Steps for Immigrants:
- Visit the (2) Green Card Eligibility webpage to learn if you are eligible
- Visit the (2) Green Card Based Forms page for details on which forms you will need to complete and submit in order to apply for permanent residence status
- Follow form instructions to submit application for your green card. Make sure to follow all for the instructions or USCIS might not be able to process your application
- After getting a green card, fill out the (5) Form N-400 to apply as a naturalized citizen.
- If you are approved, start to study for the naturalization test.
- During the Naturalization Test, you will be asked 10 out of possible 100 questions and you need to get 6 0f 10 rights to become a Naturalized Citizen
Steps for Refugees:
- The first link is the (1) handbook for requirements seeking refuge and talks in details of what you might need to apply
- You first need to see if meet the definition of a refugee according to the USCIS (someone who is outside of his or her homeland, and has been persecuted in his or her homeland or has a well-founded fear of persecution there on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion)
- You must be referred by the The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or the U.S. Embassy, or you must be a member of a specified group with special characteristics in certain countries.
- You must not be firmly resettled in another country. This is defined by whether or not you have been offered resident status or citizenship in that country.
- You must not be an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen or a special immigrant. In this case, you need to apply for an immigrant visa instead.
- You must be living outside of the United States. If you are already in the U.S., you may be eligible to apply for asylum.
- If you meet all the criteria above, Contact the UNHCR or an international non-profit volunteer agency. If you are unable to reach either of these, you can contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. Someone from one of these organizations will talk to you about your situation and determine whether you meet eligibility requirements to apply to be a refugee in the United States.
- Next, you will be asked to complete a packet of forms. When completed, the USCIS will evaluate these forms and interview you to decide whether you qualify for refugee status in the United States. There is no application fee for refugee status.
- If your refugee status in the United States is approved, your immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) will be granted refugee status derived from your status. If they are not with you at the time of your interview, they will need to file a Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, Form I-730