Green Card for a Refugee

If you were admitted as a refugee, you are required by law to apply for a green card (permanent residence) in the United States 1 year after being admitted as a refugee. For more information on refugees, see the “Humanitarian” link to the right.   

Eligibility Criteria

If you are a refugee, you must apply for a green card 1 year after you are admitted to the United States as a refugee if you:

• Have been physically present in the United States for at least 1year after being admitted as a refugee
• Have not abandoned your refugee status
• Are admissible to the United States as an immigrant
• Have not had your refugee admission terminated

Application Process
To apply for a green card as a refugee, you need to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

Note: When permanent residency is granted, you will have your adjustment of status date recorded as the day you entered into the United States as a refugee.

Supporting Evidence For Form I-485
To apply for a green card, refugees should submit the following documents and information (in this order):

• Fingerprint fee (this fee applies to applicants who are from 14 years of age to 78 years of age; applicants 79 years of age or older do not need to pay this fee)
• Form I-485, signed (Box "h" of Part 2 should be marked with the word "refugee" printed on the accompanying line)
• Two photos in an envelope stapled to lower left corner
  • Your name and A-number, if known, should be lightly written in pencil on the back of each photo
  • Details on photo size, etc., may be found on the Form I-485 instructions
• Form G-28, if applicable, signed by you and the attorney (or authorized representative)
  • Facsimile signature stamps are acceptable for the signature of the representatives
  • However, you must sign the initial Form G-28 submitted with the application in the original
• Form I-693, Vaccination Supplement
• A complete Form I-693 (which includes the Form I-693 and its supplement) is required only if:
  • There were medical grounds of inadmissibility noted at the time of arrival in the United States
  • If the refugee status was granted to the individual in the United States by an approved Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition
  • If neither of these conditions apply, all that is required is the vaccination supplement
  • You may have the Supplemental Form completed at any state or local health department or may choose to make an appointment with a civil surgeon designated by the USCIS to conduct medical examinations
  • Call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 to locate USCIS-designated civil surgeons (doctors) where you live or see the “Find a Medical Doctor” link to right
  • For more information, see the “Immigration Medical Examination” link to the left under “Green Card Processes & Procedures”
• Evidence of refugee status (This might include a clear, readable photocopy of Form I-94 or a copy of your Employment Authorization Document)
• Form I-602, Application by Refugee for Waiver on Grounds of Excludability, if applicable
• Evidence of 1 year’s physical presence in the United States
  • Please keep physical presence evidence to an absolute minimum
  • Evidence might include a letter of employment, a lease, school enrollment records, or similar documentation covering broad periods of time
• Proof of any absences from the United States since your admission as a refugee. (E.g. photocopies of pages in refugee travel document or passport)
• Birth certificate or other birth record
• Proof of any legal name change you have obtained since you were granted refugee status