Green Card Through Refugee or Asylee Status

If you were admitted to the United States as a refugee or the qualifying family member of an asylee, you are eligible to apply for permanent residence (a green card) 1 year after your entry into the United States in this status.  

If you were granted asylum in the United States, you are eligible to apply for permanent residence 1 year after the grant of your asylum status.

As a refugee, you are required by law to apply for permanent resident status 1 year after being admitted to the United States in refugee status.  As an asylee, you are not required to apply for permanent resident status after being granted asylum for 1 year, although it may be in your best interest to do so.

For more information on how refugees, asylees, and their family members can apply for green cards see the following links to the left: 

·         Green Card for a Refugee

Explains the eligibility criteria and application process for refugees to apply for a green card.

·         Green Card for an Asylee

Explains the eligibility criteria and application process for aslyees and their family members to apply for a green card.

For more information about applying for refugee and asylum status, see the “Humanitarian” link to the right.