OfficialREFUGEE NEWS

U.S. Embassy Answers Key Questions for South African Refugee Applicants

Published: October 13, 2026 | Source: Col Chris Wyatt; U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa

PRETORIA - On October 6, 2026, the U.S. Mission in South Africa published an updated set of Frequently Asked Questions on the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) in South Africa [1]. It answers the questions applicants have been asking since the program for South Africans was set up under the executive order of February 7, 2025: how to apply, how long processing takes, what happens after you apply, and who qualifies [1].

The update was highlighted for the South African community by Colonel Chris Wyatt, who has been answering these same questions for 20 months [2].

What the Official FAQ Says

The full answers are on the U.S. Embassy website [1]. The main points:

1. How to Apply and What Happens Next

Eligible applicants fill in the online USRAP Intake Questionnaire (UIQ). A referring organization, Church World Service (CWS) or Amerikaners, reviews it, and the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) then decides whether you can access the program [1]. If you are accepted, RSC Africa contacts you for the next steps: a pre-screen interview, security vetting, a USCIS interview and a medical examination in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Pretoria [1].

2. Check That You Really Submitted

This is the step many applicants miss [1][2]. On your UIQ dashboard, every family member must show "Information Entry Complete". Then you must press "Submit Family Group UIQ Application" at the bottom of the dashboard, and the Family Group UIQ Status must change to "Complete". This applies even if your "family group" is only you [1].

3. How Long It Takes

There is no standard or guaranteed timeline [1]. When your case is ready for the pre-screen interview, you receive a case number and can follow it on the RSC Africa MyCase portal. Questions once processing has started go to SouthAfrica@cwsafrica.org, with your case number [1]. Keep checking the email address you used on the UIQ [1].

4. You Must Live in South Africa, Including H-2A / H-2B Holders

Only people living and physically present in South Africa can be processed, and that includes every family member on the case, children too [1]. An H-2A or H-2B U.S. visa does not automatically rule you out, but you must still be in South Africa. If you hold or want another U.S. status as well, the FAQ recommends speaking to an immigration attorney [1].

5. Decisions Are Made by USCIS

• USCIS decides every refugee application; the Embassy and RSC Africa do not [1].
• Security vetting continues until you arrive in the U.S., so a case can change status, even shortly before travel [1].
• A Notice of Ineligibility for Continued Processing (ICP) cannot be appealed, and people on that case cannot reapply [1].

6. It Is Free, and Beware of Scams

Applying and all related services are free. Do not pay anyone who promises to speed up or guarantee your case. The only official partners in South Africa are RSC Africa/CWS and Amerikaners. Do not share your case number on social media, in chat groups or in YouTube comments, and report suspected fraud through the USRAP Tip Form [1].

What the FAQ Says About Life in the U.S.

• Short-term support: help with housing, orientation and basic benefits, typically for 30 to 90 days, with the goal of early self-sufficiency through work [1].
• Work and the Green Card: you are expected to take the first job you are offered, and you must apply for your Green Card exactly one year after arrival [1].
• Where you live: you can name a friend or relative in the U.S. (a "U.S. tie"), but you cannot choose the city; initial housing is usually an apartment [1].
• Pets: the program does not pay for pets and advises waiting at least 90 days after arrival (see our Pets page) [1].

Please note: the FAQ still says Refugee Medical Assistance lasts "up to eight months". On October 1, 2026, ORR extended both cash and medical assistance to 12 months for arrivals from January 1, 2026; see Article 2.

What to Do Now

1. Open your UIQ dashboard and confirm that your Family Group UIQ Status shows "Complete" [1].
2. If you already have a case number, check the MyCase portal regularly [1].
3. Read the full official FAQ, and watch Colonel Chris Wyatt's video for the practical side [1][2].

Primary Source References

To read the official answers yourself:

• [1] U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa: Frequently Asked Questions on the USRAP in South Africa

  U.S. Mission South Africa, October 6, 2026.

• [2] Colonel Chris Wyatt: "The US Govt FINALLY answers basic questions for South African Refugee Aspirants!"

  YouTube video, October 10, 2026. Credit: Colonel Chris Wyatt. Commentary and practical advice for the South African refugee community.

• [3] U.S. Embassy: Refugee Admissions Program for South Africans

  Eligibility criteria and official program updates.

• [4] RSC Africa MyCase Portal

  Official case-status portal for applicants who have a case number.