Asylum & Refugee Status

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.

If you are physically present in the U.S., and are applying for asylum, you should also apply for two alternative forms of relief if you fear persecution or torture in your country of origin.

Many people ask for what's called "withholding of removal" or protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT) at the same time as they apply for asylum.

Understanding what types of persecution qualify a person for asylee and refugee status, the required grounds of persecution, and more.

Learn about improving your chances at winning asylum.

If you haven’t yet been stopped by U.S. immigration officials or placed in removal (deportation) proceedings, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the best and worst of what could happen next.

Overview of the different application processes that refugees and asylees must follow.

Although a U.S. embassy or consulate cannot process applications for asylum or refugee status, they may be able to offer other forms of protection.

You can use your asylum receipt code to see whether USCIS has received your case, whether your interview with an asylum officer has been scheduled, or whether a decision was reached in your case.