If you were granted asylum in the United States, applying for a Green Card is often the next step toward a stable and permanent future. A Green Card allows you to live and work in the U.S. permanently and gives you more long-term security.
This process is called adjustment of status. It allows asylees and some qualifying family members to apply for a Green Card without leaving the United States.
An asylee Green Card changes your status from temporary protection to lawful permanent residence. It also creates a clear path to apply for U.S. citizenship in the future. Applying for a Green Card is optional, but many asylees choose to apply as soon as they are eligible for greater peace of mind.
This guide explains how asylees can apply for a Green Card step by step, using simple language. It is designed for asylees applying for themselves and for those helping a spouse or child with asylum status. You do not need a sponsor or a job offer to apply.
Key Takeaways for the Asylum Green Card Application Process
- Asylees may apply for a Green Card after one year of being granted asylum and must be physically present in the United States when applying.
- The Green Card application is filed using Form I-485 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). No sponsor or job offer is required.
- You must show you still qualify as an asylee and have not returned to the country where they feared harm.
- Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may also apply if they received asylum as derivative family members.
- Once approved, a Green Card provides permanent resident status and a future path to U.S. citizenship.
Can I Apply for a Green Card After Receiving Asylum?
Yes. If you were granted asylum in the United States, you may apply for a Green Card after one year of physical presence in the U.S. following your asylum approval.
Applying for a Green Card is not automatic. You must submit an application and continue to meet asylum requirements at the time you apply. Your asylum status must not have been terminated, and you must not have firmly resettled in another country.
Most asylees apply by filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). USCIS will review your eligibility, documents, and background before making a decision.
The next sections explain who is eligible, when to apply, and how to prepare your application step by step.
Eligibility Requirements for Asylee Green Cards
To apply for a green card as an asylee, you must meet specific eligibility requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. These rules apply to both principal asylees and qualifying family members.
In general, you may be eligible if:
- You were officially granted asylum in the United States
- You have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year after asylum approval
- You continue to qualify as an asylee and your status has not been terminated
- You are admissible under U.S. immigration law, or qualify for applicable waivers
Travel outside the United States, criminal history, or changes in personal circumstances may affect eligibility. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 who received derivative asylum status may also apply, but each family member must file a separate application.
There is no annual cap on the number of green cards available to asylees.
When You Can Apply for a Green Card as an Asylee
- An asylee may apply for a Green Card after being granted asylum for at least one year.
- The one-year period starts on the asylum approval date, not the arrival date or asylum filing date.
- You may file Form I-485 before completing one full year, but U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) cannot approve the application until the one-year requirement is met.
- You must remain physically present in the United States during the waiting period and while your application is pending.
- Long or frequent trips outside the U.S. may delay eligibility, and travel to your home country can cause serious issues.
- Approval is not automatic. You must file a complete application and continue to meet all requirements.
Application Forms and Documents for Asylee Green Card Application
Applying for a green card as an asylee requires filing Form I-485 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and submitting documents that show you qualify to adjust status.
In general, USCIS looks for proof of three things:
- your asylum status,
- your identity and presence in the U.S., and
- your eligibility to adjust status.
Forms You Must File
Most asylees submit:
- Form I-485 – the main application to adjust status
- Form I-693 – medical exam report from a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. For a detailed breakdown of the medical procedures and details, see our full guide on Form I-693 Medical Exam and Vaccination Immigration Report Guide.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may request a waiver.
Common Supporting Documents
Supporting evidence may include:
- Proof of asylum approval
- Records showing at least one year of physical presence in the U.S.
- Identity documents and passport-style photos
USCIS understands that some asylees may not have every document. However, missing or unclear evidence can delay processing.
The Green Card Application Process for Asylees
Applying for a green card as an asylee follows a special process that is different from family-based or employment-based applications. All applications are filed from inside the United States with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
At a high level, the process includes:
- Filing Form I-485 to apply for adjustment of status
- Submitting supporting documents to prove asylum status and eligibility
- Completing a medical exam with a USCIS-approved doctor
- Attending biometrics, if scheduled
- Receiving a decision from USCIS
Most asylees do not need a sponsor, do not file separate petitions, and do not submit an affidavit of support. Many cases are approved without an interview.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card as an Asylee?
There is no fixed timeline for how long it takes to get a green card as an asylee. Processing times vary based on your case and the workload at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
In general, most asylees receive a decision several months to over one year after filing Form I-485.
Processing time may be longer if:
- USCIS requests more documents
- Background checks take additional time
- Your application is missing information
Many asylee green card cases are approved without an interview, but timelines can still vary. For a detailed breakdown of processing times, see our full guide on Form I-485 processing times.
Filing Fees and Fee Waivers for Asylee Green Card Applications
Applying for a green card as an asylee may involve filing fees, but many applicants qualify for a full fee waiver.
Standard Filing Fees
When applying for adjustment of status, applicants usually must pay:
- The Form I-485 filing fee (as set by USCIS at the time of filing)
- Any required biometric services fees
However, asylees are exempt from paying the Form I-485 fee in many cases, depending on how asylum was granted and the category used to apply.
Requesting a Fee Waiver
If a fee applies and you cannot afford it, you may request a waiver by submitting:
- Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver)
Fee waivers are commonly approved for asylees who:
- Receive public benefits
- Have low household income
- Are experiencing financial hardship
Tip: Submitting a fee waiver request does not negatively affect your green card application.
Can Asylees Work While Their Green Card Application Is Pending?
Yes. Asylees are authorized to work in the United States, even before receiving a green card.
Employment Authorization for Asylees
Most asylees:
- Receive work authorization automatically after asylum is granted, or
- Can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
If your green card application is pending:
- You may continue working legally
- You should ensure your EAD remains valid and renewed if needed
Working without interruption helps maintain stability while your case is processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Travel Rules While an Asylee Green Card Application Is Pending
Traveling outside the United States while your application is pending requires careful planning.
Travel Authorization Requirements
Before leaving the U.S., you should:
- Apply for and receive a Refugee Travel Document
- Avoid traveling without authorization, as it may result in abandonment of your application
Travel to Your Home Country
Returning to the country where you feared persecution may:
- Raise concerns about your continued asylum eligibility
- Cause delays or additional review of your case
Important: Always obtain proper travel authorization before leaving the U.S.
Applying for a Green Card for Asylee Family Members (Spouse and Children)
Asylees may also help certain family members become lawful permanent residents.
Eligible Family Members
You may apply for green cards for:
- Your spouse
- Your unmarried children under age 21
The family relationship must generally have existed before asylum was granted.
How Family Members Apply
Each eligible family member must:
- File their own Form I-485
- Submit documents proving the family relationship
- Provide evidence of derivative asylum status
Applications are reviewed individually, even if filed at the same time.
Common Mistakes When Asylees Apply for a Green Card
Many delays and denials happen due to avoidable errors.
Frequent Application Errors
Common mistakes include:
- Submitting incomplete forms
- Forgetting required supporting documents
- Missing deadlines for RFEs or biometrics appointments
- Traveling internationally without authorization
How to Avoid Problems
To reduce risk:
- Double-check forms before filing
- Organize documents clearly
- Keep copies of everything submitted
- Update your address with USCIS promptly
Careful preparation can significantly improve processing time and outcomes.
Benefits of Getting a Green Card After Asylum
Receiving a green card provides long-term security and new opportunities.
Key Benefits of Permanent Residence
After approval, you may:
- Live permanently in the United States
- Work without renewing employment authorization
- Travel more freely with proper documents
- Sponsor eligible family members
- Begin counting time toward U.S. citizenship
For many asylees, a green card represents stability, freedom, and a clear path forward. To learn more, read our complete guide explaining the benefits of being a Green Card holder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can my asylee green card application be denied?
Denials are uncommon for eligible asylees but may occur due to missing evidence, serious criminal issues, or failure to follow procedures.
Can I apply for citizenship later?
Yes. Time spent as a permanent resident counts toward naturalization eligibility.
Summary and Next Steps
Applying for a green card after receiving asylum is a major step toward long-term stability in the United States. While the process is designed to be accessible, mistakes, missing information, or incomplete forms can cause delays or requests for additional evidence.
A successful application depends on:
- Filing the correct forms
- Providing clear and complete supporting documents
- Meeting eligibility and timing requirements
- Avoiding common filing errors that slow down USCIS review
Next Steps: File With Confidence
Before submitting your application, take time to:
- Review each form carefully
- Ensure dates, names, and immigration history are consistent
- Confirm all required documents are included
- Address any missing records with clear explanations
Immigration Direct’s online filing software is designed to guide asylees step by step through the green card application process. The system:
- Checks forms for common errors and missing fields
- Validates entries before submission
- Helps organize supporting documents clearly
- Reduces the risk of avoidable USCIS delays
By using a structured, guided filing process, you can submit your application with greater confidence and accuracy—helping USCIS review your case more smoothly.
Taking the time to submit a complete and well-prepared application is one of the most important steps toward successfully receiving your green card. Start the I-485 application today.
