Basic Steps of the Affirmative Application Process

Affirmative Asylum Seekers are those who enter the U.S. with a visa and then apply for asylum

How Do I Start An Asylum Application?

To start an asylum application, you need three documents:

  • An asylum application (Form I-589), which can be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-589.

  • A personal statement, also referred to as your story, which outlines why you are applying for asylum.

  • Evidence to support your personal statement.

If you need to change address with USCIS you need to fill the form AR 11

Check out part 1 of our video that explains how to fill out an asylum application (Form I-589)! This is the same form to submit to either USCIS (Asylum Office) or to Immigration Court.

Part 2 of Form I-589 Explanation

How to Apply for Asylum Online

IMPORANT NOTE: Any application started through USCIS online expires within one month! Be sure to have your form submitted before the one month mark, or else you will need to start again.

STATUS NOTE: If you entered the U.S. over border without permission, you will list your 'Status' as "ZN - UNKNOWN." On the paper application, this is referred to as EWI.

"Cómo llenar la aplicación de asilo, formulario I-589" con la abogada Rebecca Press

  • You do not need an official translation service. You can ask a person who is bilingual or fluent in your language to translate. The translation should write the following certificate of translation:

    I, NAME, hereby certify I am fluent in English and X language, and I translated these documents fully and accurately to the best of my abilities.

    Sign name, address, phone, email.

  • After you submit your asylum application:

    You will receive a receipt from USCIS. The receipt will include a “receipt date,” which marks the beginning of your asylum clock. Your asylum clock determines when you can apply for a work permit which is 150 days to be counted from your receipt date. The work permit is Form I-765.

    You will receive a biometrics appointment to have your fingerprints taken. It is important that you attend this appointment. Not attending can cause delays in receiving your work permit.

    You will be scheduled for an interview. This step can happen many months after you submit your asylum application.

  • Currently those who apply the most recently will be the first ones to be interviewed. However, due to COVID and backlog of cases, there is no standard timeframe for when your interview will be scheduled.

  • Yes, only if you arrive in Canada on a visa or another legal status. If you arrive at the Canadian border asking for asylum after filing for asylum in the US, they will not allow you entry. Note: You cannot claim asylum in Canada if you are placed in removal proceedings in the US.

  • Find more information here.

    Note: Please send applications via DHL/FedEx so you can keep a tracking number. Even though it is more expensive it will provide proof of the date that USCIS has received your application.

    If sending by FedEx, UPS, or DHL (recommended): See non-P.O. Box address above.

  • Click here to learn more about how to check your application status.

You can read USCIS Form I-589 in Russian, Spanish, and French, but you need to submit your application and supporting evidence in English

Where Can I Go For Help With My Asylum Application?

There are three options:

  1. Find a pro bono (free) lawyer. There is a high demand and therefore it is not guaranteed that you will get a free lawyer.

  2. Find a private lawyer. Private lawyers are expensive therefore it is very important that you do research about their qualifications on the internet.

  3. Apply on your own (pro se) and/or with help of pro se clinic, where volunteers help you prepare your application.

The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) manages a nationwide database of pro se help desks and private attorneys recommended by nonprofits. The Immigration Advocates Network’s list of immigration nonprofits is also an excellent resource. Click the links below to search for attorneys in your area:

  1. Pro bono (Free) Lawyers Click Here (Search by ZIP code)

    • Note: Be sure to pay attention to the ‘Types of legal assistance’ listed for each organization.

  2. Private Immigration Lawyers Click Here (Search by state)

  3. Pro Se Help Desks Click Here (Search by state)

    • Note: Be sure to pay attention to the ‘Services’ listed for each organization.

How to Fill Out An Asylum Application

For more support on filing your asylum application or work permits, join our monthly tutorials on Zoom: Join First Monday | Join Last Monday