REPORT

Resources for New Asylees and Service Providers

Community Health Equity and Promotion (CHEP)

Welcome! This page is for people who have recently been granted asylum by the U.S. federal government.

Here, you’ll find helpful resources, benefits, and programs designed to support new asylees.

Learn more and ask questions at a virtual New Asylee Orientation

Join Us for a Virtual Orientation!
The California Office of Refugee Health and San Francisco Newcomers Health Program invite you to our New Asylee Orientation, held every two months on Zoom.

This session is designed to help individuals who have recently been granted asylum learn about available resources, health services, and community support. Service providers are welcome too!

The information below is a summary of the full orientation.

How to obtain a Refugee/Asylee Health Assessment

The California Refugee Health Assessment Program is here to support your health and well-being as you begin your new life in the U.S. We provide comprehensive health assessments for newly arrived refugees, asylees, and other populations served by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

This service is available to individuals who have arrived within the past 90 days.

Our services include many of the vaccines and medical tests required for your application to adjust your status to lawful permanent resident (green card)—all in one convenient program. This is an important step toward building a healthy future and achieving your immigration goals.

How to find a medical provider if you don’t live near a health assessment clinic or if you’re not eligible for their services.

How to obtain vaccines and records

For routine & COVID-19 vaccines, use any of the following:

Vaccine Records

Important Documents

  • Asylum Approval Letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a Court Order from Immigration Court
    This proves your new status and is required to access services and benefits.
  • Form I-94 from USCIS
    This also verifies your immigration status. You need both the Asylum Approval Letter/Court Order and the I-94.
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
    This serves as a work permit. It’s not required if you already have an unrestricted Social Security Card and a valid photo ID.
  • Social Security Card
    This provides a unique 9-digit number used for employment, taxes, and retirement benefits in the U.S.
    If you need to apply for your first card or change from a restricted to an unrestricted card, visit your local Social Security office. A restricted card is imprinted with the words "Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization".
  • REAL ID
    This is a federally compliant photo ID that you can use to enter federal facilities and to board domestic airline flights. Apply at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Bring your asylum grant letter, I-94, valid form of photo ID, proof of social security number, 2 proofs of current address, and fees.

Public Benefit Programs for Food, Cash, Medical & more

Asylees are not subject to public charge. This fact sheet lists available benefit programs. Visit California Refugee Program Bureau Fact Sheet.
  • CalFresh (SNAP)
    Monthly food assistance for low-income households. Benefits are loaded on an EBT card for use at stores and farmers’ markets. Visit CalFresh Program Description.
  • Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
    Cash aid and employment services for single or married asylees without minor children. Assistance lasts 4 months and requires participation in employment activities. Visit Refugee Cash Assistance Program Description.
  • CalWORKs (TANF)
    Cash aid and employment services for families with children under 19. Benefits are time-limited for adults and require participation in work-related activities. Visit CalWORKs Program Description.
  • Medi-Cal (Medicaid)
    Free or low-cost health coverage for low-income individuals, including medical, dental, vision, prescriptions, and transportation to appointments. Visit Medi-Cal Program Description.
  • Dental through Medi-Cal
    Use your Medi-Cal card to access free or low-cost dental services. Find a provider by visiting SmileCalifornia.org or call 1-800-322-6384.
Apply Online at Benefitscal.com for all of the benefit programs listed above.
Or Apply in person at your local county human or social services agency.

Health Insurance if You Don’t Qualify for Medi-Cal

  • Employer Coverage: If you are employed, ask your employer if they provide health insurance.
  • Covered California: If your employer does not offer insurance, purchase health insurance through the state health insurance exchange Covered California. Apply within 60 days of a qualifying event (e.g., loss of Medi-Cal or asylum status).
  • Apply Online: CoveredCA.com.

Tip: Not having insurance may result in a state tax penalty.

Additional Support Programs

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    Monthly payments for individuals who are 65+, blind, or disabled with limited income and resources. For more information, see the SSI fact sheet.
    Apply at your local Social Security office.
  • In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
    Helps individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled with daily activities (e.g., bathing, cooking) as an alternative to nursing home care. For more information, see Program Description.
    Must have Medi-Cal and apply through your county Human/Social Services Agency.
  • Behavioral/Mental Health Resources
    Through Medi-Cal, you can access mental health services with a referral from your primary care provider. If you need support, simply contact your doctor or your managed health care plan for assistance. Your mental health matters. Don't hesitate to reach out today.
  • California Mental Health Crisis Hotline - Available 24/7
    If you or someone you know is experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, help is just a call way. Dial 988 to connect with trained crisis counselors who provide free, confidential support anytime, day or night.

Legal Resources

Immigration Forms - USCIS

Visit USCIS.gov — the official government site for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. There, you can:

  • Search topics and find forms
  • Check case status and processing times
  • Apply for some benefits online
  • Update your address

Common USCIS Forms for Asylees (First Year)

Address Change (Form AR-11)

  • All non-citizens must report address changes within 10 days of moving.
  • File online for instant confirmation. If you applied for asylum using a paper form, file address change by paper.

Family Reunification (Form I-730)

Refugee Travel Document (Form I-131)

  • Required to re-enter the U.S. if you travel abroad.
  • Apply early—processing takes months.

Adjustment of Status (Green Card)

Asylees may apply for a green card at any time after being granted asylum; however, USCIS will only process the application once you have been in the U.S. for at least 365 days.

How to register for Selective Service (Males 18-25)

  • Required for citizenship and financial aid
  • Not the same as joining the Armed Forces
  • Keep proof of registration
  • Register at a U.S. Post Office or online (online gives instant confirmation)

Education Resources

Additional Resources for Help, Food, Housing & Cost-savings