News & Insights

1. Receive and Secure Your I-94 and Grant Letter

• What Is It?
  • When you are granted asylum, you should receive an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record indicating your asylum status and an official grant letter.
• Why Is It Important?
  • These documents prove your status and are essential for many future processes.
• What to Do:
  • Make multiple copies of your I-94 and grant letter for your records.
  • Keep the originals in a safe place.

2. Apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

• Eligibility:
  • As an asylee, you are automatically authorized to work, but an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) can serve as proof of work authorization.
• Steps:
  • File Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) under category (a)(5).
  • This application is typically free for asylees.
• Tip:
  • If you already have an EAD from a previous pending application, you can update it to reflect your granted status.

3. Obtain a Social Security Number (SSN)

• Why Is It Needed?
  • Your SSN is essential for employment, financial transactions, and accessing benefits.
• Steps:
  • Visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office with your I-94, asylum grant letter, and identification.
  • Request a Social Security card as an asylee.

4. Access Benefits and Services

• Benefits:
  • As an asylee, you may be eligible for certain benefits, such as:
    • Medicaid
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    • Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
    • Job Placement Assistance
• What to Do:
  • Contact a local refugee resettlement agency for guidance on available programs.
  • Visit https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr for details.

5. File for Adjustment of Status (Green Card)

• Timeline:
  • You can apply for a green card (permanent residency) one year after being granted asylum.
• Steps:
  • File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).
  • Provide evidence of your asylum status and meet the requirements outlined by USCIS.
• Benefits:
  • A green card secures your long-term residence and allows you to eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.

6. Prepare for Family Reunification

• Eligibility:
  • You can petition to bring certain family members to the U.S.
• Steps:
  • File Form I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition) for your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
  • File within two years of being granted asylum unless there are exceptional circumstances.

7. Maintain Your Asylum Status

• Avoid travel to your home country if you fear persecution there, as this could jeopardize your asylum status.
• Use a Refugee Travel Document (Form I-131) if you need to travel outside the U.S.

8. Begin the Path to Citizenship

• Eligibility:
  • Asylees can apply for U.S. citizenship four years after receiving their green card.
• Steps:
  • Ensure continuous residency.
  • File Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).
  • Prepare for the citizenship interview and test.