1. What are the eligibility requirements to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Virginia?

In order to be eligible to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Virginia, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have been granted refugee or asylee status by the United States government;
• Have continuously resided in the United States for at least one year since being admitted as a refugee or asylee;
• Have been physically present in the United States for at least two years since being granted refugee or asylee status;
• Be admissible to the United States as an immigrant; and
• Be able to demonstrate that they are admissible by overcoming any applicable grounds of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law.

2. What refugee and asylee resettlement programs exist in Virginia?

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) administers several refugee and asylee resettlement programs in Virginia, including the Refugee Resettlement Program, Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Program, Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) Program, Asylee Eligibility Program, and the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program. The VDSS also works closely with other federal, state, and local partners to provide employment services, case management, English language classes, and other services to refugees and asylees in Virginia.

3. Are there any special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Virginia?

Yes, there are special considerations for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Virginia. Generally, refugees and asylees may be eligible for a Green Card one year after being admitted to the United States as a refugee or granted asylum. Refugees and asylees generally do not require an immigrant visa, but must file Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status in order to apply for a Green Card. Furthermore, refugees and asylees may be able to adjust status without having to leave the United States. However, certain restrictions may apply and it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney for more information.

4. How does one apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Virginia?

In order to apply for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Virginia, an individual must file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that serves the state of Virginia. As part of the application, the individual must provide evidence of their refugee or asylee status, proof of identity and proof of lawful admission into the U.S. They must also submit biometric information, including fingerprints, and other required documentation. Individuals can find more information about applying for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Virginia on the USCIS website (https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/refugees-and-asylum).

5. How long does it take to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Virginia?

The amount of time it takes to get a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Virginia varies depending on individual circumstances. Generally, once the application is filed, it can take up to 6 months for an Asylee Green Card and up to 1 year for a Refugee Green Card.

6. What are the processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Virginia?

The processing fees associated with getting a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Virginia are the same as those for any other green card application. The current fees for applying for a green card in Virginia are an $85 biometrics fee and a $1,225 filing fee. There may be additional fees associated with the application, such as attorney’s fees, depending on the individual case.

7. Is there an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Virginia?

Yes, there is an interview process for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Virginia. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will schedule an interview with the applicant in order to verify the information provided in the application. During the interview, the officer will ask questions related to the application and eligibility for a Green Card. The officer may also ask questions about the applicant’s background, family, work history, and more. For more information about the interview process, USCIS has provided specific instructions for refugees and asylees seeking a Green Card in Virginia.

8. Are there any restrictions on refugees or asylees seeking Green Cards in Virginia?

Yes, there are restrictions on refugees and asylees seeking Green Cards in Virginia. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), refugees and asylees must meet all of the requirements for lawful permanent resident status before they can apply for a Green Card in Virginia. This includes being admissible to the United States, being able to show documentation that they have been properly admitted for permanent residence, and having permission to work in the United States. In addition, refugees and asylees must be able to demonstrate that they are not a public charge and do not pose a security risk.

9. What language assistance is available for refugees and asylees applying for a Green Card in Virginia?

The Virginia Department of Social Services provides free interpretation services in more than 40 languages. This includes services like phone interpretation and written translations. Refugees and asylees can access these services when applying for a Green Card.

10. What types of evidence can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Virginia?

In Virginia, evidence that can be used to prove eligibility for a Refugee or Asylee Green Card include:
1. A Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
2. A copy of the passport that was used to enter the United States.
3. A copy of the original decision from the Department of Homeland Security granting refugee status or asylum and any documentation supporting the status application.
4. Employment authorization documents (if applicable).
5. Evidence of financial stability (if applicable).
6. A copy of any court orders related to your immigration status.
7. Proof of address in Virginia, such as a lease agreement or utility bills, for the last six months.
8. Documentation of any health or immunization records (if applicable).
9. Documentation of any family members who are also applying for a green card (if applicable).

11. Are there any restrictions on travel for refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Virginia?

Yes, travel restrictions apply to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Virginia. Refugees and asylees must obtain an Advance Parole document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before they can travel outside of the United States. These documents are valid for one year and should be applied for prior to traveling abroad. Additionally, refugees and asylees must maintain their refugee or asylee status in order to keep their Green Card valid.

12. How can refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Virginia adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens?

Refugees and asylees with a Green Card issued in Virginia can adjust their status to become U.S. Citizens by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have had their Green Card for at least five years. Applicants must also have resided in Virginia continuously during those five years, have been physically present in the United States for at least half of that time, and have good moral character. Applicants who meet all requirements must submit their Form N-400 to the USCIS along with a copy of their Green Card, two identical passport-style photos, and the required supporting documentation and filing fee. After filing the Form N-400, applicants will be invited to attend an interview at the local USCIS office and demonstrate their knowledge of English and U.S. civics by passing a test. Once the application is approved, applicants can take part in the naturalization ceremony to officially become U.S. Citizens.

13. Can family members of refugees and asylees obtain Green Cards through the same process in Virginia?

Yes, family members of refugees and asylees can obtain Green Cards through the same process in Virginia. The process involves filing an immigrant petition (Form I-130) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additionally, family members must provide evidence of their relationship with the refugee or asylee, such as marriage or birth certificates. After a successful petition, family members are eligible to adjust their status to permanent residents.

14. Are there any additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Virginia?

Yes, there are additional benefits available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Virginia, including access to certain public benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Medicaid. Additionally, refugees and asylees are eligible for Virginia’s Refugee Cash Assistance program, which provides financial support for basic needs.

15. What are the financial requirements necessary to obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Virginia?

To obtain a Refugee or Asylee Green Card in Virginia, individuals must show their income and assets meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They must also provide proof of financial assets, such as a bank statement, or in some cases, a co-sponsor who can provide proof of financial stability. Additionally, those who are applying for a Green Card as a refugee must pay a one-time fee of $985, while those applying as an asylee may have to pay a fee up to $1,140.

16. Are refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Virginia eligible to work in the U.S.?

Yes, refugees and asylees with green cards issued in Virginia are eligible to work in the U.S.

17. Are refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Virginia eligible to access public benefits and services?

Yes, refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Virginia are eligible to access public benefits and services.

18. Are there any special considerations for unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Virginia?

Yes, unaccompanied minors seeking Refugee or Asylee Green Cards in Virginia must receive approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order for their application to be considered. USCIS has special rules and regulations in place for evaluating applications from unaccompanied minors. For example, guardianship requirements must be taken into consideration when evaluating an application from an unaccompanied minor. The application process may also be expedited in certain circumstances.

19. Is there any additional support available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Virginia?

Yes, there is additional support available to refugees and asylees with Green Cards issued in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) provides many resources, including case management, employment services, education, and health services. They also provide cash and medical assistance for eligible refugees and asylees. The Virginia Refugee Resettlement Program (VRRP) at VDSS also helps connect refugees and asylees with resources in their new communities.

20. Are there any resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Virginia?

Yes, there are a number of resources available to help refugees and asylees apply for a Green Card in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Refugee and Entrant Assistance Program provides free assistance to refugees and asylees that need help with their immigration paperwork. Additionally, many organizations throughout the state, such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC), specialize in offering free legal assistance to refugees and asylees. The IRC has offices in both Richmond and Northern Virginia. Additionally, many pro-bono lawyers are available to assist with filing applications for Green Cards. Finally, there are various online resources that offer step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a Green Card in Virginia.