U.S. Embassy in Iraq expands visa program

BAGHDAD, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said it would begin processing immigrant visa applications as early as Feb. 1, 2009.

A release from the U.S. State Department said applicants who had scheduled appointments in Turkey, Egypt and Jordan would be able to transfer their cases to the National Visa Center in Baghdad.

The State Department said it has brought on additional physicians and other consular staff to new facilities in Baghdad, allowing it to expand its access.

Those awaiting Iraqi immigrant visas, however, would not have their applications transferred to the new Baghdad facility automatically.

In July the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad announced guidelines for special immigrant visas for Iraqi nationals who had worked for or with the U.S. government for at least one year from March 20, 2003.

That program opened the door for around 5,000 Iraqis per year to travel to the United States over the next five years.