U.S. Immigrant Visa for Haitian Refugees (HRIFA)

1. What is the application process for obtaining an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program?


The application process for obtaining an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program is as follows:

1. First, eligible applicants must file an online application for a Diversity Immigrant Visa with the U.S. Department of State, using the appropriate form.

2. Upon approval of the application, applicants will be sent instructions on how to submit the appropriate supporting documents and other information needed to complete the application.

3. All documents must be provided and any other requirements completed in order for the application to be approved.

4. After the application is reviewed and approved, applicants will be invited for an interview with a consular officer.

5. At the interview, applicants must present their passport and other required documentation in order to begin the visa processing.

6. Finally, after all requirements have been successfully completed, applicants will be issued their Immigrant Visa.

2. What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program?


The eligibility requirements for obtaining an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program are as follows:

1. You must have been born in a country whose citizens are eligible for the program.

2. You must have been physically present in the United States on or before December 20, 2019.

3. You must have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States on or before December 20, 2019.

4. You must have been continuously present in the United States since December 20, 2019.

5. You must meet certain other eligibility criteria, such as being otherwise admissible to the United States and having a valid employment authorization document.

3. How long does it take to process an Immigrant Visa application under the HRIFA program?


The processing time for an Immigrant Visa application under the HRIFA program can vary depending on the case. Generally, it takes between 6 and 8 months for the interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and the issuance of the visa.

4. Are there any additional filing fees for applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program?


No, there are no additional filing fees for applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program. The only required fee is the Affidavit of Support, which must be filled out and submitted with the visa application.

5. What type of documents are required when applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program?


Applicants applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program will need to provide various documents, including but not limited to: birth certificates, marriage certificates, passport/travel documents, police certificates, medical examination reports, evidence of lawful permanent residence status in the United States (if applicable), proof of financial support, work history, education transcripts and diplomas, and proof of investment or business ownership. Additionally, applicants may also be asked to provide letters of reference from employers or community organizations.

6. Is there a required interview for those applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program?


No, there is not a required interview for those applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program.

7. Are there any restrictions on who can apply for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program?


Yes, there are restrictions on who can apply for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program. To be eligible for an HRIFA immigrant visa, applicants must be: (1) a lawful permanent resident of the United States who entered the U.S. before December 19, 1990; (2) a national of Haiti; and (3) a beneficiary of a petition approved under the HRIFA law. Additionally, applicants must meet all other eligibility requirements for the immigrant visa they are applying for.

8. Are there any special provisions available to those applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program?


Yes, there are several special provisions available to those applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program. These include:

• Waivers of the two-year home-country physical presence requirement
• Waiver of the English language and civics requirements
• Special immigrant visa status for certain qualified family members
• Waiver of certain fees
• Exemptions from the three or ten year bar for applicants who had been unlawfully present in the U.S.
• Waiver of the annual numerical limitation on HRIFA visas
• Extension of HRIFA relief to apply to persons already in the U.S.

9. Is a medical examination required when applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program?


No, a medical examination is not required when applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program. The only medical examination that might be necessary is one that is requested by the US Department of State to verify that the applicant is free of infectious or contagious diseases.

10. What are the criteria for determining whether or not an applicant qualifies for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program?


The criteria for determining whether or not an applicant qualifies for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program are as follows:

1. The applicant must have been physically present in the United States, with certain exceptions, on December 30, 2000 or later.

2. The applicant must have been inspected and admitted, paroled, or granted lawful temporary resident status by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

3. The applicant has been continuously present in the United States since December 30, 2000 or later and up to the time of filing the application.

4. The applicant is otherwise eligible for permanent residence, i.e., does not suffer from any inadmissibility issues.

5. The applicant was eligible to file for adjustment of status under the HRIFA program and meet all other requirements of the HRIFA program as published in the Federal Register on June 2, 1998.

11. How long is an Immigrant Visa valid under the HRIFA program?


Immigrant visas issued under the HRIFA program are valid for 12 months.

12. Is it possible to extend a valid Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program?


Yes, it is possible to extend a valid immigrant visa under the HRIFA program. The process involves submitting an I-485 application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with evidence of eligibility for the HRIFA program.

13. Is it possible to obtain a waiver of inadmissibility when applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program?


Yes, it is possible to obtain a waiver of inadmissibility when applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program. The waiver is available to applicants who have been found inadmissible due to health-related issues, criminal history, or immigration violations. However, applicants must still meet all other requirements for the visa in order to be approved.

14. Does having a criminal record affect eligibility when applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program?


Having a criminal record may affect a person’s eligibility when applying for an Immigrant Visa under the HRIFA program. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will consider all criminal convictions, including misdemeanors, when making a decision on eligibility. The USCIS may deny the application if the applicant has a significant criminal history or there is evidence of fraud or misrepresentation in the application.

15. Are family members able to accompany a principal applicant when applying for an Immigrant Visa Under the HRIFA Program?


No, family members are not able to accompany a principal applicant when applying for an Immigrant Visa Under the HRIFA Program. The principal applicant must apply for the visa independently.

16. Is it possible to receive assistance with filing an application when applying for an Immigrant Visa Under the HRIFA Program?


Yes, it is possible to receive assistance with filing an application when applying for an Immigrant Visa Under the HRIFA Program. There are a number of organizations and attorneys that specialize in providing legal assistance with filing applications for immigration visas. Additionally, many consulates and embassies have specific information about the HRIFA program and can provide guidance when filing an application.

17. Does an individual need to be physically present in the United States when applying for an immigrant visa under the HRIFA Program?


No, an individual does not need to be physically present in the United States when applying for an immigrant visa under the HRIFA Program. The applicant can apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where they are currently located.

18. Can I apply for an immigrant visa under the HRIFA Program if I am currently in another country other than Haiti?


Yes, you can apply for an immigrant visa under the HRIFA program from outside of Haiti. However, it’s important to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to determine what specific documents and processes you need to follow in order to submit an application.

19. Can I apply for an immigrant visa under the HRIFA Program if I am currently living in Haiti?


Yes, you may apply for an immigrant visa under the HRIFA Program if you are currently living in Haiti. However, applications will only be accepted from individuals who are eligible to enter the U.S. as an immigrant pursuant to the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA).

20. Are there any restrictions on employment after obtaining an immigrant visa under the HRIFA Program?


Yes, HRIFA participants who obtain immigrant visas are subject to the same employment restrictions as any other nonimmigrant. Please visit the U.S. Department of Labor website for more information.