Refugee resettlement: Program overviews

The federally funded Resettlement Programs Offices at the Minnesota Department of Human Services supports the effective resettlement of refugees in Minnesota by providing the resources and stable foundation they need to rebuild their lives, achieve their highest potential and contribute to our state. We ensure access to mainstream programs for people with refugee status, distribute federal funds to local agencies for supplemental services and provide the public with education and information about refugees. 

• The admissions and arrivals site shows the number of people with refugee status who have arrived in Minnesota over time by their country of origin.
• The Minnesota refugee arrival map shows the number of people who have come to Minnesota annually with refugee status as primary arrivals. 

The Resettlement Programs Office at the Minnesota Department of Human Services supports the effective resettlement of people under humanitarian protection who have been approved with any of the following in the last five years: 

• Refugee status
• Asylum status
• Special Immigrant Visa
• Victim of human trafficking certification
• Amerasian status
• Cuban or Haitian entrant status
• Afghan Humanitarian Parolees
• Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees

The Resettlement Programs Office works with federal, state and local partners to assist families to build well-being and contribute to a stronger Minnesota. It provides federally funded services through regional resettlement networks. These networks provide a variety of language and culturally appropriate coordinated services with a whole family approach for people under humanitarian protection who have been in the U.S. less than five years.  

Regional resettlement networks provide support for:

• Individuals and families to resolve immediate needs
• Finding employment, support during the initial period of employment and career improvement.
• Long-term guidance and coaching to meet academic or career goals.
• Adjusting to life in America through free classes on how to use public transit, how to help children prepare for college and many other topics.
• Low-cost legal help and status change applications for permanent residency and citizenship.

Learn more in the Refugee Resettlement Network Agency List.

People who entered the United States under humanitarian protection may be eligible for Minnesota health care programs available to residents with low incomes. Contact a local county human services agency or find language specific help through the searchable health care navigator directory, or call 855-366-7873.

Refugee Medical Assistance is available for some people with an eligible status who do not qualify for Medical Assistance. For information on eligibility, contact a local county human services agency. 

The Resettlement Programs Office partners with the Minnesota Department of Health’s Refugee and International Health Program to coordinate and implement the state’s refugee health screening process. Contact the Refugee and International Health Program at 651-201-5414 for more information.

For access to health education materials and resources, see Health Education Materials for Refugees.

For access to the Health Resources Directory for Diverse Cultural Communities, the Ethnic Media Directory and the Mutual Assistance Association-Community Based Organization Directory, see Directories for Organizations Serving Refugees.

People who entered the United States under humanitarian protection may be eligible for food or cash assistance available to residents with low incomes. Applications can be filed through a local county human services agency, at MNbenefits, or through any agency in the Refugee Resettlement Network Agency Contact List.

Refugee Cash Assistance may be available for single or married individuals without children for up to 12 months after either the date the person arrived in the United States or the date the person was granted an eligible status. Contact the Resettlement Network agencies below for more information.

• Minnesota Council of Churches, 612-230-3225, for residents of Anoka County, Carver County, Hennepin County or Scott County.
• International Institute of Minnesota, 651-647-0191 ext. 328, for residents of Ramsey County, Washington County or Dakota County.
• Catholic Charities, 507-287-2047 ext. 35, for residents of Olmsted County.
• In any other Minnesota county, contact a local county human services agency or apply online at MNbenefits.