Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

The first step is to complete the free online form on the relevant country page in MovilidadSegura.org.  After completing the form, you will be considered for and receive information about the initiative.  Not everyone who applies to the Safe Mobility initiative will travel to the United States or to other countries.  Only applicants who submit a completed application and fulfill the program’s criteria will be contacted to schedule an interview, due to the significant interest in the Safe Mobility initiative.  The date and place of the interview will be notified via email or by telephone. 

Only the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will contact you to schedule an initial interview.

All services and information from the Safe Mobility Initiative are free.

Everyone’s circumstance is difference.  Due to the significant interest in the Safe Mobility initiative, there may be a delay between registering on the webpage and contact to schedule an interview.   Specific information about the wait time cannot be provided because each application is unique, and waiting times may vary depending on the complexity and particularities of each application.

It is important to keep your telephone number and email up to date by updating the information through your account on the SMO portal, under your profile information, or by calling the SMO Regional Contact Center toll-free numbers:  for Colombia, dial 0 1800 5190665; for Costa Rica, 0 800 0320009; for Guatemala, 1 800 3000 203; and for Ecuador, 1800 001 667.

Due to the significant interest in the Safe Mobility initiative, only those applicants who submit a completed application and fulfill the program’s criteria will be contacted to schedule an interview in the applicable country.   If it has been more than four months since your initial registration and you have not been contacted further via telephone or email, please reach out to the SMO Regional Contact Center toll-free numbers:  for Colombia, dial 0 1800 5190665; for Costa Rica, 0 800 0320009; for Guatemala, 1 800 3000 203; and for Ecuador, 1800 001 667.   Note that during the application review it is not possible to give specific information for each case.

Communication will take place via emails and phone calls.

It is not possible to provide individualized information about the progress of each case during the application phase.   If your application is reviewed and eligible to proceed, you will be contacted.   However, if it has been more than four months since your initial registration and you have not been contacted further via telephone or email, please reach out to the SMO Regional Contact Center toll-free numbers:  for Colombia, dial 0 1800 5190665; for Costa Rica, 0 800 0320009; for Guatemala, 1 800 3000 203; and for Ecuador, 1800 001 667.   If after careful consideration of all available SMO pathways you are found to be ineligible for the program, you will also be informed.   

For all general questions about the program and requirements you can visit the MovilidadSegura.org webpage https://movilidadsegura.org/.   This webpage is the official source, where you can find all the information updated.   

If your appointment is cancelled or rescheduled, you will receive an email message and/or a telephone call.

In this case you need to call the SMO contact center who will refer your case to the technical team. You will need to be patient and wait for a resolution. You may reach the SMO Regional Contact Center cost-free numbers:  for Colombia, dial 0 1800 5190665; for Costa Rica, 0 800 0320009; for Guatemala, 1 800 3000 203; and for Ecuador, 1800 001 667.

If you are being considered for one of the pathways, you will receive information regarding any options for support and assistance during the SMO process.

Applicants must possess an identification document.  Documentation requirements vary by the country in which the application is registered. You will be notified regarding what specific documents are identification required for your individual case.

To make this change, you may reach out to the UNHCR or IOM, or call the SMO Contact Center through the toll-free number for the country where you registered your application.  For Colombia, dial 0 1800 5190665; for Costa Rica, 0 800 0320009; for Guatemala, 1 800 3000 203; and for Ecuador, 1800 001 667.

To make this change, you may reach out to the UNHCR or IOM, or contact the Contact Center through the appropriate number for the country where you submitted your application. For Colombia, dial 0 1800 5190665; for Costa Rica, 0 800 0320009; for Guatemala, 1 800 3000 203; and for Ecuador, 1800 001 667.   

No. If you created an account and started the registration but did not complete your application, your information will be saved in the system, and you will be able to complete your application. Applicants will receive a notification email to confirm that they have completed an application.  Please do not register twice on the webpage because this will only delay your process.

You may add your spouse, children, parents, and grandchildren.

Yes.

To change your telephone number, log-in to your account in the MovilidadSegura.org webpage, go to the “My profile” page, and click on the “Change my phone number” button.  Follow the instructions to change your number.  It will take several steps.  To make this change, or include alternative phone numbers or email addresses, you may also reach out to the UNHCR or IOM, or the Contact Center through the toll-free number for the country where you submitted your application.  For Colombia, dial 0 1800 5190665; for Costa Rica, 0 800 0320009; for Guatemala, 1 800 3000 203; and for Ecuador, 1800 001 667.

To ensure that you are receiving the most up to date and correct information, please continue to check the official SMO website MovilidadSegura.org or call the SMO Contact Center: For Colombia, dial 0 1800 5190665; for Costa Rica, 0 800 0320009; for Guatemala, 1 800 3000 203; and for Ecuador, 1800 001 667.

No. Each country has specific eligibility requirements and cases cannot be moved from one SMO to another. You must continue and complete the process in the country of initial registration. 

You cannot apply for humanitarian parole directly at the SMO.

There are several types of parole, including the Cuban Haitian Nicaraguan and Venezuelan (CHNV) parole program and family reunification parole.  Both require that an eligible family member or sponsor in the United States to apply for you.   

No. SMO services do not require having family members in the United States. The most important step is to register for the SMO, and UNHCR or IOM will contact you to explain any pathways for which you may be eligible.

There are some lawful pathways that do require having a relative in the United States.

Applying to the Safe Mobility Initiative does not prevent you from having applications open to other lawful pathways.  Please maintain updated contact information and inform UNHCR, IOM and/or resettlement county authorities about the existing applications open or other pathways to which they have applied.

Individuals displaced in Latin America and registered for Movilidad Segura (Safe Mobility) initiative may be eligible for the Welcome Corps, a program by the U.S. Department of State to resettle refugees with support from private sponsors. Through Welcome Corps, U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents form a sponsor group and apply to support a refugee or refugee family.  The sponsor group helps the refugees transition to life in the United States and provides services, including securing $2,425 for each refugee, to support their first 90 days in the country.  For more information, including eligibility requirements and how sponsors can apply, please visit https://welcomecorps.org/become-a-sponsor/latin-america/.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are international organizations within the United Nations system that aid and support refugees and migrants.  They are both partners for the U.S. government and are funded to support the SMO initiative.

Based on your individual situation, IOM personnel will provide you information about your eligibility for lawful pathways. IOM will not help you find a sponsor in the United States.

No. Those who are determined to meet the definition of a refugee and are in need of immediate protection, will be resettled to the country that best fits their individual needs and level of vulnerability.    

Yes, you will receive a notification via email on the final outcome of your process.