Quick Answer
The timeline for an asylee to get a green card varies, but the process usually takes around 1-2 years from the date asylum was granted. The first step is applying for adjustment of status to permanent resident after having asylum status for 1 year. Adjustment of status processing times can range from 6-12 months or longer. Once adjustment is approved, the physical green card is typically received within 2-3 weeks. So the full timeline from asylum grant to green card in hand is generally around 12-24 months.
Adjustment of Status Timeline
After being granted asylum, asylees are authorized to remain in the U.S. and may apply to adjust status to lawful permanent resident after 1 year. The adjustment of status application includes Form I-485, biometrics screening, and an interview.
Current processing times for I-485 applications range from around 6 to 15.5 months, according to USCIS. However, some applications may take longer depending on individual circumstances. The National Benefits Center, which handles most adjustment applications, is currently processing cases received in June 2021.
So the I-485 processing time frame could be anywhere from 6 months on the low end up to around 1.5 years on the high end. The timeline can vary widely by USCIS service center and processing backlogs.
After the I-485 application is approved, the physical green card should arrive within 2-3 weeks.
Full Green Card Timeline
Here is an overview of the typical complete timeline from asylum approval to receipt of permanent resident card:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Asylum approval date | Day 1 |
| Wait 1 year after asylum grant | 365 days |
| File I-485 application | Day 366 |
| I-485 processing | 6-15 months |
| I-485 approval | 12-24 months from asylum grant |
| Receive green card | Within 2-3 weeks of I-485 approval |
As shown in the table, the full process takes around 1-2 years from the date asylum was approved. The I-485 application cannot be filed until 1 year after asylum was granted. Once filed, I-485 processing times add at least another 6 months and may take over 1 year.
After adjustment of status is approved, the green card is produced and mailed out quickly within 2-3 weeks.
So the entire timeline from asylum approval to green card in hand is generally 12-24 months.
Factors That Can Lengthen or Shorten Timeline
Some factors that can impact the green card timeline for asylees include:
– Backlogs and delays at the USCIS Service Center processing the case – Processing times can vary widely by center.
– Request for Evidence (RFE) – An RFE can add 3 months or more.
– Interview scheduling delays – Wait times for interviews vary.
– Complications proving lawful status, clearance requirements, etc.
– Application errors that need correcting – Can add months to the process.
– Hiring an experienced immigration attorney – Legal help can speed the process.
– Individual circumstances of the case – Less complex cases may move faster.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused significant USCIS processing delays since 2020, slowing down timelines across all immigration applications.
Hiring a qualified immigration attorney can help expedite the process by avoiding mistakes and RFEs, while checking case status and following up with USCIS to push the case forward. Simple, clean cases without issues are more likely to be processed faster.
But factors outside the applicant’s control like USCIS backlogs can still cause delays even with legal help, so the 12-24 month timeline serves as a general guide.
Asylum Application Timeline
Before even getting to the green card stage, asylum seekers must first get asylum status approved.
The asylum application process typically takes 6 months to 2+ years, according to asylumadvocacy.org. Steps include:
– Complete Form I-589 application
– Attend asylum interview
– Await decision from asylum office
– If approved, receive approval letter
– If referred to judge, attend immigration court hearing
– If approved by judge, receive approval order
So the asylum application must be approved first, which itself often takes over 1 year, before the asylee can apply for a green card.
Asylee Benefits After Approval
Once granted asylum, an asylee is authorized to live and work permanently in the United States and is eligible for certain benefits:
– Can apply for Social Security Number
– Eligible for employment authorization document (work permit)
– May be eligible for certain government assistance programs
– Ability to apply for green card after 1 year
– Can include spouse and unmarried children under 21 in asylum application
– Derivative family members also receive asylum approval
So while waiting to complete the green card process, approved asylees have many of the same rights and benefits as permanent residents. The main difference is that asylum status does not allow you to travel internationally, while a green card allows re-entry into the U.S.
Conclusion
The timeline for asylees to obtain permanent resident status ranges from 1-2 years in most cases.
The steps include waiting 1 year after getting asylum, filing adjustment of status, waiting 6-15 months for I-485 processing, then receiving the physical green card around 2-3 weeks after approval.
Total time from asylum grant date to having a green card in hand is typically 12-24 months. However, individual factors like processing delays and application issues can lengthen the process. Hiring an immigration attorney can help speed up the green card timeline by avoiding complications.
The asylum application itself often takes over 1 year to get approved initially. But once granted asylum, the asylee can live and work in the U.S. while waiting to complete the green card process.