Nearly two dozen North Korean escapees staying in Thailand could arrive in the U.S. as early as next month.

According to Radio Free Asia, the U.S. told 23 North Korean escapees in the Southeast Asian nation they would soon have final interviews and physical exams.

The escapees will take physicals starting Tuesday.

If they pass their medical exams, they could leave for the U.S. as early as next month. But their departure could be delayed depending on how Washington’s negotiations with Bangkok turn out.

Twenty-four North Korean escapees in Thailand initially wanted to go to the U.S. But one later chose to go to South Korea.