Asylum or Refugee Status

OVERVIEW

Individuals that have held refugee or asylum status for at least one year may be eligible for lawful permanent residency.

STEPS

An individual who has been under asylee or refugee status for at least one year should apply for lawful permanent residency on Form I-485, application to Register Permanent Residence of Adjust Status.

DOCUMENTS

To apply for Lawful Permanent Residency while in Refugee Status, each applicant and derivative beneficiary must supply the following documents:

  1. Completed Form I-485;
  2. Biometrics Fee (As of April 30, 2004, $70.00 between the ages of 14 and 79);
  3. Completed Form G-28 (If an attorney represents the applicant);
  4. Two (2) Passport-Style Photos with the applicant's name and A-number (if any) written in light pencil on the back of each photo;
  5. Completed Form G-325 (ages 14 and over);
  6. Completed Form I-693 Medical with Vaccination Supplement. A USCIS authorized civil surgeon must conduct this medical examination, complete the form and give it to the applicant in a sealed envelope. The envelope may only be opened by a USCIS officer;
  7. Copies of evidence of Refugee Status. This may include a copy of the applicant's Form I-94 and a clear, legible copy of any Employment Authorization Document;
  8. Form I-602, Application by Refugee for Waiver on Grounds of Excludability, if applicable;
  9. Evidence that the applicant has been in the U.S. for at least one year prior to the filing of Form I-485;
  10. Proof of any absences from the U.S. since the applicant has been granted refugee status, such as passport stamps;
  11. A birth certificate or other birth record;
  12. Proof of any legal name changes made since the applicant was granted refugee status; and
  13. Additional documents as determined in the instructions to the Form I-485 which are specific to the applicant's exact immigration situation.

To apply for Lawful Permanent Residency while in Asylee Status, each applicant and derivative beneficiary must supply the following documents:

  1. Completed Form I-485;
  2. Filing Fee for Form I-485 (As of April 30, 2004, $315.00 for ages 14 and over);
  3. Biometrics Fee (As of April 30, 2004, $70.00 between the ages of 14 and 79);
  4. Completed Form G-28 (If an attorney represents the applicant);
  5. Two (2) Passport-Style Photos with the applicant's name and A-number (if any) written in light pencil on the back of each photo;
  6. Completed Form G-325 (ages 14 and over);
  7. Completed Form I-693 Medical with Vaccination Supplement. A USCIS authorized civil surgeon must conduct this medical examination, complete the form and give it to the applicant in a sealed envelope. The envelope may only be opened by a USCIS officer;
  8. Copies of evidence of Asylee Status. This may include a copy of the applicant's Form I-94 and a clear, legible copy of the letter granting the applicant asylum;
  9. Form I-602, Application for Waiver on Grounds of Excludability, if applicable;
  10. Evidence that the applicant has been in the U.S. for at least one year prior to the filing of Form I-485;
  11. Proof of any absences from the U.S. since the applicant has been granted asylum such as passport stamps;
  12. A birth certificate or other birth record;
  13. Proof of any legal name changes made since the applicant were granted asylum status; and
  14. Additional documents as determined in the instructions to the Form I-485 which are specific to the applicant's exact immigration situation.

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