Applying for AsyluM

Learn if you are eligible for asylum and how to apply for asylum in the U.S. without a lawyer.

WHAT IS ASYLUM?

Asylum is a legal protection granted by the U.S. government to people in the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens and who cannot return to their home countries. You may be eligible for asylum if:

  • You have been severely harmed, or fear you will be severely harmed in the future if returned to your home country;
  • The severe harm was done:
    • By the government or by a group or individual that the government would not or could not control AND
    • Because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion (or a political opinion someone thinks you have), or membership in a “particular social group.”

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR ASYLUM?

The resources below will help you determine if you may be eligible for asylum in the U.S.

Guide updated: June 2023

Video updated: October 2020

HOW DO I APPLY FOR ASYLUM?

The asylum application (Form I-589) is used by everyone applying for asylum in the U.S. Where you will send your asylum application will depend on whether you have a case in immigration court. The resources on this page will provide instructions on how to prepare your asylum application.

➔ If you do NOT have a case in immigration court, you need to submit your asylum application (Form I-589) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

This means that you are not in removal (deportation proceedings), you have not been arrested by immigration officials and/or are not required to attend any court hearings before an immigration judge, and do not have a case in immigration court.

➔ If you have a case in immigration court, you need to submit your asylum application (Form I-589) to your court.

This means that you have a case in immigration court and your request for asylum is your defense to removal/deportation from the U.S. If you entered the U.S. without a visa and were stopped by immigration officials and given paperwork, you may have a case in immigration court. If you received a Notice to Appear (NTA) or an Order of Release on Recognizance, you probably have a case in immigration court. These are just examples. There are many ways that people end up with cases in immigration court.

 

How do I complete the asylum application (Form I-589)?

The asylum application (Form I-589) is called “Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal.”

Below are instructions on how to fill out the Form I-589.

Guide updated: June 2023

Form:

📄 I-589: Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal

Please note the warning on Form I-589 about the importance of telling the truth and consequences of making a false statement that include a fine or imprisonment for up to 25 years.  

 

WHAT TYPES OF EVIDENCE WILL HELP SUPPORT MY ASYLUM APPLICATION?

Providing supporting documents may help your application, but it is not required. You can submit additional evidence after you submit your application.

Evidence for your asylum case should help prove that you are eligible for asylum and that the facts in your asylum application are true. These can be documents, statements from friends and family members, or news articles.

You can also write a personal declaration to explain your story and why you qualify for asylum.

You should never use fake or forged documents.

Guide updated: June 2023

 

HOW DO I SUBMIT MY ASYLUM APPLICATION TO USCIS?

Below are instructions on how to submit your asylum application to USCIS. If you have a case in immigration court, please see the next section.

 

HOW DO I SUBMIT MY ASYLUM APPLICATION TO THE IMMIGRATION COURT?

If you have a case in immigration court, you will have to submit your asylum application to your immigration court.

Below are instructions on how to submit your asylum application if you have a case at the Lowell immigration court.

Guide updated: April 2024

Video updated: December 2020

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR ASYLUM IN IMMIGRATION COURT IF MY CASE IS NOT YET IN THE COURT SYSTEM?

If you believe you have a case in immigration court, but your name and A Number do not appear in the Immigration Court Hotline or Immigration Court’s Case Information website, you need to follow special instructions for sending your asylum application.

Follow the instructions on USCIS’ website for applying for asylum in immigration court when your A Number is not in the court system: https://www.uscis.gov/i-589. Find the instructions under the section “Where to File.”

I RECENTLY MOVED. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

Because you will receive important notices from the U.S. government by mail, you must make sure USCIS and/or the immigration court knows your current mailing address. It is not enough to change your address with the Post Office only!

Learn how to update your address.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AGAINST IMMIGRATION FRAUD?

Be careful when getting help with your immigration case! Beware of people in Maine who try to trick you by pretending to help with immigration cases. These people can steal your money and hurt your immigration case.

The best way to protect yourself is by having information about what these people do and being careful about who you allow to help you with your immigration case.

The ILAP resources on this page were developed by lawyers and accredited representatives, but are not a substitute for legal advice.

 
 
 

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