According to USCIS, refugees do not need to pay the Form I-485 filing fee to get a Green Card in the United States. What is more, they will not have to pay the fee for the biometric services.
Bear in mind that the cost of these fees is really high for people who have a low income or who come from countries where the cost of living is not so high. Thus, it would be a great relief if you qualify for a waiver as a refugee.
When can refugees apply for a Green Card in the United States?
According to the United States immigration law, it will be necessary for refugees to submit an application for lawful permanent resident status once they have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 12 months.
So, if you have been living for a year as a refugee in the United States, you could start the application process to get a Green Card. This process is known as Adjustment of Status.
Bear in mind that there are some requirements you must meet. So it is important to check eligibility for Adjustment of Status for refugees who want to get a Green Card in the United States.
Requirements for refugees to get a Green Card
Check the 7 essential requirements to get a Green Card in 2025:
- First of all, you must file Form I-485 properly.
- Secondly, you must have been admitted into the United States of America as a refugee under section 207 of the INA.
- Third, you must be physically present in the USA the moment you file Form I-485.
- The 4th requirement has been mentioned before, you must have been living in the U.S. for at least 1 year. (after your admission as a refugee)
- Besides, your refugee status cannot have been terminated
- It will be possible for you to file for a Green Card if you have not yet acquired permanent resident status
- Last but not least, “You are admissible to the United States for lawful permanent residence or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief.”