Introduction: Green Card for Refugees
A Green Card gives refugees the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States. It offers long-term security, the ability to travel internationally with proper documents, and a future path to U.S. citizenship.
Refugees in the United States are protected because they cannot safely return to their home country due to past persecution or a well-founded fear of harm. Under U.S. immigration law, refugees must apply for a Green Card after one year of living in the country. This application process is known as adjustment of status.
This guide explains who is eligible, when and how to apply, the required forms and documents, and what to expect after filing and approval of the refugee Green Card.
Who Is Considered a Refugee?
A refugee is someone who was forced to flee their home country because of persecution or a fear of persecution due to:
- Religion
- Race
- Political opinion
- Nationality
- Membership in a particular social group
It is important not to confuse refugee status with asylum status, even though both groups receive similar protections. Asylum is granted after applying from inside the U.S., while refugee status is granted before arriving. For more details, see our guide on Refugee vs. Asylum.
Do Refugees Have to Apply for a Green Card?
Yes. By law, refugees must apply for a Green Card after:
- One year of physical presence in the United States
- Maintaining refugee status during that year
Not applying could create problems later, especially if you travel or need to renew documents.
Green Card Eligibility Requirements for Refugees
To qualify, a refugee must meet the following:
Must Still Hold Refugee Status
Your status must not have been terminated or revoked.
Must Be in the U.S. for at Least One Year
You must show proof of your physical presence in the United States for 12 continuous months.
Must Be Admissible
USCIS checks issues such as:
- Security concerns
- Criminal history
- Medical issues
If there is a problem, some cases allow a waiver using Form I-602.
Must Submit Supporting Documents
Common documents include:
- Passport (if available)
- Form I-94
- Proof of one year in the U.S.
- Birth certificate
- photos for the application
Must Complete the Medical Exam
Refugees must submit Form I-693, completed by a USCIS-approved doctor. If you want to understand more about how immigration medical exams work, read our guide: Green Card Medical Exam Process.
Applying for Family Members (Derivative Refugees)
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 who entered as refugees may also apply for Green Cards if they:
- Have lived in the U.S. for one year
- Still have refugee status
- File their own I-485 applications
They must also submit proof of their relationship, such as:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
How to Apply for a Refugee Green Card
Step 1: Complete Form I-485
Form I-485 is the official application to adjust status from refugee to permanent resident.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Make sure your application package includes identity documents, admissions forms, and any evidence proving your continuous residence.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Applications are filed directly with USCIS.
Refugees do not apply through an immigration court—unlike defensive asylum cases handled by EOIR.
Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment
USCIS collects fingerprints, photograph, and signature to conduct security checks.
Step 5: Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
If USCIS needs clarification or missing evidence:
- You will receive an RFE
- Respond before the deadline to avoid delays or denial
What Happens After You Apply
Once USCIS receives your application, it will begin reviewing your case and conducting standard security checks. Refugee Green Card applications generally take 8 to 14 months, depending on factors such as:
- USCIS workload and backlog
- Results of background checks
- Completeness and accuracy of the application
During this time, refugees may continue working in the United States and can renew their employment authorization if needed.
Background Checks
USCIS verifies your identity, immigration history, and any security or criminal concerns as part of the review process.
Requests for Evidence (RFE)
If any documents are missing or unclear, USCIS may issue an RFE asking for additional information. Responding quickly helps avoid delays.
Interview Requirement
Some applicants may be scheduled for an in-person interview, while others may receive a decision without one.
Final Decision
- Approval: USCIS will mail the Green Card directly to you.
- Denial: The notice will explain the reason for the decision. Some applicants may appeal or re-file after correcting the issue.
Traveling While Your Application Is Pending
Refugees may travel outside the United States while their Green Card application is being processed, but there are important rules to follow to avoid jeopardizing their case.
Refugee Travel Document Required
Before traveling, refugees must apply for and receive a Refugee Travel Document (Form I-131). If you leave the United States without this document:
- You may not be allowed to re-enter, and
- USCIS may treat your Green Card application as abandoned.
Using the Travel Document
Once approved, the Refugee Travel Document allows you to:
- Leave the United States temporarily
- Re-enter without losing your status
- Continue processing your Green Card application
Avoid Travel to Your Home Country
Traveling back to the country where you claimed persecution may:
- Raise serious questions about whether you still need refugee protection
- Trigger additional review during future applications
- Affect approval of your Green Card or U.S. citizenship
For these reasons, refugees should plan travel carefully and always maintain proper documentation before leaving the United States.
Common Challenges for Refugee Green Card Applicants
This section explains practical problems that commonly delay or complicate the application process, such as:
- Missing deadlines
- Incomplete evidence
- Medical exam issues
- Traveling without permits
- Processing delays
These challenges do not necessarily mean the person loses eligibility — they just make approval harder or slower.
How Refugees Can Lose Eligibility
This section explains situations where USCIS may deny or revoke eligibility entirely, such as:
- Serious crimes
- Returning to the country of persecution
- Abandoning U.S. residence
- Fraud or misrepresentation
These are legal or status-related violations that could cause:
- Green Card denial
- Loss of refugee status
- Deportation in some cases
