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Lawful Permanent
Residence
The
process of applying for Lawful Permanent Resident status,
otherwise known as a ‘green card,’ while in the U.S. is called
Adjustment of Status. An application for adjustment of status is
completed on Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Resident or
Adjust Status). Refugees must file an application for adjustment
of status to a lawful permanent resident one year after their date of
admission to the U.S. Asylees may file for adjustment of status
to a lawful permanent resident one year after the date they were granted
asylum. Refugees/asylees must have been physically present in the U.S.
for at least one year before applying for adjustment of status.
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR A BASIC ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS APPLICATION
FOR A REFUGEE OR ASYLEE
|
|
FORM/DOCUMENT |
REFUGEE |
ASYLEE |
COMMENTS |
|
1. |
Cover Letter |
Yes |
Yes |
Explain benefit sought and contents of application packet
submitted to USCIS |
|
2. |
Form G-28 |
Yes |
Yes |
Form G-28 – Attorney or Accredited Representative of Record |
|
3. |
Form I-485 |
Yes |
Yes |
Form I-485 – Application to Register Lawful Permanent Residence |
|
4. |
Form G-325A |
Yes |
Yes |
For applicants 14+ |
|
5. |
Form I-94 |
Yes |
Yes |
A copy of Form I-94: Arrival/Departure Record - as proof of
refugee/asylee status |
|
6. |
Birth Certificate |
Yes |
Yes |
A copy and English translation. Do not send original documents
to USCIS. |
|
7. |
One-year physical
presence |
Yes |
Yes |
Signed statement from refugee/asylee that s/he has not been
outside the US since date of admission or asylum grant, or
copies of travel documents indicating dates of departure and
return. |
|
8. |
Overseas medical report |
Yes |
n/a |
Copy (if available) |
|
9. |
Form I-693 |
n/a |
Yes |
Form I-693 – Medical Examination of Alien Seeking Adjustment.
(It is not required from refugees who received a medical
examination overseas prior to admission to the US.) |
|
10. |
Supplement to Form I-693 |
Yes |
Yes |
Supplement to Form I-693 is the Vaccination Verification Form
completed by a designated civil surgeon listed on the USCIS
website. It is based upon the applicant’s immunization records
here and abroad, and must be submitted in a sealed envelope. |
|
11. |
Photos |
Yes |
Yes |
2 photos that conform to USCIS specifications |
|
12. |
Biometric Fee |
No |
Yes |
Fingerprint fee of $80 for applicants aged
14 to 79 |
|
13. |
Application Fee |
n/a |
Yes |
a) Adjustment of status: $930 application
fee + $80 biometrics fee
b) Applicants under 14 applying with at
least one parent: $600 application fee (no biometric required if
under 14)
c) Applicants under 14 applying alone:
$930 application fee (no biometric required if under 14)
(Application fees are waived for
refugees only.) |
For
additional information:
www.uscis.gov
If
you have ever been arrested and/or charged with violating any U.S. law,
you should consult with an immigration lawyer before applying for lawful
permanent residence as there may be adverse consequences to your
immigration status.
What if I need assistance with completing the adjustment of status
application?
Links:
More information on Adjustment of Status for Refugees and Asylees
(from the USCIS website)
The
I-485 application for Adjustment of Status (from the USCIS website)
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