Refugees must apply for a green card 1 year after arrival. File Form I-485. For refugees there is no filing fee. Once approved, your green card date goes back to the day you arrived.
Asylees may apply 1 year after asylum was granted. Fees apply. Your green card date goes back one year before approval.
Your resettlement agency or a legal service can help you file. Do it on time: your later citizenship clock starts from the green card date.
Since late 2025, USCIS has held or slowed many refugee green card cases, especially for refugees admitted from 2021 to 2025, and is reviewing some cases again. This is being challenged in court. If your case seems stuck, or you get a request for a new interview, contact your resettlement agency or a legal service right away.
Bringing your spouse and children: I-730
If your spouse or unmarried children under 21 did not come with you, you can ask for them to join you.
File Form I-730, one for each family member. There is no fee.
File within 2 years of your arrival as a refugee or your asylum grant. USCIS can accept it later only for strong humanitarian reasons.
The family relationship must have existed when you were admitted or granted asylum. A marriage after that does not qualify for I-730.
Send proof: marriage and birth certificates, with full translations, and photos.
Most refugees flew to the US with a travel loan arranged by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). You signed a promissory note (a promise to pay).
Repayment usually starts about 6 months after arrival, in monthly payments.
If you cannot pay, contact IOM or your agency. They can often lower the payment or change the plan.
Use a refugee travel document, not your home passport, and do not visit the country you fled without legal advice. See Refugees and asylees: proof of work and travel.
Missing the 2-year I-730 deadline.
Forgetting the green card step because "I already have status".
Ignoring loan letters. Talk to IOM instead.