Q: Can I apply for a Green Card (Form I-485) as an asylee or refugee if I haven’t met the one-year physical presence requirement?

A: Yes, you can file Form I-485 before meeting the one-year physical presence requirement. However, this may delay your application processing. The USCIS officer may need extra time to verify your physical presence. This could lead to more documentation requests and further delays. It is generally advisable to wait until meeting the one-year requirement before filing. This ensures all criteria are met upfront for a smoother process. Filing after meeting the requirement can result in a faster approval timeline. It avoids unnecessary delays in your Green Card application.