Following the issuance of Executive Order 14163 “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program” signed by the President on January 20, 2025, the U.S. government suspended the processing of all refugee applications under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).  This includes following-to-join refugee (FTJ-R) travel eligibility determinations conducted at consular posts and embassies overseas.  FTJ-R beneficiaries whose cases are already at a U.S. embassy or consulate should contact that embassy or consulate directly to inquire about the status of their travel eligibility interviews and for instructions on passport retrieval if they have not already received such guidance.  FTJ-R beneficiaries whose cases are at the National Visa Center (NVC) should contact NVC using this Public Inquiry Form.  The Department may contact individuals with next steps on their case at a future date.

FTJ-R beneficiaries in possession of unexpired boarding foils should direct questions about entry into the United States to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).