1. What types of visas are available to refugees and asylees?

Refugees and asylees may be eligible for Refugee Travel Document visas, Refugee or Asylee Relative visas, or Employment Authorization Documents (EAD).

2. How do I apply for a refugee or asylee visa?

You must have been persecuted in your home country to apply for a refugee or asylee visa. To apply, you must meet certain criteria and will need to submit an application with supporting documentation. Generally, you must also be sponsored by a US-based organization and receive a referral from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). After you submit your application, there will be an interview process and a security check before you can obtain a visa.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for a refugee or asylee visa?

The eligibility requirements for a refugee or asylee visa are as follows:

1. You must have been persecuted or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

2. You must either be outside your home country or, if you are still in your home country, you must be unable or unwilling to avail yourself of the protection of that country due to fear of persecution.

3. You must be admissible to the United States under all applicable laws and regulations, including health and security clearances.

4. What is the difference between asylum and refugee status?

Asylum is a legal protection granted to people who have fled their home country and are unable to or unwilling to return due to fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their country due to war, violence, or persecution. Refugees have not been granted asylum but rather are seeking it, whereas those granted asylum have been recognized as having a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country and are therefore legally protected from being returned there.

5. Are there any fees associated with applying for a refugee or asylee visa?

Yes. Fees associated with applying for a refugee or asylee visa include the filing fee, the medical exam fee, and the biometrics fee. The filing fee is $580, the medical exam fee is $190, and the biometrics fee (for certain applicants) is $85.

6. How long does it take to receive a refugee or asylee visa?

The timeframe for receiving a refugee or asylee visa varies depending on the individual’s situation. Generally, it can take anywhere from three months to two years to receive a refugee or asylee visa. For example, refugees who are eligible for resettlement in the United States must first pass through a screening process, which is usually completed within three to six months. Asylees, on the other hand, must pass through a more rigorous screening process that can take up to two years.

7. What documents are necessary to apply for a refugee or asylee visa?

To apply for a refugee or asylee visa, applicants must provide a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, a completed application form (Form I-590), and any additional documents that may be required by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they are applying. Additional documents can include evidence of the applicant’s refugee or asylee status, such as a letter from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Applicants may also be asked to provide financial documents, such as bank statements or affidavits of support from family members.

8. What support and assistance are available to refugees or asylees in the U.S.?

There is a wide range of support and assistance available to refugees and asylees in the U.S. This includes:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

• Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

• Refugee Social Services (RSS)
• Housing assistance through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

• Education through the U.S. Department of Education and Office of Refugee Resettlement
• Employment services and job training with the U.S. Department of Labor
• English language classes provided by various non-profit organizations
• Legal assistance to help navigate the asylum process or apply for permanent residency in the U.S.

9. Is there any assistance available to help with the costs associated with relocation for refugees or asylees?

Yes, there are numerous assistance programs available to refugees and asylees. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) that administers the Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance Program (RCA and RMA). This program provides cash and medical assistance to refugees, asylees, and certain Amerasian immigrants. This assistance is provided for up to eight months after arrival in the U.S. In addition, the RCA/RMA program offers one-time relocation assistance for refugees and asylees who are living in a new state or location. This assistance may include help with transportation costs, security deposits, rental assistance, utilities, and other related costs. Other organizations such as Catholic Charities, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, and World Relief also provide relocation assistance for refugees and asylees.

10. Are there any special considerations or requirements when applying for a refugee or asylee visa from certain countries?

Yes, there are special considerations and requirements when applying for a refugee or asylee visa from certain countries. For example, certain countries have specific application processes and requirements for refugees and/or asylees. Additionally, some countries may have specific criteria for refugee and/or asylee status. Furthermore, applicants may need to provide proof of their need for protection or evidence of persecution in order to be eligible for a refugee or asylee visa. For more information on specific requirements, applicants should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin.

11. Is it possible to extend my stay in the U.S. after being granted a refugee or asylee visa?

Yes, it is possible to extend your stay in the U.S. after being granted a refugee or asylee visa. Refugees may apply to adjust their status to become Legal Permanent Residents, or green card holders, after one year of being in the U.S. Asylees may apply to adjust their status to become LPRs after one year of being in the U.S., if they meet certain requirements. In both cases, it is important to consult a qualified attorney before taking any action.

12. How can I determine if I am eligible for permanent residence status based on my refugee or asylee visa?

The eligibility for permanent residence status based on a refugee or asylee visa depends on several factors, such as the country you are from and the type of visa you hold. Generally, if you have been granted asylum or refugee status in the United States and have been physically present in the US for at least one year, you should be eligible to apply for permanent residence status. If you are uncertain whether or not you are eligible, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney for further analysis of your case.

13. Are there any restrictions on the type of work I can do while I am in the U.S. on a refugee or asylee visa?

Yes, there are restrictions. You must receive permission from USCIS before you can start working in the US. Depending on your immigration status, you may be eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You should consult with an immigration lawyer to determine if you are eligible for an EAD and to learn more about the restrictions on the type of work you can do while in the U.S.

14. Are there any restrictions on where I can travel while in the U.S. on a refugee or asylee visa?

Yes, if you are in the United States on a refugee or asylee visa, you may only travel outside the United States with advance permission (advance parole) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additionally, you may only travel to countries that do not require a visa for entry. If you travel without advance parole, you may not be allowed back into the United States.

15. Can I bring family members with me when I travel to the U.S. on a refugee or asylee visa?

Yes, family members may be able to accompany you to the U.S. when you are admitted in the refugee/asylee category. Family members may be eligible for derivative asylum or refugee status, depending on their relationship to you. You must file separate applications for each family member who wishes to accompany you. Since the process of obtaining derivative asylum or refugee status is complex, it is best to consult an experienced immigration attorney for assistance.

16. Is it possible to switch my status from one type of visa to another after arriving in the U.S.?

Yes, you may be eligible to change your nonimmigrant status from one type of visa to another if you were lawfully admitted to the U.S. with a nonimmigrant visa. You must submit Form I-539, Application to Change/Extend Nonimmigrant Status, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

17. What resources are available to refugees and asylees while living in the U.S.?

Refugees and asylees have access to a range of resources and services while living in the U.S., including:

• Refugee resettlement assistance from the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
• English language classes and other educational opportunities
• Employment assistance from the ORR Refugee Employment Services Office
• Health care coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Cash, medical, and food assistance from ORR-funded programs
• Social services, such as housing, legal services, and mental health counseling
• Access to work permits and other forms of documentation
• Opportunities to apply for citizenship after a certain period of time

18. How can I establish U.S. citizenship after being granted a refugee or asylee visa?

The process for establishing U.S. citizenship after being granted a refugee or asylee visa can vary depending on the individual’s situation. Generally, individuals who have been granted refugee or asylee visas must first apply to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Once they receive their green card, then they can take the necessary steps to qualify for naturalization and become U.S. citizens. This includes meeting certain residency and physical presence requirements, successfully passing the U.S. citizenship test, and demonstrating good moral character. For more information, please consult the USCIS website.

19. How can I apply for U.S citizenship through naturalization after being granted a refugee or asylee visa?

In order to apply for U.S citizenship through naturalization after being granted a refugee or asylee visa, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year as a refugee or asylee and must have had a valid immigration status during this time. You must also have maintained residence and physical presence in the United States for at least three continuous years before filing your application and must not have left the country for more than six months during this time. Additionally, you must demonstrate good moral character, demonstrate an understanding of the English language, and demonstrate an understanding of U.S. history and government. Once you have met all of the eligibility requirements, you can submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

20. Are there any special benefits available to refugees and other individuals granted asylum in the U.S.?

Yes, there are a number of special benefits available to refugees and other individuals granted asylum in the U.S. These include: access to healthcare, employment services, English language classes, and cultural orientation programs. Refugees may also be eligible for public assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Additionally, refugees may be able to access grants or other financial aid for higher education.