South African Refugees in the USA: plain-language guideGlossary
Important: This is general information, not legal advice. Refugee status questions can affect your status: confirm with your resettlement agency, an accredited representative or an immigration attorney.

Last checked: 24 October 2026

First 90 days

Who helps you

ORR coordinates placement and initial resettlement services up to 90 days through the Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR). Refugees are typically assigned a local resettlement provider [source].

The Embassy FAQ describes that support as typically for 30 to 90 days, with limited help on housing, orientation and basic benefits [source]. ACF's page says up to 90 days and does not state a 30-day minimum [source]. The two pages use different wording. Read both.

PIR is delivered by eight organisations: Catholic Charities USA, Church World Service, Ethiopian Community Development Council, Global Refuge, HIAS, International Rescue Committee, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, and World Relief [source].

What the provider helps with

[source]

Pets are not on that list. The Embassy says the programme does not move pets and recommends waiting at least 90 days. See Bringing your pets [source].

Do these early