Asylee Adjustment of Status Overview

Individuals granted asylum in the United States are eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card) one year after being granted asylum. This is done by filing Form I-485 with USCIS. There is no annual cap on asylee adjustment of status, but applicants must have been physically present in the United States for at least one year after being granted asylum.

Unlike refugees, who undergo a comprehensive overseas medical examination before being admitted to the United States, most asylees entered the country without a prior immigration medical exam. As a result, asylees filing I-485 are generally required to complete a full civil surgeon examination.

Medical Exam Requirement for Asylees

Asylees filing I-485 must complete an immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submit Form I-693. The exam includes a complete physical examination, TB testing, required laboratory tests, and a vaccination review.

The civil surgeon will administer any missing required vaccines and complete Form I-693, which is then sealed and submitted to USCIS with the I-485 application. The same medical exam requirements that apply to other adjustment of status applicants apply to asylees.

• Complete physical examination
• TB testing (skin test or IGRA blood test)
• Syphilis and gonorrhea testing (age 15+)
• Vaccination review and administration of missing vaccines
• Form I-693 completed and sealed by civil surgeon

Overseas Exam Credit for Asylees

Some asylees may have had a medical examination as part of a refugee processing pipeline before entering the United States, even if they ultimately entered as asylees rather than refugees. In these cases, USCIS may give credit for the overseas exam and not require a full new civil surgeon examination.

However, this is not the typical situation for most asylees. If you had an overseas medical exam before entering the United States, consult an immigration attorney to determine whether it satisfies the I-485 medical exam requirement.

One-Year Filing Requirement and Exam Timing

Asylees must file I-485 at least one year after being granted asylum. When planning your I-485 filing, schedule your medical exam close to your planned filing date. The I-693 must be signed by the civil surgeon no more than 60 days before you submit it to USCIS, and it is valid for two years from the civil surgeon's signature date. At ImmigrationMedicalExams.com, we offer expedited processing to accommodate your filing timeline.