Iraqi Asylee Adjustment of Status in Lancaster: Path to Green Card After Asylum
Guide for Iraqi asylees in the Antelope Valley to become permanent residents
Quick Answer
For Iraqi asylees living in Lancaster and the Antelope Valley who received asylum and want to become permanent residents, adjustment of status is available one year after asylum approval. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking guidance throughout this important process.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For Iraqi asylees living in Lancaster and the Antelope Valley who received asylum and want to become permanent residents, adjustment of status is available one year after asylum approval. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking guidance throughout this important process.
What is Asylee Adjustment of Status?
Key Points:
• Available exactly 1 year after asylum grant date
• Both affirmative and defensive asylees qualify
• Your spouse and children included in asylum can also adjust
• No immigrant visa petition (I-130) required
• Filing fee is waived for asylees
Eligibility Requirements
- •Have been granted asylum at least 1 year ago
- •Be physically present in the United States
- •Continue to meet the definition of asylee (or qualify for an exception)
- •Have not firmly resettled in another country
- •Be admissible for permanent residence (or obtain a waiver)
- •Not have committed certain criminal offenses
One-Year Anniversary Date
• Affirmative asylum: Date on your asylum approval letter
• Defensive asylum: Date of Immigration Judge's order granting asylum
• Derivative asylees: Same date as principal asylee
You CAN file on the one-year anniversary. You don't need to wait longer, though there's no deadline.
Form I-485 for Asylees
| Feature | Asylee Adjustment | Other Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | I-485 | I-485 |
| Filing Fee | Waived | Required ($1,225) |
| I-130 Petition | Not required | Required |
| Priority Date | Not applicable | Usually required |
| Processing | USCIS | USCIS |
Required Documents
- •Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence
- •Copy of asylum approval letter or court order
- •Copy of I-94 showing asylee status (if available)
- •Birth certificate with English translation
- •Two passport-style photos
- •Medical exam (Form I-693) - required, not waived
- •Evidence you've been in US for 1+ year since asylum
- •Any prior immigration documents
- •Police clearances for countries lived in 6+ months (if applicable)
The Medical Examination
• Must be completed by USCIS-designated civil surgeon
• Includes vaccination requirements
• Some vaccinations may be waived for religious/medical reasons
• Valid for 2 years from exam date
• Lancaster residents can find civil surgeons in Palmdale or Los Angeles area
Complete the medical exam before filing or soon after.
Derivative Asylees (Family Members)
• File separate I-485 for each family member
• Filing fees are waived for derivatives too
• Each person needs their own medical exam
• Children who turn 21 may still qualify if under 21 when asylum was granted
• Spouse must still be married to you
Family members who joined you after asylum must apply separately.
Iraqi Asylum Cases: Special Considerations
• Religious persecution (Christians, Yazidis, Mandaeans)
• Political opinion or activity
• Membership in particular social groups
• Work with U.S. military or government
For adjustment, you must continue to qualify as an asylee. If country conditions have changed significantly, you may need to show you still meet the definition OR that you qualify under an exception.
Bars to Adjustment and Waivers
- •Criminal convictions (especially aggravated felonies)
- •Fraud or misrepresentation in immigration applications
- •Security-related grounds
- •Health-related grounds (usually waivable)
- •Prior immigration violations
- •Unlawful presence (not counted against asylees in valid status)
Processing Time and What to Expect
| Step | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File I-485 | After 1 year | Mail to appropriate USCIS lockbox |
| Receipt Notice | 2-4 weeks | I-797C receipt |
| Biometrics | 4-8 weeks after receipt | Local ASC (Lancaster or Los Angeles) |
| Interview | May or may not be scheduled | Many asylee cases don't require interview |
| Decision | 12-24 months total | Current processing times vary |
| Green Card | 2-4 weeks after approval | Mailed to your address |
Travel While Adjustment is Pending
• Use Refugee Travel Document (RTD) to travel and return
• Apply for RTD using Form I-131 (no fee for asylees)
• DO NOT travel to Iraq or country of persecution
• Returning to Iraq could be seen as abandoning asylum
• Keep RTD valid throughout adjustment process
Lancaster Asylee Adjustment Services
- •Calculating one-year eligibility date
- •Preparing I-485 application package
- •Arabic to English translation of documents
- •Coordinating medical examination
- •Derivative family member applications
- •Travel document applications
- •Responding to USCIS requests for evidence
- •Interview preparation if scheduled
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Is there a filing fee for asylee adjustment?
A: No! The I-485 filing fee is waived for asylees and derivative asylees. You don't need to pay the $1,225 fee that other applicants pay. However, you still need to pay for the required medical exam.
Q:Can I travel to Iraq while my adjustment is pending?
A: Traveling to your country of persecution (Iraq) could be seen as abandoning your asylum. This could result in denial of adjustment and loss of asylee status. Do NOT travel to Iraq.
Q:What if conditions in Iraq have improved?
A: Changed country conditions can affect your case. However, you may qualify under an exception if you have a compelling reason from past persecution or there's a reasonable possibility of other persecution.
Q:My child turned 21. Can they still adjust as a derivative?
A: If your child was under 21 when asylum was granted, they may still be protected under CSPA (Child Status Protection Act). Calculate carefully and consult with us.
Q:How long does asylee adjustment take in Lancaster?
A: Currently, asylee adjustment takes approximately 12-24 months from filing to approval. Many asylee cases do not require an interview, which can speed processing.
Q:Do I need a sponsor or job offer?
A: No. Unlike employment or some family-based green cards, asylee adjustment doesn't require a sponsor, job offer, or Affidavit of Support.
Ready to Adjust Status in Lancaster?
If you received asylum one year ago or more, you're eligible to become a permanent resident. Our Arabic-speaking team can help you navigate the process.
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