Skip to main content
This is the USCIS preview website. Visit uscis.gov for the official USCIS site.
USCIS Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government    Here's how you know
Español
Multilingual Resources
Official Government Website

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Website

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
 
Sign In  
Access USCIS online services.
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
Sign In
Create Account
Horizontal Menu
  • Topics
  • Forms
  • Newsroom
  • Citizenship
  • Green Card
  • Laws
  • Tools
  • Contact us
  • Multilingual Resources
  • Ask Emma
Main navigation
Skip to main content
  • Forms
    • All Forms
    • Explore My Options
    • Filing Guidance
      • Tips for Filing Forms by Mail
      • Forms By Mail
      • Expedite Request
      • Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment
      • How to Change Your Address
      • Card Delivery Tracking
      • Paperwork Reduction Act
    • Filing Fees
      • Fee Schedule
      • Fee Calculator
      • USCIS Immigrant Fee
        • USCIS Immigrant Fee Payment Guide
        • How to Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee
        • Identity Verification and the USCIS Immigrant Fee
        • Tips on Finding Your A-Number and DOS Case ID
      • Forms Processed at USCIS Lockbox Facilities
      • Poverty Guidelines
      • Fee Waiver Guidance
      • Additional Information on Filing a Reduced Fee Request
      • Pay With a Credit Card
    • Forms Updates
      • 2D Barcode Requirements
      • Lockbox Filing Location Updates
      • Workload Transfer Updates
    • Department of State (DS) Forms and Other Non-USCIS Forms
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Forms
  3. Explore My Options
  4. Refugee Status

Refugee Status

Woman with hibab smiling at the camera.

A refugee is a person who has fled their country of origin because of past persecution or a fear of future persecution based upon race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Each year, the United States resettles a limited number of refugees.

Eligibility

If you are fleeing a civil war or natural disaster, you may not be eligible for resettlement under U.S. law. However, you may fall within the protection of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Generally, you must be outside your homeland to be eligible for the U.S. refugee program. Even if we determine you to be a refugee, you must be admissible to the United States. You can be found inadmissible to the United States for a variety of reasons, including criminal, health, or security-related grounds. 

You cannot be considered for refugee status if you have ordered, incited, assisted or otherwise participated in the persecution or harm of any person because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.

The United States prioritizes the types of people who should be considered for refugee status:

  • Priority 1: Cases that are identified and referred to the program by UNHCR, a U.S. Embassy, or a designated non-governmental organization;
  • Priority 2: Groups of special humanitarian concern identified by the U.S. refugee program; and
  • Priority 3: Family reunification cases (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of persons lawfully admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees or permanent residents (known as Green Card holders) or U.S. citizens who previously had refugee or asylum status).

For more information visit our USRAP Consultations and Worldwide Processing Priorities and Refugee pages.

How to File

To receive refugee status and be allowed to resettle within the United States, you must:

  • Be referred to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) by UNHCR, a U.S. Embassy, or a nongovernmental organization; or
  • Start the application process with a Department of State Resettlement Support Center.

After You File

Once you have been referred to USRAP and found eligible to be considered for refugee status:

  • The Resettlement Support Center will process your application and gather your biographical information; and
  • You will have an in-person interview with a USCIS refugee officer.

If we conditionally approve you for refugee status in the U.S.:

  • You will go through a health screening to identity any medical needs and to ensure that you do not have any contagious diseases;
  • The Resettlement Support Center will make a request for “sponsorship assurance” from trusted community-based organizations; and
  • You may take a class on cultural orientation before coming to the United States.

For more information, see our Refugee Processing and Security Screening page.

Last Reviewed/Updated:
07/09/2020
Was this page helpful?
0 / 2000
To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. Review our Privacy Policy.
Return to top
  • Topics
  • Forms
  • Newsroom
  • Citizenship
  • Green Card
  • Laws
  • Tools
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email
Contact USCIS
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal

USCIS.gov

An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Important links
  • About USCIS
  • Accessibility
  • Budget and Performance
  • DHS Components
  • Freedom of Information Act
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Privacy and Legal Disclaimers
  • Site Map
  • Office of the Inspector General
  • The White House
  • USA.gov
Looking for U.S. government information and services?
Visit USA.gov