Adjustment Of Status For Refugees And Asylees: A Step-by-Step Guide

​The Adjustment of Status (AOS) process is crucial for those living in the US with a non-immigrant status and seeking permanent residency or green card. Only eligible noncitizens, including refugees and asylees, can obtain this benefit without having to leave the country. 

The process is particularly more important for refugees and asylees in Oregon as it offers a chance at security and being part of American society. However, the complex procedure is not for the faint-hearted. It includes tons of paperwork, forms, deadlines, and much more. 

This blog will discuss the various steps involved in the AOS process. The steps will be detailed and easy to understand; however, it is recommended to hire a Beaverton Green Card Lawyer to avoid any pitfalls. 

Eligibility criteria 

The adjustment of status process is an important process for refugees and asylees and, therefore has a complex procedure. There are different criteria for refugees and asylees.

Requirements for refugees 

There are several requirements for refugees. First of all, they must have been living in the USA for at least one year since their admission to the country as a refugee. Secondly, their refugee admission must be continued and not terminated. They also must not have acquired a permanent resident status already.

There are also various documents that refugees need to submit, including Form I-485, a copy of Form I-94 showing the grant of refugee status, and medical examination results. 

Requirements for asylees 

Asylees also have distinct eligibility criteria for adjusting their status. They must show that they were present in the US for at least one year following their grant of asylum in the country. Additionally, they must have retained their status as an asylee and not have settled in any other country. 

You must also be able to show that you are allowed to enter the United States legally and that you follow all immigration laws. If there are any reasons you might not be allowed, you must get special permission to stay.

Coming to the documentation, asylees must have submitted Form I-485 as well as proof of their granted asylum status, evidence of physical presence in the U.S. for one year, and two passport-style photographs. Other than that, they may also require a government-issued ID and medical examination results. 

Steps to complete Form I-485

Here are the step-by-step instructions to complete form I-485:

1. Before starting the application process, make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for adjustment of status. 
2. Gather all the forms for your application. Depending on your status, you may require additional forms, such as the I-130 petition, I-130A supplement, I-864 affidavit of support, etc. 
3. Fill out Form I-485 using either an online service or by printing the PDF version. The form will require your personal details, immigration history, and qualifying immigrant category. 
4. The next step is submitting the fee. As of 2024, the fee for filing form I-485 is $1,440. You can pay through a personal check, money order, cashier’s check, or with a credit card using Form G-1450. 
5. Assemble your application package in one place and mail it to the correct address if you are not doing it online. Also, the USCIS does not accept in-person applications, so you must mail them. The correct mailing address can vary depending on your status. Check the guidelines on the website or talk to an attorney. 
6. Wait for the process and attend to the requests, if any. 
7. Once your application gets accepted, you will have to attend a biometrics appointment where you will be required to provide your fingerprints and photographs. 
8. Finally, an interview will be scheduled. Make sure to prepare for it well in advance. 

Convert your status today!

Any procedures, form submissions, or legal work that comes with immigration can be daunting. If you are confused about your adjustment of status, hire an immigration attorney in Beaverton today!

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