Refugees entering the United States must possess a valid passport from their country of origin, a Form I-590 Refugee Registration, and an approved Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition if applicable. They also need to undergo a medical examination and obtain a travel document issued by the U.S. government, such as a Refugee Travel Document. These documents ensure lawful entry and compliance with U.S. immigration protocols for refugee protection and resettlement.
What Documents Does a Refugee Need to Enter the United States?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CBP One App Confirmation | Refugees entering the United States must present valid identification documents and their CBP One App Confirmation, which serves as an essential digital record verifying their pre-approved status and appointment details with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This confirmation streamlines the inspection process, ensuring efficient processing at ports of entry. |
| 2 | Form I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition) | Form I-730, the Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, is essential for refugees and asylees seeking to bring eligible family members into the United States; this form must be filed by the principal applicant who has already been granted refugee or asylum status. Approval of Form I-730 allows qualifying relatives, such as spouses and unmarried children under 21, to obtain derivative refugee or asylee status, facilitating their lawful entry and resettlement in the U.S. |
| 3 | USBP Verbal Parole Notice | Refugees entering the United States under parole must present a USBP Verbal Parole Notice, a temporary authorization issued by the U.S. Border Patrol allowing legal entry while their immigration status is processed. This notice serves as official proof of parole status and is crucial for accessing services and scheduling follow-up procedures with immigration authorities. |
| 4 | Joint Sponsor Affidavit (Form I-864A) | Refugees entering the United States often require a Joint Sponsor Affidavit (Form I-864A) when the primary sponsor's income is insufficient to meet the 125% Federal Poverty Guidelines, ensuring financial support and preventing reliance on public benefits. This legally binding document obligates the joint sponsor to maintain the refugee's financial well-being until they become U.S. citizens or can be credited with 40 quarters of work. |
| 5 | USCIS Electronic Notification (Form G-1145) | Refugees entering the United States must submit crucial documents, including the USCIS Electronic Notification (Form G-1145), which enables applicants to receive timely electronic updates about the status of their immigration applications. Form G-1145 optimizes communication by allowing notifications via text message or email, ensuring refugees stay informed throughout the immigration process. |
| 6 | National Visa Center (NVC) Welcome Letter | The National Visa Center (NVC) Welcome Letter is a crucial document for refugees entering the United States, providing detailed instructions on required forms, such as the DS-260 immigrant visa application and supporting evidence including passports, birth certificates, and civil documents. This letter guides refugees through scheduling medical exams, submitting biometrics, and preparing for the visa interview, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration procedures. |
| 7 | Port of Entry Temporary Admission Stamp | Refugees entering the United States typically require a valid refugee travel document or Form I-94, an Arrival/Departure Record, which includes the Port of Entry Temporary Admission Stamp as proof of lawful entry and temporary admission. This stamp serves as legal evidence allowing refugees to stay in the U.S. while their immigration status is processed and is essential for accessing resettlement services and employment authorization. |
| 8 | IOM Migrant Assistance Letter | Refugees entering the United States require several key documents, including a valid passport, a refugee travel document, and an IOM Migrant Assistance Letter, which facilitates coordination with resettlement agencies. The IOM Migrant Assistance Letter serves as a confirmation of eligibility and outlines necessary support services, ensuring a smooth and compliant entry process under U.S. immigration protocols. |
| 9 | Provisional Access Authorization | Refugees entering the United States require a valid Provisional Access Authorization (PAA), which ensures their temporary permission for entry pending full security and background checks. This authorization must be accompanied by essential documents such as a valid passport, Form I-590 Refugee Registration, and confirmation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). |
| 10 | R&P (Reception and Placement) Case Number | A refugee entering the United States must present the R&P (Reception and Placement) case number, a unique identifier issued by the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program that facilitates the coordination of essential services and placement support. This case number is critical for verifying eligibility, tracking resettlement progress, and accessing benefits such as housing, employment assistance, and medical care. |
Overview of Refugee Entry into the United States
| Document | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) | Issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for refugees to travel internationally. | Allows refugees to enter the United States after abroad travel. |
| Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) | Document issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival. | Records legal entry and authorized duration of stay. |
| Refugee Admission Notice (Form I-590) | Confirms refugee classification and admission into the U.S. | Confirms eligibility for resettlement benefits and services. |
| Passport | Original passport or travel document from country of origin or UNHCR issued document. | Identifies the refugee and facilitates international travel. |
| Medical Examination Record (Form DS-2053) | Results of medical screenings conducted before U.S. entry. | Ensures the refugee meets U.S. health requirements. |
| Notice of Approval (Refugee Status) | Official letter from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirming refugee status. | Verifies legal status to enter the United States as a refugee. |
Key Eligibility Criteria for Refugee Status
Refugees seeking entry to the United States must present essential documents such as a valid Form I-590, Registration for Classification as Refugee. Key eligibility criteria include a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Medical and security screenings are mandatory to ensure eligibility and compliance with U.S. immigration standards.
Essential Identification Documents Required
What essential identification documents does a refugee need to enter the United States? Refugees must present valid identification such as a refugee travel document or a passport from their country of origin. Your documentation should also include any United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) paperwork proving refugee status or asylum approval.
Proof of Refugee Status and Supporting Evidence
Proof of refugee status is essential for entering the United States as a refugee. This documentation typically includes a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) referral or approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Supporting evidence may consist of identity documents, personal letters, and country of origin information that verify the refugee's situation. Your submission must consolidate these documents to ensure a smooth and successful immigration process.
Health and Medical Documentation for Entry
Refugees entering the United States must provide comprehensive health and medical documentation to ensure public safety and prevent the spread of communicable diseases. These documents are critical for the screening process conducted by U.S. immigration authorities and healthcare providers.
- Medical Examination Report - Refugees must undergo a medical examination by a panel physician authorized by the U.S. Department of State, who completes this official report.
- Vaccination Records - Proof of required vaccinations according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines must be submitted before entry.
- Communicable Disease Screening - Documentation of testing and clearance for diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and syphilis is mandatory for admission consideration.
Proper health and medical documentation supports a smooth entry process and facilitates immediate access to necessary healthcare services upon arrival in the United States.
Background and Security Clearance Records
Refugees seeking entry into the United States must undergo thorough background and security clearance checks. These procedures ensure the individual does not pose a security threat to the country.
Key documents include FBI biometric clearance records, which verify the person's identity and criminal history. The Department of Homeland Security conducts additional security screenings to detect any links to terrorism or criminal activity. Comprehensive background investigations often involve multiple federal agencies collaborating to confirm the refugee's eligibility and safety for resettlement.
Family Unity Documentation and Dependents
Refugees entering the United States must provide family unity documentation to verify relationships with dependents. This documentation typically includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, and adoption papers.
Proof of dependents is essential for processing refugee applications and ensuring proper resettlement support. Accurate family records help the U.S. government protect family integrity and facilitate reunification efforts.
Application Forms and Submission Guidelines
Refugees seeking entry into the United States must complete Form I-590, the Registration for Classification as Refugee. This form requires personal information, background details, and reasons for seeking refugee status. Submission guidelines specify that Form I-590 must be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within one year of arrival in the United States.
Legal Obligations and Compliance Considerations
Refugees entering the United States must present specific legal documents to comply with immigration requirements. Understanding these documents helps ensure adherence to U.S. laws and smooth processing upon arrival.
- Refugee Travel Document - Serves as identification and proof of refugee status issued by the U.S. government or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
- Form I-590 - The registration form for refugees, required to establish eligibility for resettlement in the United States.
- Medical Examination Report - A completed medical evaluation performed by a designated physician, mandatory for health and legal compliance before entry.
What Documents Does a Refugee Need to Enter the United States? Infographic
