What Happens After My Asylum Is Approved? A Guide to Life as an Asylee in the United States

When the U.S. government grants your asylum application, it’s a major victory – and the start of an entirely new chapter. Many newly approved asylees ask the same question: “What happens after my asylum is approved?”

1. You Are Immediately Authorized to Work in the United States. Once asylum is approved, you are automatically eligible to work without restrictions under U.S. immigration law.
No waiting period. No additional approval required.

Most asylees still apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) because it serves as an official photo ID. This is done using Form I-765.

2. Apply for Your Social Security Number (If You Don’t Already Have One). After asylum approval, you are eligible for an unrestricted Social Security card. Bring your asylum approval notice and I-94 to your local Social Security office.

A Social Security number is essential for:

• Employment
• Taxes
• Banking
• Health insurance
• Driver’s licenses

3. Petition to Bring Your Family to the United States (Form I-730). If your spouse or unmarried children under 21 were not included in your asylum case, you may request derivative asylum status for them. This is done by filing a Form I-730 – Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. Note, however, that you must file within 2 years of your asylum approval (extensions possible only for humanitarian reasons).

4. You May Qualify for Refugee and Asylee Benefits. Depending on your situation and your state, you may access programs offered through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), including:

• Medical assistance
• Cash assistance
• English classes
• Employment and job training programs
• Support for children and families

These services can help you stabilize your life during your first years in the U.S.

5. Apply for a Green Card One Year After Asylum Approval. Asylees are eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence (green card) after one year of physical presence in the United States after being granted asylum. You apply for permanent residence by filing Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

The benefits of getting a green card include:

• Pathway to U.S. citizenship
• Ability to travel more freely
• Protection from losing asylum status
• Access to additional benefits

6. Do NOT Travel Without a Refugee Travel Document. If you want to travel outside the United States, you must first apply for a Refugee Travel Document using Form I-131. As an Asylee, you should NOT travel using a passport from the country from which you claimed persecution and you should NOT return to that country (UNLESS or until they are Naturalized U.S. Citizen). Doing so may result in termination or revocation of asylum.

7. Update USCIS if You Move. As an asylee, you must report any change of address within 10 days using Form AR-11 (online). This is required by federal law.

Your Next Steps: How an Immigration Attorney Can Help. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you:

• Apply for your green card
• File family reunification petitions
• Prepare your Refugee Travel Document
• Apply for EAD and Social Security
• Understand your legal rights as an asylee
• Avoid mistakes that can impact your status

If you have recently been granted asylum or have questions about your next steps, our office is here to help you secure your future in the United States.