Departure Process

Organising Flights

The officials will arrange the flights and advise you of these details, by phone and by email. The communications will most likely be very vague at first and then, as it gets closer to the date, you will receive actual tickets and specific details.

Travelling with Other Family Members (like older children, boy/girlfriends/parents)

The officials will attempt to gather all the family members who would prefer to travel together, but, there is no guarantee, so prepare to travel separately.

Preferred Destinations

You can ask or record where you would like to go and they will try to accommodate you, but they will tell you there is no guarantee.

Packing Suitcases

Do not pack as if you are going on a holiday. Bring clothes suitable for all seasons as some states experience rather cool weather even in summer. Bring clothes suitable for work because you may need to go for interviews for job opportunities before you can purchase new clothes. Refrain from bringing electrical appliances that need to be plugged in or make sure to buy an adapter or universal plug in South Africa before you leave.

Flight Documentation

In South Africa you will only have your Passport and Airline Ticket. For the US entry you will receive sealed envelopes from the people assisting you from the officials in South Africa. You are not allowed to open certain envelopes which must be opened by the Port of Entry officials. It’s important to read what is written on them before you open anything.

Flight Basics

The flights are grueling. You will fly for up to 60 hours in all, so ensure you have videos/music/books with you and entertainment for the children. Also, bring neck cushions. You should have some Rands and some US dollars on you, which you can get at any bank forex department for your travels. This will buy you coffees and snacks at the airports.

Arrival Process

First Arrival

At the port of entry, you will be met by US officials to help with paperwork.

Connecting Flights

Some of these may be immediate or there may be a stay-over at an hotel. This will differ according to the USRAP planning and your final destination.

Arrival at Final Destination

You will be placed in AirBNB, hotels or apartments. Here your Resettlement Agency Case Worker will be assigned to you and assist you settle in and also to make arrangement for your longer term temporary accommodation, which may differ from where you are placed at first.

Your Immediate Refugee Assistance

• Accommodation for 3 months based on the number of people in your family
• Refugee Cash Assistance for 4 months (Over 18s are classified separately for benefits). The amount is unknown as the early refugees have reported differing amounts.
• Medicaid medical coverage for 4 months.
• Food stamps for 4 months (these may be vouchers until you SNAP cards arrive).
• Once at an address, you will be contacted to help get your child into a school near your home. Buses will likely collect and drop children at your home.
• Your Case Worker will assist you obtain your Social Security Number and Employment Authorization Document which should be ready in 2-6 weeks. You may need to make this application on your own if you feel the process is delayed by filling out a form and mailing it in. See the contacts page for more information.
• Your Case Worker or others will coach you on where and how to find work. It is important to note that scheduling this assistance may take time and you should reach out and apply for work on your own to accelerate the process.