Getting a Green Card as a Refugee or Asylee

By Ella Bergquist October 18, 2021 (Updated October 19, 2021) 4 min. read

Both refugees and asylees are eligible to become permanent residents after living in the United States for at least one year. One year after the US government accepts your asylum or refugee plea, you can apply for an Asylum Green Card or Refugee Green Card. If your spouse or children got “derivative” asylum with you, you can also apply for Green Cards for them when you apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card. Only if you and your family have been physically present in the United States for at least one year since receiving asylum status are you and your family eligible to adjust status to Asylum Green Cards. This article outlines the prerequisites for Asylum and Refugee Green Cards and walks you through the application procedure.

Green Card for Asylees

Eligibility for an Asylum Green Card

As an asylee, you must satisfy the following conditions in order to be eligible for a Green Card:

How to Apply for the Asylum Green Card

  1. Complete the Form I-485.
  2. Assemble the necessary supporting papers.
  3. Obtain the necessary filing fees.
  4. Submit your forms and supporting documents to USCIS.
  5. Attend your appointment for biometrics services.
  6. Attend your interview for a Green Card.
  7. Get your Green Card for Asylum.

Required Documents for the Asylum Green Card

Green Card for Refugees

Eligibility for the Refugee Green Card

In order to be eligible for a Green Card as a refugee, you must meet the following requirements:

How to Apply for the Refugee Green Card

  1. Complete the Form I-485.
  2. Assemble the necessary supporting papers.
  3. Obtain the necessary filing fees.
  4. Submit your forms and supporting documents to USCIS.
  5. Attend your appointment for biometrics services (refugees do not need to pay for biometrics).
  6. Attend your interview for a Green Card.
  7. Get your Refugee Green Card.

Required Documents for the Refugee Green Card

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