The referral phase is usually the starting point of the process. In the case of resettlement, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) identifies refugees in need of resettlement based on international protection criteria and the specific priorities of resettlement countries. Refugees are assessed against recognised vulnerability and protection categories, such as legal and physical protection needs, survivors of violence or torture, medical needs, women and girls at risk, or children at risk. In the case of humanitarian admission, this identification and referral may also be done by another relevant international body.

Once a case is identified, the organisation submits a referral dossier to a resettlement country. This dossier generally contains information on the refugee’s background, protection needs and family composition. The referral does not automatically result in admission. At this stage, information provision to the refugees is done by UNHCR or another relevant international body. 

The referral phase requires close cooperation between UNHCR or the referring organisation, national authorities, and in some cases international organisations.