Office of Refugee & IDP Affairs
Frequently Asked Questions about the Direct Access Program in Iraq
Q: Do I need a passport to apply for the Refugee Program?
A: Applicants are welcome to apply without a passport. Where asked for a passport number, applicants should write "in process". However, applicants should apply for a passport as soon as possible, which will be necessary for their eventual travel out of Iraq if/when their refugee applications are approved.
Q: Can I transfer my case to another location for processing once I have already initiated a case in Iraq?
A: Since the Direct Access Program is available in Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq, refugees can transfer their cases to Egypt and Jordan even after they have initiated a case in Iraq, or vice versa.
Q: Can I process my case in a city other than Baghdad?
A: Due to security and logistical reasons, we are only able to process refugees in the International Zone (IZ) in Baghdad.
Q: I am an Iraqi government official. Can I apply for the Direct Access Program in Iraq?
A: The following individuals are eligible to apply for the Direct Access Program:
1. Iraqis who work/worked on a full-time basis as interpreters/translators for the U.S. Government (USG) or Multi-National Forces (MNF-I) in Iraq;
2. Iraqis who are/were employed by the USG in Iraq;
3. Iraqis who are/were employees of an organization or entity closely associated with the U.S. mission in Iraq that has received USG funding through an official and documented contract, award, grant or cooperative agreement;
4. Iraqis who are/were employed in Iraq by a U.S.-based media organization or non-governmental organization;
5. Spouses, sons, daughters, parents and siblings of individuals described in the four categories above, or of an individual eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa as a result of his/her employment by or on behalf of the USG in Iraq, including if the individual is no longer alive, provided that the relationship is verified;
6. Iraqis who are the spouses, sons, daughters, parents, brothers or sisters of a citizen of the United States, or who are the spouses or unmarried sons or daughters of a Permanent Resident Alien of the United States, as established by their being or becoming beneficiaries of approved family-based I-130 Immigrant Visa Petitions.
Iraqi government officials, albeit working closely with the U.S. Government (USG), are not eligible to apply to the Direct Access Program in Iraq, Jordan or Egypt unless employed by or on behalf of the USG through an official and documented contract, award, grant or cooperative agreement.
Individuals, including Iraqi government officials, who believe they have been persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution should flee Iraq and approach the nearest United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office for protection and assistance. UNHCR offices register asylum seekers and may refer for third country resettlement consideration those who are found to be particularly vulnerable and in need of resettlement. Refugees and asylum seekers should comply with all legal requirements of the country in which they are located, including registration with host governments if required.
Q: I work for an international organization, such as the United Nations, in Iraq. Can I apply for the Direct Access Program?
A: Employees of international organizations are not eligible to apply to the Direct Access Program in Iraq, Jordan or Egypt unless employed by or on behalf of the USG through an official and documented contract, award, grant or cooperative agreement.
Individuals, including employees of international organizations, who believe they have been persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution should flee Iraq and approach the nearest United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office for protection and assistance. UNHCR offices register asylum seekers and may refer for third country resettlement consideration those who are found to be particularly vulnerable and in need of resettlement. Refugees and asylum seekers should comply with all legal requirements of the country in which they are located, including registration with host governments if required.
Q: If I have another question that was not answered here, whom can I contact for answers?
A: All questions regarding in-country processing should be directed to BaghdadInfoCenter@iom.int. All inquiries will be answered in turn.
Q: What if I do not speak English?
A: Proficiency in the English language is not a prerequisite for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. You can send your email in Arabic to BaghdadInfoCenter@iom.int and your inquiry will be answered in Arabic, in turn.
Q: Does it cost anything to apply to the Refugee Program?
A: The Refugee Program is free of charge. Please be wary of third parties asking for money in return for access to the Refugee Program.
Q: Can I submit my application in hard copy?
A: All applications must be submitted electronically, through BaghdadInfoCenter@iom.int. All documentation must be submitted in one single email. We will not accept bits and pieces of information.
Q: What if I am an Iraqi male with two wives?
A: Polygamy is an illegal practice in the U.S. and no case will be allowed to proceed with two wives. If you are in this situation, please contact BaghdadInfoCenter@iom.int for specific guidance.
Q: How do I get to my interview?
A: All refugees will be met by an Embassy driver/escort at a pre-determined checkpoint along the International Zone (IZ). Specific instructions and a contact number will be provided upon confirmation of the interview date and time.
Q: Who must come for the interview?
A: All family members are required to show up for the interview. This includes the principal applicant claiming USG affiliation, as well as all immediate family members on the case.