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  5. Refugee Eligibility Determination

Refugee Eligibility Determination

Eligibility for refugee status is determined on a case-by-case basis through an interview with a specially-trained USCIS officer. The interview is non-adversarial and is designed to obtain information about an individual’s refugee claim and eligibility for resettlement to the United States.

During the interview, we examine all relevant evidence, including testimony, to determine if the applicant:

  • qualified under a designated processing priority.
  • meets the definition of a refugee.
  • is not firmly resettled in a third country.
  • is otherwise admissible under U.S. law.

In making this determination we consider the conditions in the country of origin and evaluate the individual’s credibility. We also confirm that security checks have been completed and the results of the checks are reviewed and analyzed before approval. 

Related Links

More Information

  • USRAP Flowchart (PDF, 242.41 KB)
  • USRAP Consultation and Worldwide Processing Priorities
  • Refugee Eligibility Determination
  • Refugee Processing and Security Screening
  • Refugee Security Screening Fact Sheet (PDF, 695.26 KB)
  • Request for Review Tip Sheet
  • Questions and Answers: Refugees
  • Central American Minors – CAM
  • Immigration and Nationality Act
  • USCIS Welcomes Refugees and Asylees (PDF, 1.78 MB)

Forms

  • I-730, Refugees/Asylee Relative Petition
  • I-485, Application to Register for Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
  • I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

Other USCIS Links

  • How Do I Get a Refugee Travel Document? (PDF, 622.89 KB)
  • Green Card through Refugee
  • How Do I Show My Employer That I Am Authorized to Work in the U.S.? (PDF, 686.31 KB)
  • Green Card for a Refugee
  • Family of Refugees and Asylees

External Links

  • Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2021 (PDF)
  • U.S. Department of State Report to Congress: Proposed Refugee Admissions FY 2021
  • U.S. Department of State: Refugee Admissions Statistics
  • Improved Security Procedures for Refugees Entering the United States, Oct,21, 2017
 
Last Reviewed/Updated:
03/30/2021
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