How Refugees Can Apply for a Green Card in the United States

If you were resettled in the United States through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) program, you have an important benefit available to you. After living in the United States for one year as a refugee, you become eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence, also known as a green card.

Are You Required to Apply?

Yes. Refugees are required by U.S. immigration law to apply for a green card after they have been physically present in the country for one year. This step is part of the refugee process and helps ensure long-term stability in the United States.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for adjustment of status as a refugee, you must meet these requirements:

One Year of Physical Presence

You must have been physically present in the United States for at least one year since your admission as a refugee.

Refugee Admission

You must have been admitted to the United States as a refugee and have maintained that status.

Admissibility

You must remain admissible to the United States. Certain criminal convictions or immigration violations may create issues.

Presence in the United States at Filing

You must be inside the United States when you file your application.

How to Apply

The Main Form: Form I-485

The application for a green card is made using Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Many refugees qualify for a fee waiver if they cannot afford the filing fee.

Required Documents

You will need to include:

Proof of refugee status such as your I-94 showing admission as a refugee
Identity documents such as a passport, birth certificate, or national ID
Medical exam on Form I-693 completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon
Two passport-style photographs
Proof of one year of physical presence such as lease agreements, school or medical records, or employment history

Fee Waiver Options

Refugees often qualify for a fee waiver by filing Form I-912 if they:

Receive means-tested benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF)
Have income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Are experiencing financial hardship that makes it difficult to pay filing fees

Special Rules for Refugees

Travel While the Case Is Pending

If you need to travel outside the United States after filing your I-485, you must request Advance Parole using Form I-131. Leaving the country without Advance Parole may result in your application being treated as abandoned.

Family Members

Each derivative family member admitted as a refugee must file their own I-485 application. The timing is the same: each person files after one year of physical presence.

Do Not Delay

Although you become eligible after one year, it is important to apply within a reasonable time. Refugee status can be reviewed or terminated if you fail to apply after becoming eligible.

What to Expect After You Apply

Receipt Notice

USCIS will send a letter confirming they received your application.

Biometrics Appointment

You will be scheduled for fingerprints and photographs.

Interview

Some cases receive an interview. Others are approved without one.

Decision

USCIS will mail the approval notice or any request for more evidence.

Processing Times

Most refugee-based I-485 applications take about 8 to 12 months to process, though timelines can vary.

Your Path to Citizenship

Refugees enjoy a shorter path to citizenship. You can apply for naturalization four years after receiving your green card rather than the standard five.

Common Challenges and How to Solve Them

Missing Documents

Resettlement agencies and UNHCR may have copies of your paperwork. Contact the agency that helped you resettle.

Name Differences Across Documents

Include an explanation and any supporting evidence showing name variations or corrections.

Difficulty Paying Fees

Apply for a fee waiver using Form I-912 and include proof of your financial circumstances.

Criminal Concerns

Speak with an immigration attorney immediately. Some convictions may cause problems, but legal assistance can make a significant difference.

Where to Find Help

Resettlement Agencies

Organizations such as IRC, LIRS, and others often provide free help with refugee green card applications.

Legal Aid

Nonprofit legal organizations frequently assist refugees at little or no cost.

USCIS Resources

Forms, instructions, and multilingual materials are available at uscis.gov.

Important Tips

Apply once you reach your one-year mark in the United States
Keep copies of everything you send
Report any address changes using Form AR-11
Maintain your refugee status by following the law and staying in the United States
Seek help if you have questions

Building Your Future in the United States

Applying for your green card is a major milestone. It provides stability, opens doors to new opportunities, and starts the clock toward eventual U.S. citizenship. Although the process takes time, many refugees complete it successfully every year. Support is available to help you through each step.

If you need personalized legal assistance, New Horizons Legal is here to guide you.

This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified immigration attorney to discuss your specific situation.

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