How can a refugee apply to UNHCR for resettlement?                                                                        

There is no application process for resettlement. Extremely vulnerable individuals are identified for Priority One resettlement through UNHCR staff. A refugee who has urgent protection needs or consider themselves in a vulnerable situation should meet with local UNHCR staff to discuss his or her circumstances. UNHCR staff will then review and assess the case.

What do the Priority Categories mean in the US Resettlement Program? 

The State Department priority categories are used to determine access to the US Refugee Program.  A refugee must fall under one of the priority categories in order to qualify for an interview with the US program.  The three operational priorities are:

Does a refugee need to pay money to UNHCR or the USRP for resettlement to the United States?                                                                                                                                                                  

Neither UNHCR or the US Resettlement Program charges a fee for resettlement interviews or decisions. Refugees approved for resettlement to the US will receive a travel loan from the International Organization for Migration and be asked to sign a promissory note to repay that loan in the future. Applicants and their relatives should be informed that persons soliciting money for resettlement are involved in fraudulent and illegal activities. UNHCR has received numerous queries from refugees corresponding with organizations promising resettlement in exchange for fees. These organizations have misrepresented themselves using fictional names and claiming to be “partners” in the process. None of these organizations charging fees are legitimate partners and they have no influence in the resettlement process.

Can siblings, cousins, and other family members petition for their family?                               

Only immediate family members under each priority category are eligible to petition for their family members. Note that anchor relatives may be eligible to apply for their parents if they are one of the designated nationalities for the Priority Three program. If the parents have unmarried children under 21, those members may be added to the AOR application as ‘dependents’ of the parents. UNHCR does not normally consider siblings in the family reunion criteria either—particularly if they are adults.

Can a sibling, extended family member or friend in the United States “sponsor” a refugee?                        

 All refugees are assigned a “sponsor” when a case is approved and the resettlement agency assures their case. The resettlement agencies are responsible for providing resettlement services to newly resettled refugees. Having a sponsor does not grant access to an interview or a UNHCR referral. 

What about family reunion for US relatives with immediate family members overseas who are not eligible to file AORs, I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petitions or other immigrant petitions? 

The refugee is advised to contact the local UNHCR office. If the refugee meets certain UNHCR requirements, he or she may be referred to a third country for resettlement. Family reunification is a priority for UNCHR; therefore, it is important that the refugee states that he or she has family members in the United States. This will assist UNCHR in determining where the case is referred. UNHCR generally does not make a Priority one referral though when US relatives have access to family reunion through other means– i.e. I-730’s or the Priority Three process.

Can a refugee submit an AOR and an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?                                       

Yes; however, neither the processing entity or DHS/USCIS can determine which application is seen first. Note that when the applicant is notified of his/her interview, he/she can chose to ignore the processing of either application. The applicant should notify the anchor relative of his/her decision.   The refugee and/or anchor relative should notify the Voluntary Resettlement Agency and DHS/USCIS as well.

When should one file an AOR? When should one file an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition?

Ideally, relatives are encouraged to file an AOR as soon as possible. The AOR process often takes two years before family arrives so relatives are encouraged to file as soon as they are eligible. In addition, eligible nationalities change annually and refugees may not be eligible to file next fiscal year. The I-730 must be filed within two years of the arrival of the US applicant or granting of asylum status.

If the US relative is asking about a case overseas– can I contact UNHCR for assistance?

Generally, UNHCR Washington does not intervene in AOR or I-730 cases as they are handled by the US government. If you have concerns that you feel are exceptional and have not been able to resolve them through the normal channels, or if you have a question about a Priority One referral or a case you believe merits UNHCR involvement, please contact your local resettlement agency. UNHCR Washington will respond to all queries that are directed through a resettlement agency.

How can a refugee or anchor relative check his or her case status?                                                        

The Overseas Processing Entity responsible for processing the applicant’s AOR will notify the Voluntary Resettlement Agency where the anchor relative submitted the AOR. The notification includes when the applicant is scheduled for a circuit ride interview and/or whether the case is put on hold due to discrepancies or missing information. The refugee applicant should contact the US relative regarding his/her case status.   The status of an I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition can be checked on-line at www.uscis.gov. The LIN-number can be found on the petitioner’s official visa receipt. The petitioner should contact the relevant US embassy with further inquiries.

How long does it take for an AOR to be processed?                                                                                

Processing time depends on a variety of circumstances. JVA/OPE circuit ride schedules, location of the refugee applicant and the stability of country conditions all affect the application process. Further, processing will take longer if a case includes significant discrepancies or missing information. AOR and I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition processing can take from six months to several years.