Can a Refugee still file a petition for their immediate relatives?

Can a Refugee still file a petition for their immediate relatives?

For the short answer is “yes”, and the eligible principal refugee living in the United States can use the Form I-730 to apply for a visa (for their immediate relatives) so they can travel to the U.S. and join their relative.

What is the eligibility for the petitioner and beneficiaries of this category?

The petitioner must be a principal refugee admitted to the United States within the past 2 years or a principal asylee who was granted asylum within the past 2 years, to request that your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age (the beneficiaries) join you in the United States. 

What is happening for pending cases of this category?

On January 20, 2025, President Trump revoked the refugee resettlement program which was established by previous administration (EO 14013). Specifically, President suspended the U.S. Refugee Admission Program (USRAP). However, the District Court for the Western District of Washington granted preliminary injunction on this lawsuit and made a temporarily blocking the enforcement of President’s executive order while the case is proceeding. On May 06, 2024, USCIS announced that all Form I-730 following-to-join refugee (FTJ-R) petitions will be shifted to USCIS Refugee and International Operations.

On March 14, 2025, the State Department stated that their department has resumed processing of following-to-Join beneficiaries who are relatives of refugees already in the United States in consistent with the preliminary injunction in order. Specifically, the State Department clearly stated that they will communicate directly with beneficiaries whose appointments were previously canceled to reschedule these appointments. Also, they will also continue processing any application for which the Following-to-Join Refugee beneficiary has already been interviewed.  However, beneficiaries wishing to continue their applications will require a sponsor to fund their medical exams and travel to the United States.

Note: This information is for generally educational or informational purposes only and it does not constitute legal advice.