State-Level Support and Resources for Refugees in North Dakota 2025

Key Takeaways

• Refugees and asylees in North Dakota must show documentation like I-94 or I-766 to access services in 2025.
• The Office of Refugee Services offers Career Navigation, ESL classes, case management, and the Fargo Welcome Center.
• Ineligible individuals can seek general state services, legal aid, or community nonprofits for support and guidance.

If you are a refugee or asylum seeker considering North Dakota as your new home in 2025, you may wonder what support is available and whether you qualify for these services. This guide explains the eligibility criteria, the types of help you can expect, examples of how services work, reasons you might not qualify, and what to do if you need other options or want to improve your chances. The focus is on clear, practical information to help you quickly figure out if you qualify and what steps to take next.

Who Qualifies for Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support in North Dakota?

To receive support from the Office of Refugee Services and related programs in North Dakota, you must meet certain criteria. Here’s a straightforward breakdown:

Basic Eligibility Criteria

You are likely eligible if:
– You have been granted refugee status by the United States 🇺🇸 government.
– You have been granted asylum by the United States 🇺🇸 government.
– You are a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holder from countries like Afghanistan or Iraq.
– You are a Cuban or Haitian entrant with official documentation.
– You are a victim of trafficking with a T-visa or similar status.
– You are an unaccompanied refugee minor (a child under 18 who arrived without a parent or guardian).

You are NOT eligible if:
– You are in the United States 🇺🇸 on a tourist, student, or work visa.
– You are undocumented and have not received any official refugee, asylum, or humanitarian status.
– You are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who did not enter as a refugee or asylee.
– You are a U.S. citizen (though you may be eligible for other state services).

Example:
If you arrived in North Dakota as a refugee from Syria with official paperwork from the U.S. government, you qualify for support. If you are in North Dakota on a student visa from India, you do not qualify for refugee services.

Required Documentation

To access services, you will need to show proof of your status. This usually means providing one or more of the following:
– Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) stamped “Refugee” or “Asylee”
– Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document) with a category code for refugees or asylees
– Form I-797 (Notice of Action) showing approval of asylum or refugee status
– Special Immigrant Visa or other official documents

You can find more information about these forms and download official versions from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms page.

Tip:
Always keep your original documents safe and bring copies when meeting with service providers.

What Services Are Available Through the Office of Refugee Services?

The Office of Refugee Services in North Dakota is the main agency helping newcomers settle and succeed. Here’s what you can expect if you qualify:

Career Navigation

What is Career Navigation?
Career Navigation is a service that helps refugees and asylees find jobs, build skills, and plan for long-term careers. This is done in partnership with Job Service ND, which is North Dakota’s main employment agency.

How it works:
– You meet with a Career Navigator who helps you assess your skills and interests.
– You get help with job applications, resume writing, and interview preparation.
– You can access training programs to learn new skills or improve your English.
– Career Navigators help you find your first job and support you as you move up in your career.

Example:
A refugee from Somalia arrives in Fargo and meets with a Career Navigator. She has experience as a nurse in her home country. The Career Navigator helps her get her credentials evaluated, enrolls her in English classes, and connects her with a local hospital for an entry-level healthcare job.

Co-Located Services at Adult Learning Centers (ALCs)

What are Co-Located Services?
These are services offered in one place, usually at Adult Learning Centers. You can get help with:
– English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
– Job training
– Help with paperwork and forms
– Referrals to health care, housing, and legal services

Why is this helpful?
You don’t have to travel to many different offices. You can get most of the help you need in one place, making it easier to settle in North Dakota.

Local Case Managers and Community Connectors

Who are Community Connectors?
Community Connectors are local case managers who work with regional nonprofits. They help you set goals, find resources, and solve problems as you adjust to life in North Dakota.

Main partners include:
– Global Refuge in Fargo
– Global Neighbors in Bismarck
– Global Friends Coalition in Grand Forks

Example:
A family from Ukraine is resettled in Grand Forks. A Community Connector from Global Friends Coalition helps them enroll their children in school, find a family doctor, and sign up for ESL classes.

Fargo Welcome Center

What is the Fargo Welcome Center?
Operated by Global Refuge, this center is a one-stop location for refugee families in Fargo. Services include:
– Cultural orientation (learning about life in the United States 🇺🇸)
– School enrollment help
– Health appointment scheduling
– ESL referrals
– Employment preparation

If you live in or near Fargo, this center is your main resource for starting your new life.

Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program

Who qualifies?
Children under 18 who arrive in the United States 🇺🇸 without a parent or guardian and are granted refugee status.

What support is provided?
– Foster care placement
– Education and health care
– Case management and counseling

Example:
A 16-year-old from Eritrea arrives alone in North Dakota. The Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program places him with a foster family and helps him enroll in high school.

Disqualifying Factors: Why You Might Not Qualify

Even if you are a newcomer to North Dakota, you may not be eligible for these services if:
– You do not have official refugee, asylee, or humanitarian status.
– You cannot provide the required documentation.
– Your status has expired or been revoked.
– You are in the United States 🇺🇸 on a temporary visa (student, tourist, work).

Example:
A visitor from Brazil on a tourist visa cannot access refugee services, even if they plan to stay in North Dakota.

Alternative Options If You Are Not Eligible

If you do not qualify for refugee or asylee services, you still have some options:

• General State Services:
  You may be able to access general state services such as public health clinics, food assistance, or emergency shelters. These are open to all residents, but you may need to meet income or residency requirements.

• Legal Aid:
  If you believe you may qualify for asylum or another humanitarian status, contact a local legal aid organization or immigration attorney. They can help you apply for status or appeal a denial.

• Community Organizations:
  Many local nonprofits offer help to immigrants regardless of status. This may include food pantries, clothing drives, or community events.

• Adult Learning Centers:
  Some Adult Learning Centers offer ESL classes and job training to all immigrants, not just refugees or asylees.

Tip:
Always ask about eligibility before signing up for a service. Staff can often refer you to the right place if you are not eligible.

How to Improve Your Chances of Qualifying

If you want to access refugee or asylee services in North Dakota but do not yet qualify, here are some steps you can take:

• Apply for Asylum or Humanitarian Status:
  If you fear returning to your home country because of persecution, you may be able to apply for asylum. Visit the USCIS Asylum page for more information.

• Keep Your Documents Up to Date:
  Make sure your status is current and that you have all required paperwork. Renew your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before it expires.

• Work with Legal Aid:
  Legal aid organizations can help you understand your options and guide you through the application process.

• Stay Informed:
  Policies and programs can change. Check the North Dakota Department of Human Services website regularly for updates: North Dakota Department of Human Services.

Practical Examples of How Services Work

• Career Navigation Success:
  A refugee from Iraq with a background in engineering meets with a Career Navigator. He receives help with credential evaluation and is referred to a local college for additional coursework. Within a year, he secures a job with a local construction firm.

• Community Connector Support:
  An asylee family from Venezuela is matched with a Community Connector in Bismarck. The connector helps them find affordable housing, enroll in health insurance, and connect with a local church for social support.

• Fargo Welcome Center:
  A newly arrived family from the Democratic Republic of Congo visits the Fargo Welcome Center. Staff help them enroll their children in school, schedule health check-ups, and sign up for ESL classes.

Economic and Community Impact

Refugees and asylees in North Dakota are not just recipients of help—they also contribute to the local economy and community. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, refugees in North Dakota have started small businesses, filled important jobs in healthcare and manufacturing, and paid taxes that support public services. Their presence helps keep communities vibrant and growing, especially in areas facing population decline.

Key Stakeholders and Community Partners

• Office of Refugee Services:
  The main state agency for refugee support.

• Global Refuge:
  Runs the Fargo Welcome Center and provides direct services.

• Global Neighbors:
  Based in Bismarck, offers support and community connections.

• Global Friends Coalition:
  Based in Grand Forks, helps with integration and education.

• Job Service ND:
  State employment agency that partners on Career Navigation.

• Dan Hannaher:
  Field Director of Global Refuge North Dakota, known for building strong partnerships between business, government, and community groups.

Recent and Future Developments

While there are no major new policy changes announced for 2025, there is a strong push for more federal funding to support refugee programs. The President’s FY 2025 budget includes a request for increased funding for Refugee Support Services, which could mean more resources for North Dakota if approved.

What does this mean for you?
If you qualify, you can expect continued or even expanded support in the coming years. If you do not qualify now, keep checking for updates, as new programs or changes in eligibility could open up more options.

Action Steps: What to Do Next

1. Check Your Status:
   Make sure you have official refugee, asylee, or humanitarian status and the right documents.

2. Contact the Office of Refugee Services:
   Visit the North Dakota Department of Human Services Refugee Services page for contact information and details on available programs.

3. Visit a Local Partner:
   If you live in Fargo, Bismarck, or Grand Forks, reach out to Global Refuge, Global Neighbors, or Global Friends Coalition for in-person help.

4. Meet with a Career Navigator:
   Ask about Career Navigation services to get help with finding a job and building your career.

5. Use Adult Learning Centers:
   Take advantage of co-located services for ESL, job training, and more.

6. If You Don’t Qualify:
   Look for general state services, legal aid, or community organizations that can help you with basic needs or guide you through the process of applying for status.

Summary Table: Eligibility at a Glance

Final Takeaways

• Eligibility depends on your immigration status and documentation.
• The Office of Refugee Services and its partners offer a wide range of support, especially in Career Navigation, education, and community integration.
• If you don’t qualify, other options are available, including legal aid and general state services.
• Stay informed about policy changes and new funding that could expand services in the future.

For the most up-to-date information and to start your journey, visit the North Dakota Department of Human Services Refugee Services page. This official site has details on eligibility, services, and contact information for the Office of Refugee Services and its partners.

By understanding the eligibility rules and available resources, you can make informed decisions and take the right steps toward building a new life in North Dakota.

Learn Today

Refugee → A person granted protection by the U.S. government due to persecution in their home country.
Asylee → An individual granted asylum status allowing them to stay legally in the United States for protection.
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) → A visa given to eligible Afghan or Iraqi nationals who worked with the U.S. government.
Career Navigation → A service helping refugees find jobs, gain skills, and build career plans with state employment partners.
Community Connector → Local case managers who assist refugees in accessing resources and integrating into communities.

This Article in a Nutshell

North Dakota’s 2025 refugee services support newcomers with jobs, education, and community integration. Eligibility requires official status documentation and residence. Career Navigation and local centers provide comprehensive assistance to help refugees build new lives and careers successfully within the state’s welcoming programs and partnerships.
— By VisaVerge.com