United States warns that not all South Africans quality for refugee programme

The United States has reiterated that not everyone in South Africa seeking refugee resettlement in the country is eligible.

This message was shared by the United States Embassy in South Africa on social media on Sunday, 25 October 2026.

It said that it received information regarding this issue from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The USCIS informed U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) applicants in South Africa that their cases are ineligible for continued processing.

This, it said, means that these South Africans’ applications for refugee resettlement in the United States will not move forward.

“USCIS reviews each application on a case-by-case basis to determine whether applicants meet all requirements under U.S. law,” the U.S. Embassy said.

“All refugees admitted to the United States must meet the necessary eligibility requirements, including security and medical screenings.”

It explained that the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the decision-making authority for all applications.

“The U.S. Department of State, including the U.S. Mission in South Africa, and RSC Africa do not make decisions on refugee status,” it said.

It added that USCIS case review and security vetting are continuous until a refugee arrives in the United States. 

“Therefore, an applicant’s case status may change due to new information, new adjudication requirements, or other factors,” it said.

“Applicants should plan for long processing periods and potential changes in their case status, including shortly before travel.”

It urged applicants whom USCIS finds ineligible for continued resettlement processing not to contact RSC Africa or the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in South Africa.

“They have no authority in this matter or additional information.  There is no appeal process for these findings,” it said.

It added that people who were not accepted through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program may not reapply. 

Moving to the United States as a refugee

The United States Embassy in South Africa said that there is strong support for refugees who move to the country.

The refugees enjoy many benefits, including a $2,450 grant, housing, medical aid, and job assistance.

Resettlement agencies use these funds to set up apartments, pay deposits, buy furniture, pay utilities, and cover immediate setup needs

Adult refugees without minor children also receive direct cash assistance for four months through the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) programme.

Families with minor children are referred to state welfare programs to receive monthly cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families scheme.

Refugees are enrolled in state Medicaid programs to cover initial medical needs, including doctor visits and treatments.

The medical coverage for refugees generally lasts until they secure employment offering health insurance.

Case managers assist refugees in applying for their United States Social Security card shortly after arrival.

Agencies help secure and process the Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The refugees are also assisted with obtaining official state IDs and applying for permanent residency, known as a Green Card, after 1 year.

There is a strong focus on getting new refugees into jobs so they can support themselves and become part of the community.

Dedicated job developers assist with resume building, attending job fairs, job applications, and securing employment.

Each refugee family is assigned a case manager to walk them through assimilation, appointments, and community integration.

Children are registered for public school, and adults can take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes if needed.

Agencies continue to offer support, guidance, and community connection to refugees for up to 5 years after arrival.