(Reuters) - The United States will simplify the application process for Afghan special immigrant visas with applicants only needing to file one form, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

New applicants, beginning this week, will no longer need to file a separate petition for special immigrant status, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in the joint statement.

"This new streamlined process, which is part of our ongoing efforts to make the program more efficient, will help to eliminate barriers for applicants and reduce application times," they said.