may include but is not limited to: Afghan passport with a Department of Homeland Security stamp or notation, an I-94 showing date of admission, or I-551 “green card” showing classification under “SQ4” or “SQ5.”
Previously Acceptable documents for Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants.
| Applicant | Documentation |
|---|---|
| Principal Applicant Iraqi or Afghan Special Immigrant | Iraqi or Afghan passport with an immigrant via stamp noting that the individual has been classified under IV (Immigrant Visa) Category SI1 or SQ1
and DHS stamp or notation on passport or I-94 showing date of admission |
| Spouse of Principal Applicant Iraqi or Afghan Special Immigrant | Iraqi or Afghan passport with an immigrant visa stamp noting that the individual has been classified under IV (Immigrant Visa) Category SI2 or SQ2
and DHS stamp or notation on passport or I-94 showing date of admission |
| Unmarried Child Under 21 years of Age of Iraqi or Afghan Special Immigrant | Iraqi or Afghan passport with an immigrant visa stamp noting that the individual has been classified under IV (Immigrant Visa) Category SI3 or SQ3.
and DHS stamp or notation on passport or I-94 showing date of admission. |
| Principal Applicant Iraqi or Afghan Special Immigrant Principal Adjusting Status in the United States | DHS Form I-551 (“green card”) with an IV (immigrant visa) code for category SI6 or SQ6. |
| Spouse of Principal Applicant Iraqi or Afghan Special Immigrant Principal Applicant Adjusting Status in the United States | DHS Form I-551 (“green card”) with IV (immigrant visa) code for category SI7 or SQ7. |
| Unmarried Child Under 21 Years of Age of Iraqi or Afghan Special Immigrant
Principal Applicant Adjusting Status in the United States |
DHS Form I-551 (“green card”) with an IV (“immigrant visa”) code for category SI8 or SQ8. |
Eligibility Date
Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants either enter the U.S. as LPRs with the special immigrant visa or later adjust to special immigration status after entering the U.S. Potential eligibility for SNAP begins when the individual receives special immigration status. This is from the date of entry to the U.S. as an Iraqi or Afghan Special Immigrant or the date of adjustment to special immigrant status within the U.S.
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