Anticipation grows as many eagerly await updates on the Welcome Corps Program. ILBSG is closely monitoring all updates associated with the Welcome Corps Program to update all ILBSG’s clients interested. Phase 1 has been successfully launched! Tuesday, June 20, 2023, marks an important milestone for the Welcome Corps Program as the first refugees to be privately sponsored by Americans arrived in the United States.

During the first year of the Welcome Corps, the Department of State will set in motion the Welcome Corps in two phases. Phase 2 is expected to launch in mid-2023, however, there are currently no updates on when phase 2 will be implemented.  Currently, the Welcome Corps’ focus remains on Phase 1. In the first phase and current phase, private sponsors participating will be matched with refugees whose cases have been already approved for private settlement under U.S Refugee Admissions (USRAP). During the first year, the Department of State plans on rolling both phases.

Phase 2 of the program allows private sponsors to be able to identify refugees to refer them to USRAP for resettlement. Specific refugee individuals or refugee family members overseas may be sponsored subject to the program criteria established by the U.S. government through Phase 2. This phase has not been launched yet, the applications for Phase 2 cannot be submitted currently.  For clients who await the launch of phase 2, while applications cannot be submitted you may consider taking the Welcome Corps Essential Training. Resources and guidance for the Welcome plan can be found on the Welcome Corps website. To participate in Phase 2 sponsors do not need to participate in Phase 1.

At ILBSG we understand the importance of the World Corps program to our clients, particularly clients that are anticipating phase 2 to reunite with family members and loved ones. ILBSG is dedicated to updating clients and providing more information about Phase 2 once it is implemented. ILBSG encourages clients to seek legal guidance when Phase 2 launches, ILBSG’s team of legal experts can answer any questions you currently have about Phase 1.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Welcome Corps Program or any other immigration-related issue, please contact us at ILBSG. We are closely monitoring all immigration-related issues. Our team ensures to guide you through all immigration complications and ensures you get the right legal advice