Our Role

Refugees being interviewed by OPE Accra staff during a "circuit ride" to Gabon. Photo: OPE/Accra

OPE/Accra works closely with the U.S. Refugee Coordinator, U.S. Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other implementing partners to provide pre- and post-CIS processing services for eligible refugees. OPE/Accra works in cooperation with partner agencies to improve, standardize, and streamline the processing of refugees for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

OPE/Accra responsible for the receipt of referrals to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, researching, and opening of case files for all Priority 1, Priority 2 and Priority 3 applications for refugees in Western and Central Africa. We also process Visa 92 and 93 applications for beneficiaries in Ghana wishing to join applicants who are already resettled in the United States.

1. Upon receipt of an eligible application, OPE is responsible for the creation and management of accurate case files. The OPE/Accra Field Team conducts a series of verification/documentation interviews after the initial verification and then schedules the refugee applicant for an interview with an officer of the USCIS.
2. It is the goal of OPE/Accra and USCIS to process refugees in their locations in the country of asylum through regular circuit rides. Personal security is a high priority for CWS; conditions in countries of processing must be politically stable in order for OPE/Accra to receive clearance to travel within their borders.
3. JVA/Nairobi and OPE/Accra are the representatives, in sub-Saharan Africa, for 10 voluntary agencies responsible for the reception and placement of refugees resettled in the United States. (See U.S. Resettlement Agencies.)

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