Application - What Is The First Step In The Application Process?

The first step is to apply through the USA Embassy page. 
or click this link to their Intake Questionnaire 

A person cannot normally apply directly for refugee resettlement to the United States on their own.

They must first qualify for access to the program through an approved pathway.

Many refugee cases begin with a referral to USRAP. 

In South Africa's case, the first step to applying for referral is to complete the Intake Questionnaire found on the South African US Embassy's website (links above.) 

Referrals may come from:

• The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
• A United States Embassy
• An approved non-governmental organization (NGO)

Priority Processing Categories

Some groups are allowed to access the program because they fall under a special humanitarian category.

These are called processing priorities:

• Priority 1 (P-1) – Individual referrals
• Priority 2 (P-2) – Groups chosen by the U.S. government
• Priority 3 (P-3) – Certain family reunification cases
• Priority 4 (P-4) – Welcome Corps private sponsorship referrals

Being placed in a priority category does not guarantee approval.

It only allows the case to move forward for review and interview.

What happens after access is approved?

After receiving access to USRAP:

• The applicant works with a Resettlement Support Center (RSC)
• Forms and background information are collected
• Security checks begin
• A USCIS refugee interview is scheduled
• Medical checks are completed later in the process

Each case is reviewed individually by USCIS.

Can family members be included?

Yes. In many cases:

• A spouse
• Unmarried children under 21
• Sometimes other qualifying family members

may be included in the refugee case.

Important to know

• There is no fee to apply for refugee status through USRAP.
• Refugees must usually be outside their home country.
• Security and background checks happen many times during the process.
• Approval is never guaranteed, even after referral or interview.

With Love
Faith Refugee

Source:

USCIS Refugees

USRAP Processing Priorities – USCIS

Refugee Processing and Security Screening – USCIS

Refugee Eligibility Determination – USCIS

Questions and Answers: Refugees – USCIS