Pre-Interview Processing

Persons are eligible for a DHS/USCIS interview by one of three methods.  First, referral by UNHCR NGO or by a US embassy (P-1).  Second, by being eligible under a U.S. group definition (P-2).  Or third, on a family reunion basis (P-3).  In regard to family reunion (P-3), the process is initiated by a relative in the U.S. filing an Affidavit of Relationship with one of the designated resettlement agencies (see addendum).   Procedures for applying as a member of a P-2 (special groups) vary according to the particular group being defined.

The U.S. has established Overseas Processing Entities (OPE) abroad to process refugee cases and to coordinate administrative aspects of U.S. refugee processing. Specifically, the OPEs prescreens refugees to ensure they fall within the U.S. designated nationalities and processing priorities; creates case files, including the form I-590,  Application for Refugee Status, for each case considered by the U.S.; and prepares refugees for their interviews with the DHS/USCIS.   After the DHS/USCIS approval of a case, OPEs work with the IOM to arrange medical exams and transport to the U.S. for the refugees, and coordinates with VOLAGs for resettlement in the U.S.

The OPE (also known as the Joint Voluntary Agency/JVA) operated by Church World Service in Nairobi, Kenya serves Africa. The OPE in Bangkok, Thailand covers East Asia and is operated by the International Rescue Committee.  The International Organization for Migration (IOM) also serves as an OPE and has offices based in Cairo, Egypt; Moscow, Russia; and Kathmandu, Nepal. The International Catholic Migration Commission serves as the OPE for Istanbul, Turkey.  Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society operates the OPE in Vienna, Austria.