Applying for Asylum: Steps, Deadlines and Common Mistakes
How to apply for asylum: the one-year rule, Form I-589, the process and the most common mistakes.
What is asylum?
Asylum protects people who fear persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. You apply with Form I-589.
The one-year rule
An asylum application generally must be filed within one year of your last entry to the U.S. Exceptions exist but are complex and usually need an attorney's review.
Affirmative vs. defensive
An affirmative application goes directly to USCIS; a defensive one is heard before a judge in immigration court.
The judge's role
In a defensive case a judge decides. Grant rates vary widely between judges; immigo shows these statistics.
Common mistakes
- Missing the one-year deadline.
- Inconsistent or incomplete statements.
- Not preparing supporting evidence.
- Going into the interview unprepared.
Ask immigo in your own language, track your case, upload documents and never miss an important date.