MyCase - What Does Under Review Mean?

There are a number of possibilities why a case is UNDER REVIEW.

The honest answer is, we don't know.

What we can tell you is what is factual about all the stages of the refugee programme mean.

In refugee resettlement, RSC stands for Resettlement Support Center.

The RSC in sub-Saharan Africa is currently operated by CWS (Church World Service).

It is an official implementing partner that prepares refugee case files, arranges medical exams, conducts cultural orientations, and books travel to the U.S. under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

In the specific U.S. program for South African applicants, Amerikaners serves as a designated Department of State referral partner, ONLY.

Their roles in the process includes:

Assessing Eligibility:

1. They gather information and intake questionnaires from potential applicants to determine if the case is eligible for referral to the USRAP.Submitting Referrals:
2. They officially refer eligible applicant cases to the U.S. Department of State for processing.Communication:
3. They communicate with applicants at various stages of the process and provide guidance regarding American life, systems, and community support.Integration Support:
4. They work to connect arriving South African refugees with welcoming communities and resources in the U.S.

Neither CWS/RSC Africa nor Amerikaners makes the final decision on whether a refugee is accepted.

 
Only the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has the authority to adjudicate cases and approve refugee status.

For more specific information on the process or to complete an intake questionnaire, you can visit the Refugee Admissions Program for South Africans via the U.S. Embassy.

Links will be posted at the end.

The RSC is an implementing partner of the U.S. government that prepares refugee case files, gathers information, and handles pre-departure requirements. The center operating in Sub-Saharan Africa is currently run by CWS (Church World Service)

Refugee Case Stages Explained (USRAP / RSC Africa / USCIS)

1. Prescreening

Handled by: RSC Africa / CWS

This is usually the first interview stage after a case enters USRAP.

During prescreening:

• Personal details are collected
• Family information is checked
• Documents are reviewed
• Refugee history is recorded
• Security checks begin

RSC Africa staff collect this information before the USCIS interview. 

2. USCIS Interview

Handled by: USCIS Officers

A USCIS officer interviews the refugee applicant directly.

The officer checks:

• Refugee claim
• Credibility Family information
• Fear of persecution
• Security concern
• Eligibility for resettlement

Everyone on the case usually attends.

3. Under Review

Handled by: USCIS

This usually means:

• USCIS has not made a final decision yet
• The case is still being examined
• Background/security checks may still be running
• Officers may still be reviewing documents or interview notes

This is common after interviews. 

4. Administrative Review

Handled by: Mostly USCIS

This normally means:

• Additional review is needed
• Extra security checks may be happening
• USCIS may need more information
• Officers may review inconsistencies or documents

This does not always mean denial. Some cases stay in review for weeks or months. 

5. Administrative Hold

Handled by: Usually USCIS or security agencies

This usually means:

Processing is temporarily paused

USCIS may be waiting for:

• security clearance
• fingerprints
• background results
• medical updates
• additional documents

Some holds are automatic until checks finish.

6. Approval

Handled by: USCIS

Approval means:

• USCIS found the applicant eligible for refugee resettlementS
• ecurity checks were cleared

The case can move toward:

• medical clearancec
• ultural orientation
• travel preparation

Even after approval, final travel processing still continues. 

7. Denial

Handled by: USCIS

Denial means USCIS decided:

• the applicant did not qualify
• credibility concernsexisted
• security concerns existed
• refugee requirements were not met

There is normally no formal appeal, but a Request for Review (RFR) may sometimes be submitted within 90 days.

Which Organization Handles What?

With Love
Accidental Refugee

Source:

USCIS Refugees
United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) – USCIS
Refugee Processing and Security Screening – USCIS
Refugee Eligibility Determination – USCIS
Request for Review Tip Sheet – USCIS
Questions and Answers: Refugees – USCIS
RSC Africa Information – WRAPSNet
WRAPSNet Refugee Processing Information
UNHCR South Africa
Settle In – USCIS Interview Process