REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROCESS
After fleeing their homes and being identified by UNHCR, refugees who are selected for referral to the U.S. are vetted by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
On average, the screening process can take anywhere from 18-24 months (and sometimes longer) depending on a refugee’s region of origin. For example, refugees from the Middle East are required to go through additional screening. After being approved, one of the nine national refugee resettlement agencies works with their local network of resettlement affiliates to place a refugee in their community.