If you were admitted to the United States as a refugee you can file for your green card one (1) year after that admission.
If you were granted Political Asylum by either USCIS or an Immigration Judge you can file for your green card one (1) year after that grant.
In many cases, your immediate family members ( such as your spouse and children) can also file for their green cards at the same time.
You may also qualify for a green card if you have been granted a form of relief in Immigration Court known as Cancellation of Removal. Briefly, if Immigration is seeking to have your removed and deported and you can prove to the Immigration Judge that:
- You have been physically present in the United States continuously for at least ten years;
- You have shown good moral character for ten years;
- You have not been convicted of certain crimes
- That deporting you would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to your lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen spouse, child, or parent.
Not only can the Judge enter an order canceling your removal but afterward you can apply for your green card.
You can read our entire series, "Who Gets A Green Card?" below:
Who Gets A Green Card? : Through a Job or Job Offer
Who Gets a Green Card?: Special Immigrants
Who Gets A Green Card? : People Granted Political Asylum and Refugees
Who Gets a Green Card?: Trafficking and Crime Victims
Who Gets A Green Card?: Victims of Abuse
Who Gets A Green Card?: Those Residing Here Since 1972
Who Gets A Green Card?: Various Other Categories