Refugee Resettlement Guide

The US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) is a multi-year process involving UNHCR, the State Department, and domestic resettlement agencies. Click each phase to expand details on what happens and what to expect.

1

UNHCR Referral & Registration

Months 1–24 (or longer)
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You must be registered as a refugee with UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) in the country where you are seeking protection. UNHCR conducts refugee status determination (RSD). Not all refugees are referred — UNHCR refers those with no local integration options and high vulnerability factors.
  • Register with UNHCR as soon as possible after fleeing
  • UNHCR reviews your case and determines eligibility for referral to resettlement countries
  • Wait times for referral can be years depending on country and caseload
2

Resettlement Support Center (RSC) Processing

6–18 months after referral
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Once referred, a USRAP Resettlement Support Center (RSC) in your region begins case processing. RSC staff conduct prescreening interviews and collect biographical data for US government security checks.
  • RSC prescreening interview — detailed review of your refugee claim
  • Extensive biographic and biometric data collection
  • US security and background checks (FBI, DHS, State Dept, intelligence agencies) — often the longest step
3

USCIS Refugee Interview

After security clearances (variable)
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A USCIS officer travels to the RSC location to conduct an in-person refugee interview. The officer reviews your claim and makes an admissibility determination.
  • You must demonstrate refugee status under US law (well-founded fear of persecution)
  • Bring all supporting documents and family members
  • An interpreter is provided
  • Approval leads to the next phase; denial may be appealed through RSC
4

Medical Exam & Cultural Orientation

2–4 months before departure
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After USCIS approval, you undergo a medical examination and attend a Cultural Orientation (CO) program to learn about life in the United States.
  • Medical exam by an authorized physician — screens for certain conditions
  • Vaccination requirements
  • CO covers US laws, customs, employment, schools, and healthcare
  • Travel document preparation and US sponsor/placement coordination
5

Arrival in the United States

Day 1 in the US
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You are admitted as a refugee upon arrival at a US port of entry. A domestic resettlement agency (IRC, USCRI, CWS, etc.) meets you and helps with immediate needs.
  • Admitted with refugee status — authorized to live and work in the US immediately
  • Resettlement agency provides housing, initial cash, and case management for 90 days
  • Eligible for Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
6

Path to Green Card & Citizenship

Year 1 → Year 6+
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Refugees have a clear legal path to permanent residence and citizenship.
  • 1 year after arrival: Must apply for a green card (Form I-485, no fee)
  • 5 years as LPR: Eligible for naturalization (N-400)
  • May petition for family members abroad via Form I-730 within 2 years of admission
  • Refugees can sponsor spouses and unmarried children under 21

Benefits Upon Arrival

Refugee Cash Assistance

Up to 8 months of cash assistance to cover immediate living expenses while seeking employment.

Medical Coverage

Refugee Medical Assistance for 8 months. Eligible for Medicaid/CHIP in many states after that.

Work Authorization

Immediate work authorization — no EAD application required. Social Security card issued at arrival.

Education & Job Training

Eligible for employment services, English language classes, and vocational training through ORR.