Benefits and Responsibilities of Asylees After Being Granted Asylum in the United States

Working in the United States

If you are granted asylum, you are authorized to work in the United States whether or not you have an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766/EAD). If you do not receive an EAD after being granted asylum, contact the asylum office that granted your case. You may use the EAD to present to an employer as a List A document on Form I-9. You are also eligible to use employment services from One-Stop Career Centers, including job search assistance, career counseling, and occupational skills training (call 1-877-872-5627).

Obtaining a Social Security Card

You may immediately apply for an unrestricted Social Security card at a Social Security office once you have asylee status. For more information, visit the Social Security Administration website.

Asylum for Family Members

You may request derivative asylum status for your spouse and children who were listed on your asylum application. For more information, see the Family of Refugees and Asylees page.

Applying for a Green Card

After one year in the United States, you may apply for permanent residence (a Green Card) by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for yourself and each qualifying family member who wants to become a permanent resident. For full eligibility requirements and documentation, see the Green Card for Asylees page.

Services and Assistance

You may be eligible to receive help from an organization in your area funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Services may include financial assistance, medical assistance, employment preparation and job placement, and English language training. Many programs are available for a limited time period after your asylum grant. For more information: call 1-800-354-0365 or visit the Office of Refugee Resettlement website.

Travel Outside the United States

Asylees are subject to special rules for travel. If you plan to leave the United States, you must obtain a Refugee Travel Document (Form I-131) before departing. Traveling to your home country can jeopardize your asylee status. For more information, see the Travel Documents page.

Change of Address

You must inform USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving. You may do this by:

• Updating your address through your USCIS Online Account;
• Visiting the How To Change Your Address page; or
• Filing Form AR-11, Alien's Change of Address Card.

Selective Service Registration

All male asylees between the ages of 18 and 26 must register for the Selective Service. Failure to register may negatively affect your ability to become a US citizen or obtain other benefits in the United States. For registration information, see the Selective Service System website.