Application And Process - Summary Of Steps
| Notice Updated 5 June 2026: This article is intended as a roadmap of the overall process. Some of the detailed guides and FAQs referenced below may still be under development. In the meantime, please browse the category for your current phase of the process and check back regularly as new content is added. |
Introduction
This article provides a high-level overview of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program process for eligible South Africans. It is intended as a roadmap to help applicants understand the overall process and locate detailed guides, FAQs, and resources for each stage.
Use the links throughout this article to access detailed information about the phase you are currently in.
Phase 1: Application
Step 1: Prepare Your Information
Gather your personal information, family details, employment history, education history, and supporting documentation before beginning your application.
Related Articles
- How To Prepare
- Supporting Documents Checklist
Step 2: Submit The Embassy Intake Questionnaire
Complete and submit the U.S. Embassy intake questionnaire.
Related Articles
- How to Apply
- How To Complete The Embassy Intake Questionnaire
- Common Intake Form Questions
- Intake Form Troubleshooting
Phase 2: Pre-screening
Step 1: MIE Fingerprinting And Biometrics
Applicants are scheduled to attend fingerprinting and biometric collection through MIE.
Related Articles
- MIE Fingerprinting Guide
- What To Bring To Your Appointment
- MIE Frequently Asked Questions
Step 2: First Virtual Pre-screening Call
Applicants participate in an initial virtual pre-screening interview.
Related Articles
- Preparing For Your Pre-screening Call
- Common Pre-screening Questions
- Pre-screening FAQs
Step 3: Virtual Pre-screening Interview
Applicants participate in a more detailed virtual interview.
Related Articles
- Preparing For Your Virtual Interview
- Technology Requirements
- Virtual Interview FAQs
Phase 3: Medical Examination
Step 1: Medical Screening At IOM Pretoria
Applicants attend their required medical examinations at IOM in Pretoria.
Related Articles
- Medical Examination Preparation Guide
- What To Expect At IOM Pretoria
- Medical Examination FAQs
Phase 4: USCIS Interview
Step 1: USCIS In-Person Interview
Applicants attend an in-person USCIS refugee interview in either Pretoria or Cape Town.
Related Articles
- USCIS Interview Preparation Guide
- Required Documents For USCIS Interviews
- USCIS Interview FAQs
Phase 5: Cultural Orientation (CO)
Step 1: Cultural Orientation Program
Approved applicants participate in Cultural Orientation (CO) training to prepare for life in the United States.
Related Articles
- What Is Cultural Orientation?
- Cultural Orientation Preparation Guide
- Cultural Orientation FAQs
Phase 6: Approval And Travel Preparation
Step 1: Final Case Approval
Applicants receive final approval and travel processing instructions.
Step 2: Travel Preparation
Travel arrangements, documentation, and departure preparations are completed.
Related Articles
- Understanding Your Approval
- Preparing For Departure
- Packing Guidance
- Travel FAQs
Phase 7: Travel To The United States
Step 1: Departure From South Africa
Applicants travel to the United States.
Step 2: Arrival In The United States
Applicants are received by their resettlement agency and transported to their destination.
Related Articles
- Airport And Travel Process
- What Happens Upon Arrival
- Arrival FAQs
Phase 8: Resettlement And Life In The United States
Step 1: Initial Resettlement
Applicants receive support with housing, documentation, healthcare, schooling, and other essential services.
Step 2: Building Your New Life
Applicants begin establishing employment, financial stability, community connections, and long-term goals in the United States.
Related Articles
- Employment And Job Searching
- Housing
- Banking And Credit
- Healthcare
- Education
- Driver's Licences
- Social Security
- Permanent Residence And Future Immigration Options
Important Notes
- Every case is unique and processing times vary.
- Additional information or documentation may be requested at any stage.
- Applicants should carefully follow instructions provided by programme officials throughout the process.
With love
Your Cheeky Undercover Refugee
Official Reference Sources
- U.S. Embassy South Africa – Refugee Admissions Program for South Africans
- USCIS – Refugee Eligibility Determination
- USCIS – Refugees and Asylum
- International Organization for Migration (IOM) South Africa
- United Nations South Africa – Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC)
- South African Government – International Organization for Migration (IOM) Contact Information
This article has been compiled using information published by the U.S. Government, USCIS, the U.S. Embassy in South Africa, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Applicants should always follow the latest instructions provided directly by programme officials, as processes and requirements may change.