How does UNHCR decide whose application is submitted for resettlement?
Resettlement is a tool for governments and communities across the world to share responsibilities.
Each year, resettlement countries decide how they will allocate the limited resettlement places among the millions of refugees throughout the world, and UNHCR can only process cases for resettlement submission within existing limits. Refugees must therefore be realistic about the chances of being submitted for resettlement by UNHCR.
Over the years, UNHCR has partnered with a number of countries that have offered resettlement places for refugees in Israel, notably the United States of America, Canada, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, and Spain.
Resettlement is a solution that only applies to refugees in very specific circumstances after all other options in the country of asylum, for example in Israel, have been exhausted. Cases are identified through the information gathered by UNHCR through a variety of channels and recommended by civil society organizations.
Resettlement is not a right and is not available to everyone granted refugee status. Places are limited and resettlement countries choose how many refugees to resettle.
How can I apply for Resettlement?
There is no application process for resettlement.
UNHCR receives suggestions from our partners and identifies refugees for resettlement consideration based on their protection needs. We continuously review the situation of highly vulnerable individuals and families to assess whether they meet resettlement criteria.
UNHCR makes a decision to submit a case for resettlement only after conducting an in-depth assessment of the individual and his/her family’s particular situation. The resettlement countries, and not UNHCR, make the final decision concerning the resettlement of a refugee.
UNHCR does not accept self-referrals or “resettlement applications” from refugees.
Was there any change of policy for resettlement program from Israel to the USA in 2025?
On 20 January 2025, the US government announced the suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Programme for at least 90 days. This means that any resettlement cases, are under processing for the United States are likely to face significant delays. It also means that UNHCR will not be able to submit any new cases to the US for resettlement processing. UNHCR is seeking further clarifications and advice from the US government about this decision. UNHCR provided counseling for the individuals and families affected by the suspension of US resettlement.
Note that Welcome Corps is part of the US Refugee Admissions Programme and is also suspended.
Important: UNHCR services are free of charge. Please be careful and alert to possible scams and/or fraudulent messages or offers to help you in the resettlement process.
Do not believe anyone offering false promises relating to resettlement in exchange for money, services, or other favours.
