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