How are refugees processed for U.S. resettlement?
Nongovernmental agencies, either international or U.S. based, carry out most of the preparation casework for CIS interviews, working with U.S. embassy officials. These agencies, known as overseas processing entities, or OPEs, interview applicants, help prepare paperwork for CIS, and arrange medical examinations and background security checks for those refugees approved by CIS. Following CIS approval, the OPE gathers additional information about the applicant and accompanying family members. This information includes the names and addresses of any relatives in the United States, the refugee’s work history and job skills, and any special educational or medical needs. This information is needed to determine the best resettlement arrangement for the refugee. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) generally arranges transportation to the United States. Refugees are expected to repay the cost of their transportation once they are established in the United States. Refugees or thei
