On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form I-589?)
- Context and workflow
- Requirements snapshot
- Failure prevention (What causes Form I-589 rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form I-589 ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form I-589?)
- Checklist (What is the Form I-589 checklist?)
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form I-589 have?)
- Choose your path
- Category comparison
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form I-589?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-589?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
- Visual references
Quick summary
#This form is not intended for general public self-filing, as described in the Form I-765 guide, as described in the Form I-131 guide.
ASYLUM: Asylum
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form I-589?)
#The application may result in asylum being granted, withholding of removal, or denial, contingent on the evidence and circumstances provided, as detailed in the O-1 Evidence Checklist guide.
First page of I-589 form
Source: I-589 PDF
Context and workflow
#Processing time for I-589 varies by case type and current workload — always check the official USCIS processing time tool.
Why this matters
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
- Small mismatches inside I-589 (or between I-589 and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Initiates the asylum application process with USCIS.
- Receipt Notice (a related form) is issued after submission.
- Attend biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, and signature).
- Leads to an interview or hearing to assess the asylum claim.
Who uses it
This form is not intended for general public self-filing. Common filers: Affirmative Asylum, Defensive Asylum, Withholding of Removal.
When it is used
- After filing I-589 — I-765 may be the next step (Work authorization available 180 days after filing)
- After filing I-589 — I-131 may be the next step (Advance parole for urgent travel needs)
- Individuals physically present in the U.S. who file within 1 year of arrival. He.
- Individuals in removal proceedings before an immigration judge who raise asylum .
- Individuals who cannot meet the 1-year asylum deadline but can demonstrate a cle.
Requirements snapshot
#- Affirmative: Filed within 1 year of arrival — heard by USCIS asylum officer
- Defensive: Filed in removal proceedings — heard by immigration judge
- Withholding: Cannot meet 1-year deadline but faces persecution — higher burden of proof
- CAT: Convention Against Torture protection — fears torture by government
Failure prevention (What causes Form I-589 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting the form after the one-year deadline without valid exceptions.
- Filing the form in a language other than English.
- Not attending the biometrics appointment.
Substantive weaknesses
- Providing insufficient detail about the persecution or fear of persecution.
- Submitting false or misleading information.
- Failing to include all relevant family members in the application.
- To avoid incomplete application or insufficient evidence: Follow instructions carefully; include all required supporting documents.
- To avoid filing after 1-year deadline without exception: File within 1 year of last arrival; document changed circumstances if filing late.
What it asks for (What does Form I-589 ask for?)
#- Detailed explanation of why you fear torture in response to Part B, Question 4 of the application.
- Basic information about you, including your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) and residential address.
- Details about your asylum claim, including reasons for seeking asylum and any harm you have suffered.
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- Documentation related to: Provide your passport or ID card number, if any
- Documentation related to: One copy of all passports or other travel documents in your possession
What you need (What do you need for Form I-589?)
#- You must provide a response in at least one box or provide an explanation for questions related to your asylum application.
- The current edition of I-589
- Valid government-issued identification
- Supporting documentation for your case
- Filing fee or fee waiver documentation
- Your passport or ID card number, if any.
- One copy of all passports or other travel documents in your possession.
- Bring identification documents such as passport(s), travel documents, or Form I-94 to your interview.
Checklist (What is the Form I-589 checklist?)
#- Download the current I-589 and instructions from the official USCIS website
- Review the official I-589 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of I-589
- Confirm the form is signed and dated in all required fields
- Sign, date, and submit I-589 with all required supporting evidence
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
File online
Check the official I-589 page to see if online filing is available for your category.
Submit application
Paper filing addresses vary by eligibility category and state of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct filing address.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting. For related guidance, see Form I-730.
Fees
#Total possible cost: $0
Some categories are exempt from the biometrics fee.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe filing fee for form i-589 is $0 (as of 02/01/26). Verify the current fee on the official fee schedule before filing. | $0 |
| Biometrics Services FeeFailure to appear for an appointment or to provide biometrics within the time allowed. | See official schedule |
What is the total cost of Form I-589?
Most applicants pay $0. Some categories are exempt. Verify on the official fee schedule.
Can the Form I-589 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
USCIS will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Form I-485.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
Form sections (What sections does Form I-589 have?)
#Personal Information
Applicant identification.
- Full name and A-Number if applicable
- Date of birth and nationality
- Current address and contact
Eligibility
Basis for the application.
- Category or classification claimed
- Supporting evidence type
- Dates establishing eligibility
Supporting Documents
Required attachments.
- Identity and status documents
- Category-specific evidence
- Fee payment or waiver request
Choose your path
#Choose your path based on your eligibility category. Each block summarizes who qualifies, what to file, common mistakes, and typical processing time.
Affirmative Asylum
Individuals physically present in the U.S. who file within 1 year of arrival. Heard by a USCIS asylum officer in a non-adversarial interview.
File with:
- Personal declaration
- Country conditions evidence
- Identity documents
- Corroborating evidence of persecution
Common mistakes:
- Missing the 1-year filing deadline
- Insufficient country conditions documentation
- Inconsistencies between declaration and interview testimony
Typical processing: 6-18 months to interview
Defensive Asylum
Individuals in removal proceedings before an immigration judge who raise asylum as a defense against deportation.
File with:
- I-589 filed with immigration court
- Supporting evidence
- Legal brief
Common mistakes:
- Missing court filing deadlines
- Not preparing for cross-examination by government attorney
- Incomplete country conditions evidence
Typical processing: 1-4 years (court backlogs)
Withholding of Removal
Individuals who cannot meet the 1-year asylum deadline but can demonstrate a clear probability of persecution. Higher burden of proof than asylum.
File with:
- Same I-589 form with withholding arguments
- Evidence of clear probability of persecution
Common mistakes:
- Not understanding the higher burden of proof (clear probability vs well-founded fear)
- Filing withholding alone when asylum is available
Typical processing: Heard with asylum claim
Category comparison
#| Category code | Eligibility | Typical filing companion | Auto-extension? | Premium processing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | Filed within 1 year of arrival — heard by USCIS asylum officer | I-589 with supporting evidence and country conditions | N/A | No |
| Defensive | Filed in removal proceedings — heard by immigration judge | I-589 filed with immigration court | N/A | No |
| Withholding | Cannot meet 1-year deadline but faces persecution — higher burden of proof | Same form with withholding arguments | N/A | No |
| CAT | Convention Against Torture protection — fears torture by government | Same form with CAT-specific evidence | N/A | No |
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete application or insufficient evidence | Rejection | Follow instructions carefully; include all required supporting documents. |
| Filing after 1-year deadline without exception | Rejection | File within 1 year of last arrival; document changed circumstances if filing late. |
| Vague or generic personal statement | RFE | Provide detailed, specific account of persecution; include country conditions evidence. |
| Traveling abroad without advance parole after filing | Rejection | Do not travel without approved advance parole; travel can abandon the application. |
Examples (What are examples for Form I-589?)
#- Complete all certifications: Ensure all required official certifications are properly signed and dated.
- Verify documentation: All supporting documents must be current and properly formatted.
- Cross-reference information: Information must be consistent across all sections and supporting documents.
- A national from a designated country files I-589 after the government extends protected status for their homeland
- An individual who fled persecution in their home country uses I-589 to seek protection
- An applicant in the Asylum category files I-589 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-589?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Requirements may differ based on your specific situation
- Filing I-589 guarantees protection from removal — Filing creates a pending application but does not guarantee approval. Eligibility requirements must be met and verified.
- You can apply at any time without regard to deadlines — Many humanitarian programs have strict filing windows. Late applications may be rejected unless qualifying exceptions apply.
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update I-589, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#An applicant files the application with all required supporting documents and the correct fee.
Application accepted. Biometrics may be scheduled. Case proceeds to adjudication.
Follow the evidence checklist for your category. Missing documents trigger RFEs or denial.
An applicant files before the eligibility window (e.g., I-751 outside the 90 days before conditional residence expires).
Application rejected. Fee returned. Must refile when eligible.
Verify eligibility dates carefully. Filing too early is as problematic as filing late.
An applicant forgets to sign the form.
Application rejected. Must resubmit with signature. Unsigned forms are not accepted.
Sign and date the form. Review the signature block before mailing.
Why it matters
#You must file the application within 1 year of arrival unless there are changed or extraordinary circumstances.
Why it matters: Missing the 1-year deadline without valid reasons can result in denial of the application.
Including family members in the application requires submitting specific documents for each.
Why it matters: Failure to provide required documents for family members can delay or affect their eligibility for asylum benefits.
Providing false information in the application can lead to permanent ineligibility for any benefits under the INA.
Why it matters: Submitting a frivolous application can have severe long-term consequences for the applicant.
Including family members in your asylum application requires primary documentary evidence.
Why it matters: Failure to provide proper evidence can result in family members not being included in the asylum grant.
Next steps
#- Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming the application has been received.
- Attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprints, photo, and signature.
- Participate in an interview or hearing to present the asylum claim.
- Await a decision on the asylum application.
- If approved, receive documentation of asylum status.
Verification
#This guide is derived from official USCIS instructions for I-589 and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official USCIS website.
Visual references
#FAQs
Do I need to file Form I-589 if I'm only updating my address or contact information?
Check the official instructions to see which form or process applies to your type of update. Review the official I-589 instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
What is I-589?
I-589 is the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.
Where can I file this form?
Please refer to the official instructions for the most up-to-date filing addresses and submission methods.
What is the filing fee?
Check the current fee schedule on the official website.
How long does processing take?
Processing times vary. Check the official processing times tool.
How do I choose the correct eligibility category code on I-589?
Your eligibility category code determines your basis for filing I-589. Withholding of Removal Under Section 241(b)(3) of the INA Form I-589 Instructions 01/20/25 You should include a detailed explanation of why you fear torture in response to Part B , Question 4 of the application If you have applied for asylum, the immigration judge will first determine whether you are eligible for asylum under section 208 of the INA and for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the INA
What supporting documents do I need for I-589?
Include your passport or ID card number, if available. Submit primary documentary evidence to establish your family relationship for each family member listed in your application. Provide a copy of all passports or travel documents you possess.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for I-589?
You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, USCIS allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.
Who is eligible to file I-589?
Form I-589 serves as the application for asylum and withholding of removal in the United States. This form is specifically designed for individuals who are currently in the U.S. and are seeking refuge from persecution in their home country. For comprehensive guidance, please consult the official instructions.
What happens after I submit I-589?
Once you submit Form I-589, USCIS will send you a receipt notice confirming that your application has been accepted. Following this, you may be scheduled for biometrics, an interview, or asked to provide additional evidence, based on the specifics of your case. To stay informed about your application status, you can track it online using the receipt number provided in your notice.
What are common reasons I-589 gets rejected?
you may need to sign your Form I-589. An unsigned form will be rejected. Other common reasons include using the wrong form edition, missing signatures, incomplete sections, and submitting incorrect fee amounts. Double-check all requirements before mailing your application.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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