GREEN CARD THROUGH REFUGEE OR ASYLEE STATUS

Not only can refugees apply for a green card one year after coming to the United States, they are actually required by law to do so. Asylees can apply for a green card one year after being granted asylum status and qualifying family members of an asylee can apply for his or her green card one year after entering the U.S. Asylees are not required by law to apply for a green card at any time, however, it could be beneficial to do so. Your asylum status and your right to stay in the U.S. permanently could change if conditions in your home country change or if a change in circumstances causes you to no longer qualify for asylum.

Related form: I-485, APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR ADJUST STATUS

Who is Eligible?

As a refugee, you must apply for your green card 1 year after being allowed into the U.S. if:

• You have been in the U.S. for a minimum of 1 year after your entry
• Your refugee admission has not been terminated
• You have not already obtained a green card

As an asylee, you can apply for your green card 1 year after being given asylum if:

• You have been in the U.S. for a minimum of 1 year after being given asylum
• You still satisfy the requirements for asylee status, or the spouse or child of an asylee
• You have not forfeited your asylee status
• You have not resettled in another country
• You have remained admissible to the U.S., or have an inadmissibility waiver