{"id":352740,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:46","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/asylum-refugee\/seeking-lawful-permanent-resident-lpr-status.html"},"modified":"2026-06-08T13:03:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T18:03:44","slug":"seeking-lawful-permanent-resident-lpr-status","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/asylum-refugee\/seeking-lawful-permanent-resident-lpr-status.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Get a Green Card as a Refugee or Asylee"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Get a Green Card as a Refugee or Asylee<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Asylees<\/span> and refugees may apply for a green card<\/span> after one year in the United States, as long as they continue to meet the legal definition of a refugee and are admissible for permanent residence. Becoming a lawful permanent resident<\/span> offers important benefits, including greater protection from deportation, expanded work and travel opportunities, and a future path to U.S. citizenship<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Asylum seekers have gone through challenging times,\u00a0being forced to be outside of their home country<\/span> and unable to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, among others.<\/p>\n

This article explains how to obtain lawful <\/span>permanent resident<\/span> status<\/span> (also called a green card<\/span>) as an asylee<\/span> in the U.S. Learn the steps of the process, which forms you\u2019ll need to complete, required documentation, and more. You can also contact an immigration lawyer<\/span><\/a> for legal help with this process. An experienced attorney can prevent mistakes and guide you through each step with fewer delays.<\/p>\n

Asylee<\/span> or Refugee: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n

Note that refugees are individuals outside of their country of nationality. They are unwilling or unable to go back because of the fear of persecution. While both asylees<\/span> and refugees meet the same fundamental criteria of fearing persecution, the distinction lies in their location. Asylees<\/span> are individuals already in the U.S. or seeking admission at its port of entry.<\/p>\n

Where Do I Go First as a Refugee?<\/h2>\n

Upon arriving in the United States as a refugee, the\u00a0local resettlement agency\u00a0is the first place you should turn to for help. A participating agency from the Reception and Placement Program<\/a> could sponsor you to receive approval for refugee status<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This agency from the U.S. Department of State will ensure you are resettled with one of its local branches. It will offer you initial services such as food, clothing, housing, orientation, and guidance to necessary medical, social, and employment services for your first 30 to 90 days in the United States.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n Green Card Update: USCIS Issues Stricter Guidance on Adjustment of Status\n <\/h2>\n
\n\n U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced<\/a> that for those currently on temporary visas (H-1B, student, tourist, etc.) adjustment of status within the United States will only be granted in extraordinary circumstances.<\/strong> This means most people must return to their home country to apply for a green card before re-entering as a lawful permanent resident. \n

\n Seek legal help from an immigration attorney<\/a> who can help you understand your options before starting the process.\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Eligibility<\/span> Requirements<\/span><\/h2>\n

U.S. immigration laws<\/span><\/a>\u00a0require asylees<\/span> to reside in the country for at least one year before changing their\u00a0immigration\u00a0status<\/span> to LPR. This process is overseen by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS<\/span>) through the U.S. Citizenship<\/span> and Immigration Services<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you are an asylee<\/span> who wants to adjust your status to a lawful permanent resident<\/span>, you should meet the four requirements:<\/p>\n