Timeline for sponsors after refugee arrival
Timeline for sponsors after refugee arrival.
These are guidelines only.
Immediately after arrival:
Take the family to local clothing closets (see Clothing pages). Typical types of clothing not available at the clothing closets include underwear, bras, socks, pajamas, warm slippers, and shoes. Pants that fit can be difficult to find. Children are often provided free shoes at their school, especially if in Kalamazoo Public Schools. This inital purchase of necessary clothing items can be approximately $500.
Make sure they save all their official immigration documents in a safe and secured location. They will need these documents for purposes such as taxes, social security cards, etc.
Set up bank accounts
Determine with family how many checking accounts they want, and if they want one joint account (this can be tricky in extended families). Enlist help of a neutral translator for this conversation.
Apply for Head Start or other Pre-K programming through KRESA as appropriate. (see Cducation Pre-K page)
Enroll in ESL. This should happen in the first week after arrival, after 3-5 days.
Ensure they know how to use a can-opener to open canned food.
Food safety, Ensure they know how to refrigerate certain foods that may not be refrigerated in other countries, like eggs. Also teach them about food expiration dates.
1 month after arrival:
Get bills put in their name if possible.
Enroll the family in as many free ESL classes they can attend. See Kalamazoorefugee.org for a listing of ESL classes. The first months are typically the most time they will have to learn English.
Get the family bus training.
Register family with Loaves and Fishes, and train them on how to shop at Aldi’s. They should try to procure as much from Loaves and Fishes prior to shopping at other locations.
Understand and schedule immunization requirements, Medicaid expiration date (8 months after arrival), and entrance/exit exams with approved civil surgeons which is a requirement for Greencard application (required by law after 12 months of arrival).
Ensure you have documented approval with resettlement agencies and KPS (school system) as the refugee advocate. Your ability to help your family with personal affairs will be hindered unless your family signs off on such release forms.
Organize drivers education for head of household. Locate a car that can be borrowed to practice driving. Prepare for written driver's test.
2 months after arrival:
Social Security card comes in.
By 6-8 weeks after arrival all their I.D.s should be in.
Take written test and get driver's permit.
Complete getting bills in their names.
3 months after arrival
Head of household should be taking driving test
After work is procured, a car can be purchased with the help of Michigan Works!
The family medical will need facilitation (not direction) after the resettlement agency contract expires after 3 months.
10 months after arrival
Collect documents for Greencard application
This includes final health screening
Contact Ann Sweany (a.sweany@jfonwestmichigan.org) with Justice For Our Neighbors for next greencard application clinic or for a referral to an immigration lawyer. Samaritas can provide assistance also.