Attorney Gregory P. Sheehan may be able to help you earn your refugee status and also help you upgrade your refugee status to Permanent Resident Status.
What is a refugee?
In general terms, a refugee is an individual who is outside of their home country who can demonstrate that because of their race, nationality, political opinion or social affiliation they may be subject to persecution if they return.
What is the procedure to come to the United States as a refugee?
- Step 1.
You must receive a referral to the US Refugee Admissions Program for consideration as a refugee.
- Step 2.
You will apply for status and be interviewed abroad by a USCIS officer.
You may include your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age, and sometimes even other family members.
- Step 3.
When you are approved as a refugee, you will receive a medical exam, a cultural orientation, help with your travel plans, and a loan for your travel to the United States. After you arrive, you will be eligible for medical and cash assistance.
What can I do after I arrive in the US?
Within 2 years of your arrival you can file for your spouse and unmarried children under 21 to join you.
You can work in the United States as soon as you arrive in the US. You will use your I-94 until you receive formal permission to do so (EAD).
Applying for a Green Card
You have one year to apply for a green card after arriving in the US, with no US fee except for the biometric fees.
Traveling – plan ahead
If you want to travel under refugee status, you will need advance permission to return to the US.
