Applying for Asylum Status

Here you will find guidance on submitting your application for asylum, including preparing Form I-589 and supporting documentation.

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Preparing Your Asylum Application

Asylum or Refugee Status: How to Apply
Overview of the different application processes that refugees and asylees must follow.
How to Prepare an Affirmative Asylum Application
Details of how asylum-seekers in the U.S. who are not in removal proceedings should prepare their application.
How to Prepare an Asylum Application in Removal Proceedings
The purpose of a MCH is to figure out the next steps in your asylum case, and to set dates for your submission of any documents and for your individual merits hearing.
Preparing Persuasive Documents for Your Asylum Application
A successful asylum application depends on submitting convincing documentation along with a Form I-589. What documents will carry the most weight?
How to Apply for Convention Against Torture Protection
In case your asylum applicant is not granted, make sure to alert the authorities to any risk that you might be returned to a country where you'll be tortured.
Filling Out Form I-589 Application for Asylum
Line-by-line instructions on how to fill out Form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal.
How Medical Professionals Can Assist With an Asylum Claim
Physicians can take a careful look at what harm you suffered in your home country, and supply written or oral evidence on your behalf.
How expensive is it to obtain asylum in the U.S.?
Lawyer's fees, application fees, and other expenses asylum applicants should prepare for.
How to Help a Family Member or Friend Seek Asylum
A review of the many ways to assist someone during the crucial period of applying for asylum protection in the United States.

Attending Asylum Interviews & Hearings

What to Do If You Can't Make Your Asylum Interview
If you are unable to go at your specified interview time, you can request that the interview be rescheduled, but there are risks....
What Will Happen at Your Master Calendar Hearing
If your asylum claim ends up in removal proceedings, here's what to expect at the first (scheduling) hearing.
What Happens During an Asylum Interview
What to expect during your personal meeting with an Asylum Officer.
How to Prepare for an Asylum Interview
Careful, complete preparation is key to convincing an asylum officer that you are believable, and deserve asylum in the United States.
Preparing for a Merits Hearing in Asylum Case
The key to a smooth, successful asylum hearing in court is advance preparation and attention to detail.
Can I leave the U.S. while my asylum case is pending?
Risks of leaving the United States while awaiting an asylum decision.
I’ve heard that my Immigration Judge is tough on asylum cases—what can I do?
Preparing for a tough merits hearing in an asylum case, keeping in mind the possibility of appeal.

Work Permits for Asylum Applicants

When Can Asylum Applicants Get a Work Permit?
Limited circumstances under which an applicant for asylum will be permitted to work in the United States.
How to Apply for a Work Permit While Awaiting an Asylum Decision
As an asylum applicant, you are allowed to work in the U.S. if: (1) you were granted asylum (or received “recommended approval” for a grant of asylum), or (2) you had applied for asylum at least 150 days ago and still have not received an initial decision on your asylum application.

Timing Aspects of Your Asylum Application

When Can You Apply for Asylum?
Learn about the different times and situations you may request asylum.
Timing of the Affirmative Asylum Application Process
The process of filing an affirmative application for asylum in the U.S. moves fairly quickly, at least at the beginning. But if you aren't approved during the first round of decision-making, it can stretch on for years.
Can I Still Apply for Asylum After the One-Year Filing Deadline?
How the one-year filing deadline applies to your application for asylum in the U.S., and when you can take advantage of exceptions to the deadline.
What Can I Do While My Asylum Application is Pending?
Studying, working, and other possibilities during the months or years of waiting for an asylum decision.
USCIS returned my asylum application, so I’ve missed the one-year deadline — can I still apply?
An exception to the one-year filing deadline may help your situation.
Marriage to a U.S. Citizen After Submitting an Asylum Application or While in Removal Proceedings
A marriage-based green card may be a good option, but first learn about the complications of choosing it at this stage.
What Happens at a Credible Fear Interview
The initial interview for applicants who request asylum immediately upon entering the U.S.
Preparing for Credible Fear Hearing Before an Immigration Judge
Someone detained after attempting to cross the U.S. border will need to act quickly to show eligibility to apply for asylum in the United States.

What to Do If Your Asylum Application Is Denied

What Will Happen at Your Master Calendar Hearing?
If your affirmative asylum application is denied, step one in your removal proceedings will be to attend a preliminary hearing called a master calendar.
How to Prepare an Asylum Application in Removal Proceedings
Submitting your asylum application and legal briefs, calling witnesses, attending the hearing, and more.
How Many Times You Can Appeal an Asylum Denial
An asylum applicant has many opportunities for appeal, if he or she can afford it.