If you received a grant of asylum from an Immigration Judge, you probably did not automatically receive an I-94. It is important to get one in order to apply for certain benefits.
The I-94 is a small, paper card that shows you have your asylum approved.
If you have an attorney, your attorney may be able to help you with this appointment. If you don’t have an attorney, or if your attorney suggests that you should call directly, please follow the steps in our I-94 Guide.
If you have a restricted social security card or if you do not have a social security card, you will need to make an appointment with the Social Security office nearest you to apply for an unrestricted social security card. You can search for the contact information of your local Social Security office here or call 1-800-772-1213.
When you go to the Social Security office to apply for your Social Security card, please bring your Form I-94, a form of photo identification, and your Asylum Approval Letter or Order of the Immigration Judge (OIJ).
Sometimes, people who work at the social security offices may be unaware that asylees qualify for a social security card and what documents they can provide to get one. For this reason, when you go in-person to the social security office, it may be helpful to take a copy of the information under “Refugees and Asylees” on the Social Security Administration’s website here.
An EAD (employment authorization document), also known as a work permit, is a document that demonstrates your right to work to employers.
As an asylee, you have automatic work authorization that does not expire, regardless of whether or not you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). While you do not need an EAD to work lawfully, you may prefer to have one to show to your employer and to make obtaining other documents, such as a social security card or driver’s license, easier.
To apply for an EAD or to renew an EAD, talk to your attorney and/or visit here.
Some employers may not know that asylees have automatic work authorization without a work permit. You can share the following document with them that explains asylees’ right to work: https://www.justice.gov/crt/page/file/1132626/download.
If you do not currently have an EAD, you can show your employer:
1) your Form I-94
2) your Social Security Card
3) a valid photo ID to prove their eligibility to work.
If you do have an EAD, you only need to present your EAD document and social security card.
EAD Renewal
If you apply to renew your work authorization and you do not receive the new card before the expiration date of the old one, you are eligible for an automatic extension of your EAD. This automatic extension allows you to show employers that you still have the right to work while your application for a renewal is pending. To receive this extension, you need to file for a new EAD before your current EAD expires. You can use your receipt notice from USCIS and information about EAD extensions from the USCIS website here, in combination with your old EAD, to prove your employment authorization.
As an asylee, you should not travel with a passport issued by the country in which you were persecuted. You can, however, travel outside of the United States with a Refugee Travel Document. This document is valid for one year. For more information, please click here.
Not every country will accept the Refugee Travel Document as a valid travel document, so check with the embassy of the country you are planning to visit to ensure that your Refugee Travel Document will be accepted.
It is important to note that visiting your home country can risk your asylum status and hurt your chances of getting a green card or naturalizing.
The process to obtain a Driver’s License or State ID card is different in each state. You will want to visit the website of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to view the list of required documents and to make an appointment.
If you live in Maryland: visit this webpage from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
In Washington, D.C.: visit this webpage from the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles.
In Virginia: visit this webpage from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
No. As an asylee, you have automatic work authorization that does not expire, regardless of whether or not you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). However, some asylees prefer to have one to show to their employer and to make obtaining other documents easier.
If you received your asylum grant less than 8 months ago, you may qualify for Refugee Medical Assistance which provides health insurance for asylees that have been unable to access Medicaid. Contact your local resettlement agency to learn more.
If you need immediate medical care and have been unable to access medical coverage, you can search for “sliding scale” care near you, meaning the clinic will work with you to pay what you can afford. There also may be a limited number of free clinics near you run by non-profit organizations.
You also may qualify for Medicaid in your state, which helps low-income individuals and their families pay for medical care. You can search for additional affordable health care options here: https://www.healthcare.gov/. Children may also be eligible for Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) that provides no-cost or low-cost coverage.
Asylees are still eligible for some resettlement services up to 5 years after the date of asylum grant. While many benefits, such as cash assistance and medical insurance, will expire eight months after your asylum granted, other services like free English classes and job training may be available to you up to 5 years following an asylum grant.
Your resettlement agency may be able to provide these legal services. If not, please use this legal directory from the Immigration Advocates Network to find a reliable, free to low-cost legal service provider near you.
If you receive a grant of asylum in Immigration Court, the attorney from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may decide to appeal your case (to try to stop you from receiving asylum). That person has 30 days to file their appeal. You may check whether the government has filed an appeal by calling (800) 898-7180. If the government does not file an appeal, the Immigration Judge’s decision will become final after 30 days, and you may then schedule an appointment with USCIS to receive your immigration documents (your I-94 and employment authorization).
