The S-6 visa is a nonimmigrant visa granted to individuals who are providing critical information related to terrorism or national security threats, aimed at assisting U.S. authorities in preventing or investigating terrorism. This visa is part of the S visa program, which enables the U.S. gov-ernment to secure vital information to protect national security. To qualify for the S-6 visa, ap-plicants must be providing information that is crucial to U.S. law enforcement or intelligence agencies in the investigation of terrorism or related threats, and their assistance must be deemed critical for national security.
To apply for the S-6 visa, the applicant must first be referred by a U.S. government agency, such as the Department of Homeland Security or the FBI. This agency will submit a request to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to certify that the applicant’s information is crucial to national security. The applicant will need to complete Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, and provide supporting documentation, including a letter from the referring agency and evidence demonstrating the importance of the information provided. After USCIS approval, the applicant can proceed to schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Once approved, the S-6 visa is typically granted for a period of up to three years and may allow the individual to remain in the U.S. while assisting with national security-related investigations. In addition, the visa holder's immediate family members may qualify for derivative S-6 status. Due to the complex nature of the application process, it is highly advisable for applicants to con-sult with an immigration attorney to ensure their petition is properly prepared and adheres to all legal requirements.
