Status of family reunification
The new administration has been making changes to immigration that have affected family reunification, such as pausing refugee processing through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). It has also currently stopped resettlement agencies from providing assistance to refugees, asylees, and SIVs.
Refugees and asylees
- I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition is not affected. You can still apply, and follow-to-join cases are being processed. Refugee processing and admissions were paused but have now started again. However, there may still be delays or changes in how cases are handled.
Afghans and Iraqi SIV holders
- I-824 SIV Follow-to-Join Application is not affected. You can still apply, and cases are being processed. Help with travel is not available anymore. You must arrange your own travel.
Afghan parolees
- DS-4317 Afghan Parolee Family Reunification is on hold. You can still submit Form DS-4317, but the program is paused and could likely not restart.
Iraqis and Syrians
- P-2 Direct Access Program is on hold. You can not apply or bring your family to the U.S. under the special USRAP I-130 program. You can still apply for family immigration through the regular I-130 process.
Parents of minors in Central America
- Central American Minors (CAM) Program is on hold. You can not apply or bring your family through CAM, all cases are currently paused.
P-3 Affidavit of Relationship Program
- P-3 Program is on hold. Refugees, asylees, and SIV holders in the U.S. can not currently apply for family reunification through an AOR.
Programs for refugees and asylees
There are special programs in the United States to help refugees and asylees reunite with their family members. These include Form I-730 and an Affidavit of Relationship (AOR) for refugees, asylees, and SIVs with families in high-priority countries.
These programs offer several important benefits including:
- There are no application fees
- Your family member will receive the same legal status as you came with (this is called derivative status)
- You can file as soon as you arrive as a refugee or as soon as you are granted asylum (you do not have to wait until you get your Green Card)
- It can sometimes be faster than other processes
It is important to file for these programs as soon as you can. If you miss the deadline to file, you will still be able to apply for family reunification through the I-130 process as a Green Card holder or U.S. citizen but you will not get the same benefits.
Form I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition
What is Form I-730?
If you came to the U.S. as a refugee or you have been granted asylum, you can file for your immediate relatives using Form I-730. This program only allows you to petition for your immediate family members. This includes:
- Spouses
- Unmarried children under 21
Parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents do not qualify under the refugee and asylee family reunification program.
Filing Form I-730 is the main way to petition for your family member to come to the USA. You must apply within 2 years of arriving in the U.S. as a refugee or being granted asylum.
How to apply
Refugees and asylees can file Form I-730 with USCIS. Your resettlement agency can help you find a legal representative who can help make sure that you fill out the forms correctly and can help you gather the required documents.
- Principal applicant: the person who files an application asking for their family member to come to the USA. They are also known as the petitioner.
- Derivative applicant: the family member for whom the petitioner has filed the application. They are also known as the beneficiary or a follow-to-join asylee or refugee.
Who can apply |
Refugees and asylees |
Deadline |
You must apply within 2 years of entering the U.S. as a refugee or being granted asylee status. |
Family members |
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 (at the time you were granted refugee or asylee status) |
Form |
File Form I-730 with supporting documents including proof of status, family relationships, and photos of family members |
Fees |
No fee |
Processing time |
|
Interview |
If USCIS finds your relative is eligible, they will schedule an interview with your family member.
The officer will review your family member’s application and make a decision on whether they are qualified to travel to the U.S. |
Travel to U.S. |
If approved, they must complete more paperwork and required steps before traveling. They will have to make their own travel arrangements. |
Affidavit of Relationship (AOR)
An AOR is a legal document that proves your family relationship with your relative overseas. Filing an AOR connects your case with your family member’s case. This can help your family members resettle in your location.
Refugees, asylees, and SIV holders in the U.S. can not currently apply for family reunification through an AOR. Previously, an AOR could be submitted for your parents, spouse, and unmarried children under 21 who have refugee status.
Programs for Afghan families
Afghans have different options for reuniting with family members, depending on their status. If you have refugee or asylee status, follow the instructions provided above. For permanent residents, you can find information here. There are also specific options for other statuses unique to Afghans, including:
- If you are an Afghan who adjusted to Special Immigrant status while in the USA, your spouse or children may be added to your SIV case. You must file Form I-824. If USCIS approves your request, the NVC will contact you and your family members to begin the SIV application process.
- DS-4317 Afghan Parolee Family Reunification is on hold. You can still submit Form DS-4317, but the program is paused and could likely not restart.
Find legal help
It is important to get legal advice to understand your options. Your resettlement agency can offer support. Organizations and lawyers can also help. Learn how to find free or low-cost legal services.
Know how to protect yourself from notarios and fake websites. Learn what to do if you have been a victim of fraud.
The information on this page comes from UNHCR, USCIS, CLINIC, and other trusted sources. We aim to offer easy to understand information that is updated regularly. This information is not legal advice.
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