Syrian Refugee Green Card in Encinitas: Adjustment of Status After One Year
How Syrian refugees can become permanent residents in the United States
Quick Answer
Syrian refugees who have been in the U.S. for at least one year must adjust status to become permanent residents. This process is required by law and leads to a green card and eventually citizenship.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For Syrian refugees in Encinitas who arrived through the refugee resettlement program, adjusting to permanent resident status is the next step in your American journey. SoCal Immigration Services helps Syrian families navigate this process with Arabic-speaking support.
Refugee Adjustment of Status Overview
• Must apply after one year in the U.S.
• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence
• No filing fee for refugees
• Green card is backdated to your entry date
• Essential step toward citizenship
When to Apply
| Timeframe | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | Eligible to apply | Count from U.S. entry date |
| Within 1 year | Too early | Application will be rejected |
| As soon as eligible | Recommended | Don't delay unnecessarily |
| After several years | Still eligible | But delays cause problems |
| Before citizenship | Must complete | Required for naturalization |
Documents Needed
- •Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence
- •Copy of I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- •Copy of refugee travel document or I-571
- •Passport-style photos (2)
- •Form I-693, Medical Examination (sometimes waived if done at entry)
- •Evidence of refugee admission (I-94, I-590 approval)
- •Any court records if applicable
No Filing Fee for Refugees
• Form I-485 filing fee is waived for refugees
• Biometrics fee is also waived
• Medical exam may have costs
• No fee waiver form needed - automatic
• Make sure to mark 'refugee' category
The Medical Exam
- 1Find Civil Surgeon
Locate USCIS-designated civil surgeon
- 2Bring Vaccination Records
Records from Syria or U.S. vaccinations
- 3Complete Form I-693
Doctor fills out sealed medical form
- 4Possible Waiver
If medical done at refugee entry, may not need new one
- 5Submit with I-485
Include sealed I-693 with application
Special Considerations for Syrians
• Name transliteration differences (Arabic to English)
• Missing documents due to Syrian conflict
• Family members who entered at different times
• Travel back to Syria (strongly discouraged)
• Criminal history issues if any
Travel During the Process
• Refugee travel document allows re-entry
• Do NOT travel to Syria - may lose refugee status
• Keep travel document current
• Get advance parole if needed
• Consult before any international travel
After Green Card Approval
• Green card issued (dated back to U.S. entry)
• Lawful permanent resident status
• Can sponsor certain family members
• Can travel internationally (with green card)
• Path to citizenship in 5 years
Processing Time
• Generally 8-14 months
• Varies by USCIS service center
• No interview usually required
• Check USCIS processing times online
• Can inquire if outside normal times
Family Members
• Each family member files separate I-485
• Children under 21 remain eligible even if age out
• Spouse included in original refugee admission
• Derivative beneficiaries must also adjust
• I-730 family members have own timeline
Path to Citizenship
• Eligible for citizenship after 5 years as resident
• Refugee entry date counts toward residency
• Study English and civics
• Maintain good moral character
• File N-400 when eligible
Encinitas Syrian Refugee Services
- •I-485 refugee adjustment application
- •Medical exam coordination
- •Document preparation and organization
- •Family member adjustment filing
- •Citizenship application when eligible
- •Arabic-speaking staff and support
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Is adjustment of status mandatory for refugees?
A: Yes. Refugees are required by law to apply for adjustment of status after one year. It's not optional - it's a legal obligation and necessary step toward citizenship.
Q:Can I travel to Syria after getting green card?
A: Travel to Syria is extremely risky. Even with a green card, returning to the country you fled could be seen as abandoning your need for protection and could affect your status.
Q:What if my Syrian documents are lost?
A: Many Syrian refugees have lost documents. You can use secondary evidence like affidavits, and USCIS understands the situation in Syria. Explain document unavailability.
Q:How long does it take to get citizenship after green card?
A: You can apply for citizenship 5 years after your refugee entry date (not green card date). Your green card is backdated to your entry, so the 5 years starts from when you arrived.
Q:Can I bring family from Syria after I adjust?
A: Green card holders can petition for spouses and unmarried children. The wait times are currently long. Consider filing as soon as you have green card if you have qualifying relatives.
Q:What if I have a minor criminal issue?
A: Some minor offenses may not affect adjustment, but criminal history can be complex. Disclose everything and consult a professional if you have any criminal record, even minor.
Ready to Apply for Your Green Card?
Our Arabic-speaking team helps Syrian refugees in Encinitas complete their adjustment of status and continue their American journey.
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