Q: How will traveling outside the U.S. affect my one-year physical presence requirement for adjusting status to a Green Card as an asylee or refugee?

A: Travel outside the U.S. during the one-year period may cause delays. Only time spent physically in the U.S. counts. Any time spent outside the U.S., even for short trips, will not be counted toward your required one-year physical presence. It is crucial to remain in the U.S. continuously until you fully meet this requirement. Leaving the country before fulfilling the one-year physical presence can significantly delay your eligibility to apply for adjustment of status. Therefore, asylees and refugees should avoid international travel during this critical period. This helps ensure they meet the requirements without complications.