Timeline & References
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TIMELINE, SPECIAL SITUATIONS, FORMS & REFERENCES
Typical Timeline (Example: Refugee admitted 1 July 2025)
Date | Milestone | Notes |
1 Jul 2025 | Admitted as Refugee | Employment authorised; may apply SSN immediately |
1 Jul 2026 | Becomes eligible/required to file I‑485 | Must have 1 year physical presence; file within any reasonable time (USCIS policy now encourages prompt filing) |
15 Mar 2027 | Green Card approved (example) | LPR resident since 1 Jul 2025 (back‑dated) |
1 Apr 2029 | Eligible to file N‑400 (90 days before 5‑year mark of 1 Jul 2025) | |
Late 2029 | Oath ceremony | Full citizenship, voting rights, U.S. passport |
Special Situations & Risk Factors
- Criminal convictions – Aggravated felonies, certain drug offences, and crimes involving moral turpitude may end refugee protection, trigger deportation, or bar naturalisation.
- Extended travel – Absences over six months can disrupt naturalisation eligibility; absences over twelve months without a Re‑entry Permit risk abandonment of LPR status.
- Humanitarian waivers – INA section 209(c) may forgive some inadmissibility grounds when refugees adjust to LPR; Form N‑470 can preserve residence for certain overseas employment; military service during hostilities can grant expedited citizenship (INA sectionsection 329, 329A).
Key Forms Reference
Stage | Form | Current USCIS Fee (Jun 2025) |
Optional EAD (Refugee) | I‑765 | US $0 |
Refugee Travel Document | I‑131 | US $135 (fingerprints excluded) |
Green Card (Refugee to LPR) | I‑485 | US $0 |
Green Card Replacement/Renewal | I‑90 | US $455 (biometrics US $85) |
Naturalisation | N‑400 | US $760 (biometrics included) |
Source Material
- USCIS – Green Card for Refugees (updated Mar 2025). https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-refugees
- USCIS – Rights and Responsibilities of a Green Card Holder (2024). https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/rights-and-responsibilities-of-a-green-card-holder-permanent-resident
- USCIS – I am a Lawful Permanent Resident of 5 Years (Feb 2025). https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization/i-am-a-lawful-permanent-resident-of-5-years
- USCIS – Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities (2025). https://my.uscis.gov/citizenship/information
- USCIS Policy Manual Vol 12 Pt D Ch 2; Refugee/Asylee LPR dates (2023). https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-d-chapter-2
- USCIS – Voter Registration and SAVE Programme Fact Sheet (May 2025). https://www.uscis.gov/save/current-user-agencies/guidance/voter-registration-and-voter-list-maintenance-fact-sheet
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