When you arrive in the United States, a staff member or volunteer from the local resettlement agency—or a family member or friend—will meet you at the airport. They will take you to your first housing, which might be temporary, such as a hotel.
Your housing will include basic furniture, food, and other essential items to help you settle in.
Your case worker will help enroll your children in a nearby public school. The school will be close to your home. Depending on how far the school is, your children may walk or take a school bus to get there.
Resettlement agencies are required to enroll your children in school within 30 days of your arrival. If you want to homeschool your child, you can ask the local resettlement agency to help you find information about the regulations related to homeschooling in your state and local school district. Homeschooling laws and regulations are determined locally, so they vary across the United States. However, the resettlement agency may not have the resources to assist with homeschooling beyond pointing you to information resources.
If you choose to homeschool, it will be your responsibility to make sure you fulfill your state’s or local school district’s requirements regarding homeschooling. You will also need to follow the official local process for enrolling in homeschooling.
There are several ways to search for employment once you arrive in the United States.
Your case worker will assist you by providing guidance on job searches, and advising on employment opportunities in your local area. As a refugee resettled in the United States, you will receive automatic work authorization through an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It is important to understand that you may only begin working after you have received your EAD card in hand. This document is your key to legal employment.
You will receive Reception and Placement (R&P) services for at least 30 days and up to 90 days after your arrival. These services are designed to help you adjust to life in the U.S. and work toward becoming financially independent as soon as possible.
The local resettlement agency can assist you in applying for public benefits, such as food assistance or healthcare. However, state and local governments will determine your eligibility.
Eligibility depends on factors like your income, assets, and other criteria. The local resettlement agency cannot guarantee or predict what benefits you will receive.
Depending on eligibility, you may qualify to receive medical coverage (Medicaid), which may cover chronic illnesses or disabilities. However, the extent of care and services will depend on your specific needs and the state’s healthcare programs. Your case worker can assist you in accessing these services.
You can apply for an SSN online, by mail, or in person. Your case worker will assist you with this application process.
You will need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work legally in the United States. Your EAD is typically issued within 2 to 4 weeks after arrival.
You can apply for jobs before arriving in the United States. Your admission to the U.S. as a refugee gives you permission to work in or from the United States. Your Employment Authorization is filed on your behalf upon entry, and you should receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) within three weeks after arrival.
If you already have a job when you arrive—whether with a U.S. employer or a remote employer abroad—you will still receive basic R&P services. These include:
Having a job when you arrive can help you become financially independent more quickly. The local resettlement agency can help you apply for public benefits, whether or not you arrive to the United States with a job; but state and local governments will decide what benefits you are eligible to receive. The public benefits you may qualify for will depend on your as assets, income level and other factors.
Note that if you secure employment that requires you to work in a location other than where you were resettled officially, you can relocate to that area once your refugee process is completed. However, you must be aware that sponsored housing, financial assistance, and support services are only available in specific locations. If you move to a different area where these services are not provided, you will lose access to those temporary benefits. You are encouraged to discuss this scenario with your assigned resettlement agency once one has been assigned after you are fully approved for resettlement as a refugee.
While securing a job before arrival is possible, it is important to understand that employment can only begin after you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Your South African driver’s license may be valid for a limited period after your arrival, depending on the state laws in the U.S. After this period, you will need to apply for a U.S. driver’s license in the state where you reside. The application process for a U.S. license is generally straightforward and often simpler than the South African licensing process, but differs from state to state.
Many qualifications are recognized, but you may need to complete a process called credential evaluation (equivalency assessment).
This can often be done online, verifying whether your South African qualifications meet U.S. standards or if additional courses or exams are required.
You are allowed to start a business as soon as you arrive in the United States. The process is similar to South Africa, although terminology and formalities may differ. You are encouraged to either seek employment or start a business, and you will receive guidance on both options.