Back to Immigration ServicesWhat This Form Is
Form I-589 is the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. This form is used by individuals who are in the United States or at a port of entry and are seeking protection because they have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for asylum, you must:
- Be physically present in the United States or at a port of entry
- Apply within one year of arrival (with limited exceptions)
- Demonstrate persecution or well-founded fear of persecution
- Show persecution is based on one of five protected grounds:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Membership in a particular social group
- Political opinion
- Not be barred from asylum (criminal history, terrorism, etc.)
Required Documents
- Detailed personal statement explaining your case
- Supporting evidence of persecution or fear
- Country conditions reports
- Medical records (if applicable)
- Police reports (if applicable)
- Newspaper articles or other documentation
- Affidavits from witnesses
- Passport and travel documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates (if applicable)
- Two passport-style photos
The Asylum Process
- File Form I-589 with USCIS
- Biometrics appointment
- Asylum interview with USCIS officer
- Decision on your application
- If denied, case may be referred to immigration court
Important Deadlines
One-Year Filing Deadline
You must file your asylum application within one year of your last arrival in the United States, unless you can show:
- Changed circumstances affecting your eligibility
- Extraordinary circumstances that prevented timely filing
Benefits of Asylum
If granted asylum, you may be eligible for:
- Authorization to work in the United States
- Ability to apply for a green card after one year
- Eligibility to petition for certain family members
- Access to certain public benefits
- Travel document to return to the U.S. after travel abroad
What We Help With
Our expert team assists with:
- Completing Form I-589 accurately and completely
- Helping organize your personal statement and evidence
- Gathering supporting documents and country conditions reports
- Reviewing your application before submission
- Preparing you for the asylum interview
- Answering questions about the asylum process
Fees: There is no filing fee for Form I-589. Asylum applications are free.
Important Notice
Asal Multi Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal representation, or interpretation of immigration law. Asylum cases are complex and may benefit from legal representation. Services are limited to administrative assistance, document preparation, and guidance in accordance with publicly available government instructions.
Need Help with Your Asylum Application?
Contact us for professional assistance with your I-589 asylum application.