Applying for a Green Card through Refugee and Asylum Status

Obtaining a Green Card can be a life-changing opportunity for individuals who have been granted refugee or asylum status in the United States. It offers the chance to live and work in the U.S. permanently and provides a pathway to citizenship. 

Applying for a Green Card through refugee or asylum status can be complex and time-consuming. Still, it can be crucial to building a better future for eligible people. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of how to apply for a Green Card through refugee or asylum status, including the requirements and steps involved in the process.

You must meet several requirements to apply for a Green Card through refugee or asylum status in the United States. Here are the basic eligibility requirements:

You must have been granted refugee or asylum status in the U.S.:

People who are refugees are typically those who are outside of their nation and are unable or unwilling to return because they fear being seriously harmed while people who meet the criteria for refugee status, are already in the country, and are applying for entry at a port of entry may be granted asylum status as a kind of protection. 

To be eligible for a Green Card through refugee or asylum status, the U.S. government must have already granted you refugee or asylum status. It means that you have demonstrated that you meet the legal definition of a refugee or asylum seeker and have been granted protection under U.S. law.

You must have been granted the status within the past year: 

Generally, you must have been granted refugee or asylum status within the past year to be eligible to apply for a Green Card through this pathway. At the time you submit your Form I-485, you have physically resided in the country for at least a year following your admission as a refugee. Additionally, neither you have not acquired your permanent resident status nor your status as a refugee has been canceled.

You must meet specific admissibility requirements: 

To be eligible for a Green Card, you must meet particular admissibility requirements, such as passing a background check and demonstrating that you are not a security risk. You must be eligible for admission to the United States for lawful permanent residence, a waiver of your inadmissibility, or any other type of relief.

If you have been granted refugee or asylum status in the United States, you may be eligible to apply for a Green Card. Here are the basic steps you’ll need to take:

File an Application for Permanent Residence (Form I-485): 

To apply for a Green Card through refugee or asylum status, you’ll need to file  Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and any other required forms and supporting documents. The application and instructions are on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Attend a biometrics appointment: 

After you submit your application, USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment, where you’ll provide fingerprints and a photograph for background and security checks.

Attend an interview: 

USCIS will also schedule an interview to review your application and supporting documents. You’ll need to bring your passport, any other identification documents, and any other evidence supporting your case.

Wait for a decision:

After your interview, USCIS will review your application and decide whether to grant you a Green Card. This process can take several months or longer.

It’s important to note that the requirements for applying for a Green Card through refugee or asylum status can be complex and may require the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney. Additionally, there may be additional requirements depending on your specific circumstances. It’s a good idea to consult an immigration attorney for guidance and assistance throughout the application process.