How do I get a U.S. refugee visa?

In times of adversity, rules are stretched. Long bureaucratic procedures are shortened and less complicated plans are on the table. Everyone wants to save time and lives. The U.S. law recognizes the category of a refugee and offers a distinct definition. If you're facing grave danger or went under life-threatening distress on account of war, disaster, or violence, consider the U.S. refugee resettlement. The process has significantly fewer requirements and no fees paid on your behalf.

Who qualifies as a refugee?

Every non-U.S. citizen living in a non-U.S. territory dealing with or fearing persecution on an unfounded basis. If you’re one of the groups, you need to be eligible to enter the United States. Additionally, you’re eligible if you haven’t resettled completely in a different country. More specifically, your grave situation needs to be of humanitarian interest to the United States. There is something that could disqualify you from coming to the U.S. as a refugee. Namely, if you have ever been a part of unjustifiable persecution of another human being on the grounds of their identity, nationality, or political opinion, you might not be eligible to participate in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

What does the refugee program look like?

Once you come to the U.S. as a recognized and confirmed refugee, you could get a chance to work, bring your family members, and apply for a Green card. Fortunately, the program eases the often complicated procedure of coming to the United States. The focus is on saving human lives by providing instant help and access to the country.

How to enter the U.S. refugee program?

Your first step is finding a referral for the program. Usually, the U.S. Embassy refers anyone who meets the refugee criteria to provide protection or long-term resettlement. After you get a referral, you will file a petition for participation in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. It is a standard procedure that applicants pay visa fees, however, you won’t pay any fees associated with the program because you’re recognized as a refugee. Later, you will have an interview with a USCIS representative who will decide whether you will enter the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program or not. In addition, if you have a spouse or child, they might be linked to your application. In the case of unmarried same-sex partners, the program will make the effort to run the two applications simultaneously and relocate the two applicants within one place in the United States.

What happens in the United States?

Upon arrival in the country, you will receive short-term and long-term help. These include a medical exam, financial aid, cultural orientation, and any other form of help that would make your resettlement experience comfortable. You’ll be eligible to work and bring other members of your family who stayed behind to join the program. Moreover, filing for a Green card comes after your first year in the United States. This particular step is a requirement for continuing your stay in the country. For traveling abroad, you’ll obtain a Refugee Travel Document. Traveling to the country you flee from and coming back to the U.S. safely may be problematic for your refugee status. In other words, applying for a Green card would reinforce your legal stay in the United States.

If you want to learn more about coming to the U.S. as a refugee, contact our team of visa specialists. We're here to give our humble contribution to your safety.