Refugee Adjustment of Status in San Diego: Path to Green Card for Refugees
How refugees in San Diego County can become permanent residents
Quick Answer
San Diego County is home to thousands of refugees from Iraq, Syria, and other Middle Eastern countries. If you came to the U.S. as a refugee, you must apply to adjust your status to become a permanent resident within one year of arrival. This guide explains the process for refugees in San Diego.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
San Diego County is home to thousands of refugees from Iraq, Syria, and other Middle Eastern countries. If you came to the U.S. as a refugee, you must apply to adjust your status to become a permanent resident within one year of arrival. This guide explains the process for refugees in San Diego.
What is Refugee Adjustment of Status?
This is a mandatory step - all refugees must go through this process to maintain their legal status and eventually become eligible for U.S. citizenship.
When to Apply for Adjustment
- •You must apply exactly one year after your admission date
- •Your admission date is on your I-94 arrival record
- •There is no fee for refugee adjustment applications
- •Failure to apply can affect your immigration status
Eligibility Requirements
- •Have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year
- •Continue to meet the definition of a refugee (not have returned to your home country)
- •Not be subject to bars to adjustment (certain criminal grounds)
- •Have been admitted as a refugee (have I-94 stamped 'refugee')
- •Not have had your refugee status terminated
Required Documents for San Diego Refugees
- •Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence
- •Copy of your I-94 showing refugee admission
- •Copy of your refugee travel document (if issued)
- •Two passport-style photos
- •Form I-693, Medical Examination (or proof from initial refugee exam)
- •Copy of passport or travel document
- •Evidence of any change of address since arrival
The Medical Examination
• If you had a medical exam overseas within 1 year of filing, you may not need a new exam
• Keep all vaccination records from your initial refugee processing
• The exam includes TB test, vaccination review, and general health check
• Civil surgeons in San Diego are familiar with refugee cases
Processing Times in San Diego
| Step | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt of Application | 2-4 weeks | You'll get a receipt notice |
| Biometrics Appointment | 4-8 weeks | Fingerprinting in San Diego |
| Adjudication | 8-14 months | Case review by USCIS |
| Green Card in Mail | 2-4 weeks after approval | Card mailed to your address |
Including Family Members
• Spouse admitted as refugee derivative
• Children admitted as refugee derivatives
• Each family member files their own I-485
• Family members can file together
• Children who turn 21 may face complications
Common Issues for San Diego Refugees
- •Missing the one-year deadline
- •Traveling outside the U.S. without a refugee travel document
- •Incomplete medical examination
- •Address changes not reported to USCIS
- •Criminal issues that may bar adjustment
- •Lost or missing refugee documentation
After You Get Your Green Card
• You'll receive a green card valid for 10 years
• You can work anywhere without restrictions
• You can travel internationally with your green card
• After 5 years, you can apply for U.S. citizenship
• You can petition for certain family members
San Diego Refugee Resources
- •Arabic and English document preparation
- •Translation services for refugee documents
- •Connections to local refugee organizations
- •Understanding of Middle Eastern refugee cases
- •Help with address changes and mail forwarding
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Is there a fee for refugee adjustment of status?
A: No, there is no filing fee for refugees adjusting status. This is different from most other immigration applications. However, if you need certified translations or other services, there may be costs for those.
Q:What if I missed my one-year deadline?
A: You should still apply as soon as possible. Late applications are generally accepted, but delays can create complications. Contact us immediately if you've passed your one-year date.
Q:Can I travel before I get my green card?
A: You need a refugee travel document before traveling outside the U.S. Do not travel to your home country - this can terminate your refugee status.
Q:Will I have an interview for adjustment?
A: Most refugee adjustment cases do not require an interview. You will have a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting, but typically no interview is needed.
Q:How long until I can become a citizen?
A: You can apply for citizenship 5 years after your green card is approved. The time counts from your admission as a refugee, not from when you get the green card.
Q:My children are now over 21 - can they still adjust?
A: Children who were under 21 when admitted as refugees but turned 21 before adjustment may face issues. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
San Diego Refugee? Get Green Card Help
Our Arabic-speaking team has helped hundreds of refugees in San Diego adjust their status. We understand your journey and can help with this important step.