USCIS states that a person admitted to the United States as a refugee may adjust status if the person meets the refugee-adjustment requirements, including being physically present in the United States as a refugee for at least one year.
Refugee adjustment is not identical to asylee adjustment, even though both often involve a one-year physical-presence benchmark.
Keep the admission record
Important documents can include:
- refugee admission documentation;
- Form I-94;
- identity and civil documents;
- travel records;
- address history;
- medical or vaccination records relevant to later filings; and
- copies and receipts for immigration applications.
Preserve family documentation
If family relationships are relevant to derivative or following-to-join matters, keep birth, marriage, divorce, adoption, and custody records organized and translated when necessary.
Official source
USCIS Policy Manual - Refugee Adjustment Eligibility Requirements: https://www.uscis.gov/node/73648
Verified against official sources: August 12, 2026.
General educational information only; not legal advice.