Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal

Instructions for Application for Asylum and for
Withholding of Removal
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

What Is the Purpose of This Form?
This application is used to apply for asylum in the United
States and for withholding of removal (formerly called
"withholding of deportation"). This application may also be
used to apply for protection under the Convention Against
Torture. You may file this application if you are physically
present in the United States, and you are not a U.S. citizen.

USCIS
Form I-589
OMB No. 1615-0067
Expires 06/30/2026

WARNING: Applicants in the United States unlawfully
are subject to removal if their asylum or withholding
claims are not granted by an asylum officer or an
immigration judge. Any information provided in
completing this application may be used as a basis for
the institution of, or as evidence in, removal
proceedings, even if the application is later withdrawn.

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NOTE: You must submit an application for asylum within 1
year of arriving in the United States, unless there are changed
circumstances that materially affect your eligibility for asylum
or extraordinary circumstances directly related to your failure
to file within 1 year. (See Part C, Additional Information
about Your Application, in Section V on Part 1 of the
instructions for further explanation.)
You may include in your application your spouse and
unmarried children who are under 21 years of age and
physically present in the United States. You must submit
certain documents for your spouse and each child included as
required by these instructions. Children 21 years of age or
older and married children must file separate applications. If
you are granted asylum and your spouse and/or any unmarried
children under 21 years of age are outside the United States,
you may file Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition,
for them to gain similar benefits.

Instruction Sections: Filing Information and
How Your Application Will Be Processed
The instructions are divided into two sections:
1.

The first section has filing information. This section
discusses basic eligibility criteria and guides you through
filling out and filing the application.

2.

The second section explains how your application will be
processed. This section also describes potential interim
benefits available while your application is pending.

Read these instructions carefully. The instructions will help
you complete your application and understand how it will be
processed. If you have questions about your eligibility, how
to complete the application, or the asylum process, you may
wish to consult an attorney or other qualified person to assist
you. (See Part I Section IV Right to Counsel of these
instructions.)

Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23

Applicants determined to have knowingly made a
frivolous application for asylum will be permanently
ineligible for any benefits under the Immigration and
Nationality Act (INA). You may not avoid a frivolous
finding simply because someone advised you to provide
false information in your asylum application.

If filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS), unexcused failure to appear for an
appointment or to provide biometrics (such as
fingerprints) and other biographical information within
the time allowed may delay eligibility for employment
authorization and result in an asylum officer dismissing
your asylum application or referring it to an
immigration judge. Applicants and eligible dependents
in removal proceedings who fail without good cause to
provide USCIS with their biometrics or their
biographical information as required within the time
allowed may have their applications found abandoned
by the immigration judge. See sections 208(d)(5)(A)
and 208(d)(6) of the INA and 8 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) sections 208.10, 1208.10, 208.20,
1003.47(d), and 1208.20.

Table of Contents
Part 1. Filing Instructions..................................................................2
I.
Who May Apply and Filing Deadlines
..................................2
II. Basis of Eligibility
..................................................................3
A. Asylum..........................................................................3
B. Withholding of Removal................................................3
C. Deferral of Removal Under
the Convention Against Torture....................................4
D. Legal Sources and Guidance Relating to Eligibility .....4
III. Confidentiality.....................................................................4
IV. Right to Counsel
.....................................................................4
V. Obtaining and Completing the Form .................................5
Part A.I. Information About You...................................5
Part A.II. Spouse and Children........................................5
Part A.III. Information About Your
Background.....................................................6
Part B.
Information About Your
Application......................................................6
Part C. Additional Information
About Your Application ....................................6
Part D. Your Signature...................................................7
Part E. Signature of Person Preparing
Form, If Other than You....................................7
Part F. To Be Completed at Asylum
Interview, If Applicable.....................................7
Part G. To Be Completed at Removal
Hearing, If Applicable........................................7
VI. Required Documents That You Must
Submit With Your Application ..........................................8
VII. Additional Evidence
That You Must Submit .......................................................8
VIII. Fee.......................................................................................8
IX. Biometrics, Including
Fingerprints and Photographs .............................................8
X.
Organizing Your Application.............................................9
XI. Incomplete Asylum Applications .......................................9
XII. Where To File?...................................................................9
Part 2. Information Regarding
Post-Filing Requirements..................................................11
I.
Notification Requirements
When Your Address Changes...........................................11
II. Asylum Interview Process.................................................11
III. Status While Your
Application Is Pending ......................................................12
IV. Travel Outside the United States.......................................12
V. Employment Authorization While Your
Application Is Pending.......................................................12
DHS Privacy Notice .........................................................................13
USCIS Forms and Information.......................................................13
Penalties.............................................................................................13
Paperwork Reduction Act...............................................................13
Supplements to Form I-589.............................................................13

Part 1. Filing Instructions
I. Who May Apply and Filing Deadlines
You may apply for asylum irrespective of your immigration
status and even if you are in the United States unlawfully
unless otherwise provided by statute or regulations.
You MUST file this application within 1 year after you
arrived in the United States, unless you can show that
there are changed circumstances that affect your eligibility
for asylum or extraordinary circumstances that prevented
you from filing within 1 year. (See Part I Section IV, Right
to Counsel of these instructions.)

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Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23

An Unaccompanied Alien Child (UAC) is a legal term
referring to a non-U.S. citizen child who has no lawful
immigration status in the United States; has not attained 18
years of age; and has no parent or legal guardian in the United
States, or for whom no parent or legal guardian in the United
States is available to provide care and physical custody. See 6
U.S.C. 279(g)(2). The Asylum Division has initial jurisdiction
over an asylum application filed by a UAC, including a UAC
in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. For
more information about the asylum process for UAC, visit the
USCIS asylum website at www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/
refugees-asylum/asylum/minor-children-applying-asylumthemselves.
Detailed UAC filing instructions are found in Part 1 Section
XII of these instructions.
If you have previously been denied asylum by an immigration
judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals, you must show
that there are changed circumstances that affect your
eligibility for asylum.
The determination of whether you are permitted to apply for
asylum will be made once you have had an asylum interview
with an asylum officer or a hearing before an immigration
judge. Even if you are not eligible to apply for asylum for the
reasons stated above, you may still be eligible to apply for
withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the INA or
under the Convention Against Torture before the Immigration
Court.
Pursuant to 48 U.S.C. 1806(a)(7), and 8 CFR Sections 208.5
and 1208.5 if you are physically present in, or arriving in the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, you may not
apply for asylum until January 1, 2030; however, you may use
Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of
Removal, to apply for withholding of removal and for
protection from removal under the Convention Against
Torture in Immigration Court proceedings.

Part 1. Filing Instructions (continued)
II. Basis of Eligibility
A. Asylum
To qualify for asylum, you must establish that you are a
refugee who is unable or unwilling to return to his or her
country of nationality, or last habitual residence if you have no
nationality, because of persecution or a well-founded fear of
persecution on account of race, religion, nationality,
membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
This means that you must establish that race, religion,
nationality, membership in a particular social group, or
political opinion was or will be at least one central reason for
your persecution or why you fear persecution. (See section
208 of the INA; 8 CFR sections 208 and 1208, et seq.)

Withholding of Removal Under Section 241(b)(3) of the INA
To qualify for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)
of the INA, you must establish that it is more likely than not
that your life or freedom would be threatened on account of
race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social
group, or political opinion in the proposed country of removal.
If you obtain an order withholding your removal, you cannot
be removed to the country where your life or freedom would
be threatened. This means that you may be removed to a third
country where your life or freedom would not be threatened.
Withholding of removal does not adhere derivatively to any
spouse or child included in the application; they would have to
apply for such protection on their own.

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If you are granted asylum, you and any eligible spouse or
child included in your application can remain and work in the
United States and may eventually adjust to lawful permanent
resident status. If you are not granted asylum, the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may use the
information you provide in this application to establish
that you are removable from the United States.
B. Withholding of Removal

Your asylum application is also considered to be an
application for withholding of removal under section 241(b)
(3) of the INA, as amended. It may also be considered an
application for withholding of removal under the Convention
Against Torture if you checked the box at the top of Page 1 of
the application, or if the evidence you present indicates that
you may be tortured in the country of removal. (See 8 CFR
sections 208.13(c)(1) and 1208.13(c)(1)). If asylum is not
granted, you may still be eligible for withholding of removal.
Regardless of the basis for the withholding application, you
will not be eligible for withholding if you:
1. Assisted in Nazi persecution or engaged in genocide;
2. Have persecuted another person;
3. Have been convicted by a final judgment of a
particularly serious crime and therefore represent a
danger to the community of the United States;
4. Are considered for serious reasons to have committed a
serious non-political crime outside the United States; or
5. Represent a danger to the security of the United States.
(See section 241(b)(3) of the INA; 8 CFR sections
208.16 and1208.16.)

If you are granted withholding of removal, this would not give
you the right to bring your relatives to the United States. It
also would not give you the right to apply for lawful
permanent resident status in the United States.
Withholding of Removal Under the Convention Against
Torture

The Convention Against Torture refers to the United Nations
Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
To be granted withholding of removal to a country under
Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture, as implemented
in U.S. law, you must show that it is more likely than not that
you would be tortured in that country.
"Torture" is defined at 8 CFR sections 208.18(a) and
1208.18(a), which incorporate the definitions in Article 1 of
the Convention Against Torture as implemented in U.S. law.
For an act to be considered torture, it must be an extreme form
of cruel and inhuman treatment, it must cause severe physical
or mental pain and suffering, and it must be specifically
intended to cause severe pain and suffering.
Torture is an act inflicted for such purposes as obtaining from
the victim or a third person information or a confession,
punishing the victim for an act he or she or a third person has
committed or is suspected of having committed, intimidating
or coercing the victim or a third person, or for any reason
based on discrimination of any kind.
Torture must be inflicted by or at the instigation of, or with
the consent or acquiescence of, a public official or other
person acting in an official capacity. The victim must be in
the custody or physical control of the torturer. Torture does
not include pain or suffering that arises only from, is inherent
in, or is incidental to lawful sanctions, although such actions
may not defeat the objective and purpose of the Convention
Against Torture.
Form I-589, will be considered an application for withholding
of removal under the Convention Against Torture if you tell
the immigration judge that you would like to be considered for
withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture,
or if it is determined that evidence indicates that you may be
tortured in the country of removal.

Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23

Part 1. Filing Instructions (continued)
To apply for withholding of removal under the Convention
Against Torture, you must check the box at the top of Page 1
of the application and fully complete Form I-589.
You must include a detailed explanation of why you fear
torture in response to Part B, Question 4 of the application.
In your response, you must write about any mistreatment you
experienced or any threats made against you by a government
or somebody connected to a government.

2. Section 208 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1158 (regarding
eligibility for asylum);
3. Section 241(b)(3) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)
(regarding eligibility for withholding of removal);
4. Title 8 of the CFR parts 103.2, 208 and 1208, et seq.;
5. Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture and Other
Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
as implemented by section 2242(b) or the Foreign
Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 and 8
CFR section 208, as amended by the Regulations
Concerning the Convention Against Torture: Interim
Rule, 64 FR 8478-8492 (February 19, 1999) (effective
March 22, 1999); 64 FR 13881 (March 23, 1999);

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Only immigration judges and the Board of Immigration
Appeals may grant withholding of removal or deferral of
removal under the Convention Against Torture. 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. If you are not eligible for either asylum under
section 208 of the INA or withholding of removal under
section 241(b)(3) of the INA, the immigration judge will
determine whether the Convention Against Torture prohibits
your removal to a country where you fear torture.
As implemented in U.S. law, Article 3 of the Convention
Against Torture prohibits the United States from removing
you to a country in which it is more likely than not that you
would be subject to torture. The Convention Against Torture
does not prohibit the United States from returning you to any
other country where you would not be tortured. This means
that you may be removed to a third country where you would
not be tortured. Withholding of removal under the
Convention Against Torture does not allow you to adjust to
lawful permanent resident status or to petition to bring family
members to come to, or remain in, the United States.
C. Deferral of Removal Under the Convention Against
Torture

If it is more likely than not that you will be tortured in a
country but you are ineligible for withholding of removal,
your removal will be deferred under 8 CFR sections 208.17(a)
and 1208.17(a). Deferral of removal does not confer any
lawful or permanent immigration status in the United States
and does not necessarily result in release from detention.
Deferral of removal is effective only until it is terminated.
Deferral of removal is subject to review and termination if it is
determined that it is no longer more likely than not that you
would be tortured in the country to which your removal is
deferred or if you request that your deferral be terminated.
D. Legal Sources and Guidance Relating to Eligibility
The documents listed below are some of the legal sources and
guidance relating to asylum, withholding of removal under
section 241(b)(3) of the INA, and withholding of removal or
deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture.
These sources are provided for reference only. You do not
need to refer to them in order to complete your application.
1. Section 101(a)(42) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)
(defining"refugee");
Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23

6. The 1967 United Nations Protocol relating to the Status
of Refugees;
7. The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees;
and
8. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees, Handbook on Procedures and Criteria for
Determining Refugee Status (Geneva, 1992).

III. Confidentiality

The information collected will be used to make a
determination on your application. It may also be provided
to other government agencies (federal, state, local, and/or
foreign) for purposes of investigation or legal action on
criminal and/or civil matters and for issues arising from the
adjudication of benefits. However, no information indicating
that you have applied for asylum will be provided to any
government or country from which you claim a fear of
persecution. Regulations at 8 CFR sections 208.6 and
1208.6 protect the confidentiality of asylum claims.

IV. Right to Counsel
Immigration law concerning asylum and withholding of
removal or deferral or removal is complex. You have a right
to provide your own legal representation at an asylum
interview and during immigration proceedings before the
Immigration Court at no cost to the U.S. Government.
If you need or would like help to complete this application and
to prepare your written statements, assistance from pro bono
(free) attorneys and/or voluntary agencies may be available.
Voluntary agencies may help you for no fee or a reduced fee,
and attorneys on the list referred to below may take your case
for no fee. If you have not already received from USCIS or
the Immigration Court a list of attorneys and accredited
representatives, you may obtain a list by calling 1-800-375-5283
or visiting the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Executive
Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) website at
www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providersmap.

Part 1. Filing Instructions (continued)
Representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) may be able to assist you in identifying
persons to help you complete the application. RefWorld, a
resource database available on UNHCR's website or at
www.refworld.org, provides useful country conditions
information from a variety of sources. Contact information
for the UNHCR is:

You can amend or supplement your application at the time of
your asylum interview with an asylum officer and at your
hearing in Immigration Court by providing additional
information and explanations about your asylum claim.
Part A.I. Information About You
This part asks for basic information about you. Alien
Registration Number (A-Number) refers to your USCIS file
number. If you do not already have an A-Number, USCIS will
assign one to you.

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United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: 202-296-5191
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.unhcr.org

Calls from Detention Centers and Jails. Asylum-seekers in
detention centers and jails may call UNHCR toll-free by
dialing #566 or 1-888-272-1913 on Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time).

V. Obtaining and Completing the Form

USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS
website. To view, print, or fill out our forms, you should use
the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download
for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not have
internet access, you may call the USCIS Contact Center at
1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) and ask that we mail
a form to you. The USCIS Contact Center provides
information in English and Spanish.
You must type or print all of your answers in black ink on
Form I-589. Your answers must be completed in English.
Forms completed in a language other than English will be
returned to you. You must provide the specific information
requested about you and your family and answer all the
questions asked.

If any question does not apply to you or you do not know the
information requested, answer "none," "not applicable," or
"unknown."
You must provide detailed information and answer the
questions as completely as possible. If you file your
application with missing information, we may return it to you
as incomplete. If you need more space, attach Form I-589
Supplement A or B (included in the application package) and/
or additional sheet(s) indicating the question number(s) you
are answering.
You are strongly urged to attach additional written statements
and documents that support your claim. Your written
statements should include events, dates, and details of your
experiences that relate to your claim for asylum.
NOTE: Put your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if
any), name (exactly as it appears in Part A.I. of the form),
signature, and date on each supplemental sheet and on the
cover page of any supporting documents.

Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23

You must provide your residential street address (the address
where you physically live) in the United States in Part A.I.,
Question 8, of the asylum application. You may also provide
a mailing address, if different from the address where you
reside, in Question 9. If someone else is collecting your mail
for you at your mailing address, you may enter that person's
name in the "In Care Of" field in your response to Question 9.
If your mailing address is a post office box, include that
address in Question 9 and include a residential address where
you physically live in Question 8.
In Question 13, use the current name of the country. Do not
use historical, ethnic, provincial, or other local names.
If you entered the country with inspection, Form I-94
number referred to in Question 19b is the number on Form
I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, given to you when you
entered the United States. In Question 19c, enter the date and
status as it appears on Form I-94. If you did not receive Form
I-94, write "None." If you entered without being inspected by
an immigration officer, write "No Inspection" in Question 19c
in the current status or status section.
Part A.II. Information About Your Spouse and Children
You must list your spouse and all of your children, including
your stepchildren, deceased children, adopted children, and
adult children, in this application, regardless of their age,
marital status, whether they are in the United States, or
whether or not they are included in this application or are
filing a separate asylum application.
In addition, you may include in your asylum application your
spouse and/or any children who are under 21 years of age and
unmarried, if they are in the United States. Children who are
married and/or children who are 21years of age or older must
file separately for asylum by submitting their own Form I-589.
Including your spouse and/or your children in your asylum
application means that if USCIS or EOIR approves your
application, your spouse or children will also be approved.
On the other hand, if you are not approved for asylum, your
spouse or children are also not approved.
If you apply for asylum while in proceedings before the
Immigration Court, the immigration judge may not have
authority to grant asylum to any spouse or child included in
your application who is not also in proceedings.

Part 1. Filing Instructions (continued)
When including family members in your asylum application,
you must submit primary documentary evidence establishing
your family relationship for each family member, as described
below:
1. If you are including your spouse in your application,
submit a copy of your marriage certificate and proof of
termination of any prior marriages.

Part B. Information About Your Application
This part asks specific questions relevant to eligibility for
asylum, for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of
the Act, or for withholding of removal under the Convention
Against Torture. For Question 1, check the box(es) next to
the reason(s) that you are completing this application. For all
other questions, check "Yes" or "No" in the box provided.
If you answer "Yes" to any question, explain in detail using
Form I-589, Supplement B or additional sheets of paper, as
needed.

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2. If you are including any unmarried children under 21
years of age in your application, submit a copy of each
child's birth certificate.

If you do not have and are unable to obtain these documents,
you must submit secondary evidence. Secondary evidence
includes but is not limited to medical records, religious
records, and school records. You may also submit an affidavit
from at least one person for each event you are trying to prove.
Affidavits may be provided by relatives or others. Persons
providing affidavits need not be U.S. citizens or lawful
permanent residents.
Affidavits must:

1. Fully describe the circumstances or event(s) in question
and fully explain how the person acquired knowledge of
the event(s);

You must clearly describe any of your experiences, or those of
family members or others who have had similar experiences
that may show that you are a refugee.
If you have experienced harm that is difficult for you to write
down and express, you must be aware that these experiences
may be very important to the decision-making process
regarding your request to remain in the United States. At your
interview with an asylum officer or hearing with an immigration
judge, you will need to be prepared to discuss the harm you
have suffered. If you are having trouble remembering or talking
about past events, we suggest that you talk to a lawyer, an
accredited representative, or a health professional who may be
able to help you explain your experiences and current situation.
Part C. Additional Information About Your Application

2. Be sworn to or affirmed by persons who were alive at
the time of the event(s) and have personal knowledge of
the event(s) (date and place of birth, marriage, etc.) that
you are trying to prove; and

Check "Yes" or "No" in the box provided for each question. If
you answer "Yes" to any question, explain in detail using
Form I-589 Supplement B or additional sheets of paper, as
needed.

3. Show the full name, address, and date and place of birth
of each person giving the affidavit and indicate any
relationship between you and the person giving the
affidavit.

If you answer "Yes" to Question 5, you must explain why you
did not apply for asylum within the first year after you arrived
in the United States. The Government will accept as an
explanation certain changes in the conditions in your country,
certain changes in your own circumstances, and certain other
events that may have prevented you from applying earlier.

If you submit secondary evidence or affidavits, you must
explain why primary evidence (for example, birth or marriage
certificate) is unavailable. You may explain the reasons
primary evidence is unavailable using Form I-589 Supplement
B or additional sheets of paper. Attach this explanation to
your secondary evidence or affidavits.
If you have more than four children, complete Form I-589
Supplement A for each additional child or attach additional
pages and documentation providing the same information
asked in Part A.II. of Form I-589.
Part A.III. Information About Your Background
Answer Questions 1 - 5, providing details as requested for
each question. Your responses to the questions concerning the
places you have lived, your education, and your employment
history must be in reverse chronological order starting with
your current residence, education, and employment and
working back in time.

Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23

For example, some of the events the Government might
consider as valid explanations include but are not limited to
the following:
1. You have learned that human rights conditions in your
country have worsened since you left;
2. Because of your health, you were not able to submit this
application within 1 year after you arrived;
3. You previously submitted an application, but it was
returned to you because it was not complete, and you
submitted a complete application within a reasonable
amount of time.
Federal regulations specify some of the other types of events
that may also qualify as valid explanations for why you filed
late. These regulations are found at 8 CFR, sections 208.4 and
1208.4. The list in the regulations is not all-inclusive, and the
Government recognizes that there are many other
circumstances that might be acceptable reasons for filing more
than 1 year after arrival.

Part 1. Filing Instructions (continued)
If you are unable to explain why you did not apply for asylum
within the first year after you arrived in the United States or
your explanation is not accepted by the Government, you may
not be eligible to apply for asylum, but you could still be
eligible for withholding of removal under INA section
241(b)(3), or for protection from removal under the
Convention Against Torture.

Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C.), section 1546(a),
provides in part:
Whoever knowingly makes under oath, or as permitted
under penalty of perjury under section 1746 of title 28,
knowingly subscribes as true, any false statement with
respect to a material fact in any application, affidavit,
or other document required by the immigration laws or
regulations prescribed thereunder, or knowingly presents
any such application, affidavit, or other document
containing any such false statement shall be fined in
accordance with this title or imprisoned not more than
10 years, or both.

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Part D. Your Signature

You must sign your application in Part D and respond to the
questions concerning any assistance you received to complete
your application, providing the information requested. Sign
after you have completed and reviewed the application.
If it is determined that you have knowingly made a
frivolous application for asylum, you can be permanently
ineligible for any benefits under the INA. (See section
208(d)(6) of the INA.)

According to regulations at 8 CFR sections 208.20 and
1208.20, an application is frivolous if any of its material
elements is deliberately fabricated. (See Section IV, Right to
Counsel, in Part 1 of these instructions if you have any
questions.) You may not avoid a frivolous finding simply
because someone advised or told you to provide false
information on your asylum application.

If aggravating factors exist, the maximum term of imprisonment
could reach 25 years.
If you knowingly provide false information on this application,
you or the preparer of this application may be subject to
criminal penalties under title 18 of the U.S.C. and to civil
penalties under section 274C of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1324c (see
8 CFR parts 270 and 1270).
Part F. To Be Completed at Asylum Interview, if
Applicable

Do not sign your application in Part F before filing this form.
You will be asked to sign your application in this space at the
conclusion of the interview regarding your claim.
NOTE: You must, however, sign Part D of the application.

Part E. Declaration of Person Preparing Form, if Other
Than Applicant, Spouse, Parent, or Child
Any person, other than an immediate family member (your
spouse, parent(s) or children), who helped prepare your
application must sign the application in Part E and provide
the information requested.
Penalty for Perjury

All statements in response to questions contained in this
application are declared to be true and correct under penalty
of perjury. You and anyone, other than an immediate family
member, who assists you in preparing the application must
sign the application under penalty of perjury. Your signature
is evidence that you are aware of the contents of this
application. Any person assisting you in preparing this
application, other than an immediate family member, must
include his or her name, address, and telephone number and
sign the application where indicated in Part E.
Failure of the preparer to sign will result in the application
being returned to you as an incomplete application.
If USCIS or EOIR later learns that you received assistance
from someone other than an immediate family member and
the person who assisted you willfully failed to sign the
application, this may result in an adverse ruling against you.

Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23

Part G. To Be Completed at Removal Hearing,
if Applicable

Do not sign your application in Part G before filing this form.
You will be asked to sign your application in this space at the
hearing before the immigration judge.
NOTE: You must, however, sign Part D of the application.
You are reminded again that, if is determined that you
have knowingly made a frivolous application for asylum,
you may be permanently ineligible for any benefits under
the INA. (See section 208(d)(6) of the INA.)
According to regulations at 8 CFR sections 208.20 and
1208.20, an application is frivolous if any of its material
elements is deliberately fabricated. Again, note that you may
not avoid a frivolous finding simply because someone advised
or told you to provide false information on your asylum
application.

Part 1. Filing Instructions (continued)
VI. Required Documents That You Must Submit
With Your Application
You must submit the following documents to apply for asylum
and withholding of removal:
1. The completed, signed original of your completed
application, Form I-589, and the original of any
supplementary sheets and supplementary statements. If
you choose to submit additional supporting material, see
Section VII. Additional Evidence That You Must
Submit, in Part 1 of these instructions. You should
make and keep an additional copy of the completed
application for your own records.

VII. Additional Evidence That You Must
Submit
You must submit reasonably available corroborative evidence
showing (1) the general conditions in the country from which
you are seeking asylum, and (2) the specific facts on which
you are relying to support your claim.
If evidence supporting your claim is not reasonably available
or you are not providing such corroboration at this time, you
must explain why, using Form I-589 Supplement B or
additional sheets of paper.

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2. One copy of primary or secondary evidence of
relationship, such as birth or school records of your
children, marriage certificate, or proof of termination of
marriage, for each family member listed in Part A.II.
that you are including in your application.
NOTE: If you submit an affidavit, you must submit
original. (For affidavit requirements, see Part A.II in
Part 1., Section V. of these instructions.)

3. One copy of all passports or other travel documents
(cover to cover) in your possession and one copy of any
U.S. immigration documents, such as a Form I-94,
Arrival/Departure Record, for you and each family
member included in your application, if you have such
documents. Do not submit original passports or travel
documents unless specifically requested.

4. If you have other identification documents (for
example, birth certificate, military or national
identification card, driver's license, etc.), we recommend
that you submit one copy with your application and
bring the original(s) with you to the interview.
Copies. Documents filed with this application should be
photocopies. If you choose to send an original document,
USCIS or the Immigration Court may keep that original
document for its records.
Translations. Any document containing foreign language
submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English
language translation that the translator has certified as complete
and accurate, and by the translator's certification that he or she is
competent to translate from the foreign language into English.

Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23

Supporting evidence may include but is not limited to
newspaper articles, affidavits of witnesses or experts, medical
and/or psychological records, doctors' statements, periodicals,
journals, books, photographs, official documents, or personal
statements or live testimony from witnesses or experts.
If you have difficulty discussing harm you have suffered in the
past, you may wish to submit a health professional's report
explaining this difficulty.

VIII. Fee

There is no fee for filing this application.

IX. Biometrics, Including Fingerprints
and Photographs

Applicants for asylum are subject to a biometrics check of all
appropriate records and other information databases
maintained by the Department of Homeland Security, the
Department of Justice, and the Department of State.
You and your eligible spouse or children, regardless of age,
listed on your asylum application must provide biometrics to
initiate the required background investigations or for identity
verification.
You and your spouse and children will be given instructions
on how to complete this requirement. You will be notified in
writing of the time and location of the Application Support
Center (ASC) where you must go to be fingerprinted and
photographed.
If filing with USCIS, unexcused failure to appear for a
scheduled appointment or to provide your required biometrics,
including fingerprints and photograph, or to provide other
biographical information within the time allowed, may delay
employment authorization and/or result in an asylum officer
dismissing your asylum application or referring it to an
immigration judge. For applicants before an immigration
judge, such failure without good cause may constitute an
abandonment of your asylum application and result in the
denial of employment authorization. (See 8 CFR sections
208.7(a)(1)(v) and 1003.47(d)).

Part 1. Filing Instructions (continued)
X. Organizing Your Application
Organize your application together in the following order,
forming one complete package (if possible, secure with binder
clips and rubber bands so that material may be easily
separated):

XII. Where to File?
Although USCIS will confirm in writing its receipt of your
application, you may wish to send the completed forms by
registered mail (return receipt requested) for your own records.
If you are not in proceedings in Immigration Court or before
the Board of Immigration Appeals:
Mail your completed Form I-589 and any other additional
information as indicated on the USCIS website:
www.uscis.gov/i-589.

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Your original Form I-589, with all questions completed, and
the application signed by you in Part D and signed by any
preparer in Part E.

Behind your original Form I-589, attach in the following order:

1. One Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as
Attorney or Accredited Representative, signed by you
and the attorney or representative, if you are represented
by an attorney or representative;
2. The originals of all supplementary sheets and
supplementary statements submitted with your
application;

3. One copy of any additional supporting documentation;
and
4. One copy of the evidence of your relationship to your
spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age
that you are including in your application, if any.

NOTE: Any additional pages submitted should include your
printed name (exactly as it appears in Part A.I. of the
application), A-Number (if any), signature and date.

XI. Incomplete Asylum Applications

An asylum application that is incomplete will be returned to
you by mail within 30 days of receipt of the application by
USCIS. An application that has not been returned to you
within 30 days of having been received by USCIS will be
considered complete, and you will receive written
acknowledgement of receipt from USCIS.

The filing of a complete application starts the 150-day period
you must wait before you may apply for employment
authorization. If your application is not complete and is
returned to you, the 150-day period will not begin until you
resubmit a complete application. (See Part 2 Section V,
Employment Authorization While Your Application Is
Pending of these instructions for further information
regarding eligibility for employment authorization.)
An application will be considered incomplete in each of the
following cases:
1. The application does not include a response to each of
the questions contained in Form I-589;
2. The application is unsigned; or
3. You indicated in Part D that someone prepared the
application other than yourself or an immediate family
member and the preparer failed to complete Part E of
the asylum application.
Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23

If you are in proceedings in Immigration Court, unless you are
filing as an unaccompanied alien child (UAC):
If you are currently in proceedings in Immigration Court (that
is, if you have been served with Form I-221, Order to Show
Cause and Notice of Hearing; Form I-122, Notice to Applicant
for Admission Detained for Hearing Before Immigration
Judge; Form I-862, Notice to Appear; or Form I-863, Notice
of Referral to Immigration Judge), you are required to file
your Form I-589 with the Immigration Court having
jurisdiction over your case.
At the master calendar hearing, counsel for DHS will provide
you with instructions for providing biometric and biographical
information to USCIS that you must follow. These
instructions may also be obtained at www.uscis.gov/laws/
immigration-benefits-eoir-removal-proceedings. The
following paragraphs describe the instructions that you will
have to follow.
In addition to filing your Form I-589 with the Immigration
Court and serving a copy on the appropriate U.S. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of the Chief Counsel,
you must also complete the following requirements before the
immigration judge can grant relief or protection in your case.
Send the following three items to the USCIS Nebraska
Service Center:
1. A clear copy of the first three pages of your completed
Form I-589 that you will be filing or have filed with the
Immigration Court, which must include your full name,
current residential address, current mailing address,
and A-Number. Do not submit any documents other
than the first three pages of the completed Form I-589;
2. A copy of Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as
Attorney or Accredited Representative, if you are
represented; and
3. A copy of the instructions provided by counsel for DHS
that you received at your first master calendar hearing in
immigration removal proceedings.
USCIS Nebraska Service Center
Defensive Asylum Application with Immigration Court
P.O. Box 87589
Lincoln, NE 68501-7589
NOTE: There is no filing fee required for Form I-589
applications.

Part 1. Filing Instructions (continued)
After the three items are received at the USCIS Nebraska
Service Center, you will receive:
1. A USCIS receipt notice indicating that USCIS received
your Form I-589; and
2. An Application Support Center (ASC) notice for you
and any eligible spouse and children included in your
Form I-589 who are also in removal proceedings. Each
ASC notice will indicate the individual's unique receipt
number and will provide instructions for each person to
appear for an appointment at a nearby ASC for collection
of biometrics (such as your photograph, fingerprints,
and signature). If you do not receive the ASC notice in
3 weeks, call 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 1-800-767-1833).

Special Filing Instructions for an Unaccompanied Alien
Child (UAC)
If you are a child in removal proceedings and filing as a UAC,
mail your completed application package as indicated on the
USCIS website: www.uscis.gov/i-589.
If you received an instruction sheet from Counsel for DHS
when you attended a hearing in Immigration Court, or if you
have a copy of documentation provided by the Department of
Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement
(ORR) showing that you are, or that you were in ORR custody
as a UAC, such as the UAC Initial Placement Referral Form
or the ORR Verification of Release Form, please submit those
documents with your application package as well.

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NOTE: If you also mail applications for other forms of relief
that you are applying for while in removal proceedings, as
specified by the instructions provided by counsel for DHS at
your master calendar hearing, you will receive two notices
with different receipt numbers. You must wait for and take
both scheduling notices to your ASC appointment.

You (and your eligible spouse and children, regardless of age)
must then:
1. Attend the biometrics appointment at the ASC and
obtain a biometrics confirmation document before
leaving the ASC; and

2. Retain your ASC biometrics confirmation as proof
that your biometrics were taken and bring it to your
future Immigration Court hearings.

NOTE: If the instructions above should change for
submitting copies of the first three pages of your asylum
application to the USCIS Nebraska Service Center for
purposes of receiving the receipt notice and ASC scheduling
appointment, you will be provided the changed instructions,
either at the master calendar hearing or at another point in the
Immigration Court proceedings. Follow the instructions you
are provided, or else you may not receive the ASC biometrics
scheduling notice in a timely manner.

1. After completion of exclusion, deportation, or removal
proceedings, and in conjunction with a motion to reopen
under 8 CFR part 1003, with the Immigration Court
having jurisdiction over the prior proceeding, any such
motion must reasonably explain the failure to request
asylum prior to the completion of the proceedings; or
2. In proceedings under 8 CFR 208.2(c) and 1208.2(c) and
after Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration
Judge, has been served on you and filed with the
Immigration Court, an immigration judge will have
exclusive jurisdiction over your case.

Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23

If you are a UAC but you are not in removal proceedings,
please submit your Form I-589 application package as directed
below in the discussion entitled, “If you are not in proceedings
in Immigration Court or before the Board of Immigration
Appeals.”
If you are in proceedings before the Board of Immigration
Appeals:
You may file your Form I-589 with the Board of Immigration
Appeals in conjunction with a motion to remand or reopen
under 8 CFR 1003.2 and 1003.8. You may file an initial Form
I-589 with the Board of Immigration Appeals only if the
Board of Immigration Appeals has jurisdiction over your case.
Any such motion must reasonably explain the failure to
request asylum and/or withholding of removal prior to the
completion of the proceedings.
Information concerning asylum offices and where to file
asylum applications is also available on the USCIS website at
www.uscis.gov.
If you previously applied for and were denied asylum by
USCIS or if you were previously included in a spouse's or
parent's pending application but you are no longer eligible to
be included as a dependent, mail your completed Form I-589
to the Asylum Vetting Center. (See www.uscis.gov/asylum
for information on Asylum Office jurisdiction.) Include a
letter with your application stating that you previously applied
for asylum and were denied or that you are now filing
independently for asylum. Reference in the letter the
application on which you were a dependent.
You may file your completed Form I-589 with the Asylum
Vetting Center if:
1. You have received the express written consent of the
Asylum Office Director or the Chief of the Asylum
Division to do so; or
2. You were previously included in a spouse's or parent's
pending application, but you are no longer eligible to be
included as a derivative applicant. In such cases, you
must include a cover letter referencing the previous
application and explaining that you are now
independently filing for asylum.

Part 1. Filing Instructions (continued)
Applications to the Asylum Vetting Center should be sent as
follows:
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS Asylum Vetting Center
P.O. Box 57100
Atlanta, GA 30308-0506

Part 2. Information Regarding Post-Filing
Requirements
I. Notification Requirements When Your
Address Changes
If you change your address, you must inform USCIS in
writing within 10 days of moving.

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FedEx, UPS, and DHL Deliveries:

DHS-USCIS Asylum Vetting Center
401 W. Peachtree St. NW, Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30308

The following categories of individuals are not entitled to an
asylum interview at a USCIS asylum office:
1. Certain alien crewmembers;
2. Certain stowaways;

3. Visa Waiver Program applicants for admission;

4. Visa Waiver Program overstays and status violators;

5. Certain aliens ordered removed under section 235(c) of
the INA on security-related grounds; and
6. Aliens granted S nonimmigrant status under section
101(a)(15)(S) of the INA (such as witnesses and
informants).

Individuals subject to these special categories who file asylum
applications with USCIS will be served with Form I-863,
Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, when they appear at
the USCIS asylum office and will be referred to Immigration
Court for an asylum-only hearing.

If you fall into one of the above categories and you have not
yet been served with Form I-863, you may file your completed
Form I-589 with the USCIS office having jurisdiction over
your application. The Asylum Office Director may elect to
serve you with Form I-863, in which case the asylum office
director will forward your asylum application to the
appropriate Immigration Court.

If you are an alien crewmember in custody and you have been
given Form I-589 as well as information about the privilege of
being represented by counsel and the consequences of
knowingly filing a frivolous asylum application, you have 10
days within which to submit your completed Form I-589 to the
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Field
Office Director having jurisdiction over the Port of Entry at
which your vessel arrived. The Field Office Director may
extend the 10-day filing period for good cause. Once you file
your application, the Field Office Director will serve you with
Form I-863 and immediately forward your application to the
appropriate Immigration Court.

Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23

While your asylum application is pending with the asylum
office, you must notify the asylum office on Form AR-11,
Alien's Change of Address Card, or by a signed and dated
letter notifying USCIS within 10 days after you change
your address.
The address that you provide on the application, or the last
change of address notification that you submitted, will be used
by USCIS for mailing. Any notices mailed to that address will
constitute adequate service, except that personal service may
be required for the following: Form I-122, Notice to Alien
Detained for Hearing by Immigration Judge; Form I-221,
Order to Show Cause; Form I-862, Notice to Appear; Form
I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge; and Form
I-860, Notice and Order of Expedited Removal.
If you are already in proceedings in Immigration Court,
you must notify the Immigration Court on EOIR Form 33/
IC, Alien Change of Address Form/Immigration Court, of
any changes of address within 5 days of the change in
address. You must send the notification to the Immigration
Court having jurisdiction over your case. You must also
notify USCIS on Form AR-11, Alien's Change of Address
Card, or by a signed and dated letter within 10 days after you
change your address.

II. Asylum Interview Process
If you are not in proceedings in Immigration Court or before
the Board of Immigration Appeals, you will be notified by the
USCIS Asylum Office of the time, date, and place (address)
of a scheduled interview.
USCIS recommends that you bring a copy of your Form I-589
with you when you have your asylum interview. An asylum
officer will interview you under oath and make a determination
concerning your claim. In most cases, you will not be notified
of the decision in your case until a date after your interview.
You have the right to legal representation at your interview, at
no cost to the U.S. Government. (See Section IV, Right to
Counsel.) You also may bring witnesses with you to the
interview to testify on your behalf.
If you are unable to proceed with the asylum interview in
fluent English, you must provide, at no expense to USCIS,
a competent interpreter fluent in both English and a
language that you speak fluently.

Your interpreter must be at least 18 years of age. The
following persons cannot serve as your interpreter: your
attorney or representative of record, a witness testifying on
your behalf at the interview, or a representative or employee
of your country. Quality interpretation may be crucial to your
claim. This assistance must be obtained at your expense prior
to the interview.
Failure without good cause to bring a competent
interpreter to your interview may be considered an
unexcused failure to appear for the interview. Any
unexcused failure to appear for an interview may prevent
you from receiving employment authorization, and your
asylum application may be dismissed or referred directly
to the Immigration Court.

NOTE: The application process for advance parole varies
depending on your personal circumstances. Use InfoPass on
the USCIS website to check with your local USCIS District
Office for application instructions. Additional information on
obtaining advance parole is available from the USCIS website
at www.uscis.gov.

V. Employment Authorization While Your
Application Is Pending

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If you are deaf, or if you are hard of hearing and need a sign
language interpreter in your language, one will be provided for
you. Contact the Asylum Office with jurisdiction over your
case as soon as you receive a notice for your asylum interview
to notify the office that you will need a sign language
interpreter in your language so that accommodations can be
made in advance.

You will be granted permission to work if your asylum
application is granted.
Simply filing an application for asylum does not entitle you to
employment authorization. You may request permission to
work if your asylum application is pending and 150 days have
lapsed since your application was accepted by USCIS or the
Immigration Court. (See 8 CFR sections 208.7(a)(1) and
1208.7(a)(1).) Any delay in the processing of your asylum
application that you request or cause will not be counted as
part of the 150-day period.

If available, you must bring some form of identification to
your interview, including any passport(s), other travel or
identification documents, or Form I-94, Arrival/Departure
Record. You may bring to the interview any additional
available items documenting your claim that you have not
already submitted with your application.

If your asylum application has not been denied within 180
days from the date of filing a complete asylum application,
you may be granted permission to work by filing Form I-765,
Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS.
Follow the instructions on that application and submit it with a
copy of evidence as specified in the instructions that you have
a pending asylum application.

If members of your family are included in your application for
asylum, they must also appear for the interview and bring any
identity or travel documents they have in their possession.

Each family member whom you have asked to be included in
your application and who also wants permission to work must
submit a separate Form I-765.

III. Status While Your Application Is Pending

You may obtain copies of Form I-765 by calling the USCIS
Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or from the USCIS website
at www.uscis.gov.

While your case is pending, you will be permitted to remain in
the United States. After your asylum interview, if you have
not been granted asylum and appear to be removable under
section 237 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1227, or inadmissible under
section 212 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182, the asylum office will
refer your application, together with the appropriate charging
document, to the Immigration Court for adjudication in
removal proceedings.

IV. Travel Outside the United States
If you leave the United States without first obtaining advance
parole from USCIS using Form I-131, Application for Travel
Document, we will presume that you have abandoned your
application. If you obtain advance parole and return to the
country of claimed persecution, we will presume that you
abandoned your asylum application, unless you can show that
there were compelling reasons for your return.

Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23

DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this
application, and the associated evidence, is collected under the
Immigration and Nationality Act sections 208 and 241(b)(3).
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested
information on this form is to determine eligibility for asylum
in the United States, and for withholding of removal. The
information may also be used to apply for deferral of removal
under the Convention Against Torture.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary.
However, failure to provide the requested information, and
any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in
the denial of your benefit request.

DHS Privacy Notice (continued)
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you
provide on this benefit application with other federal, state,
local, and foreign government agencies and authorized
organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses described
in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/
USCIS-001 - Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking
and DHS/USCIS-010 - Asylum Information and PreScreening] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy and
EOIR-001, Records Management Information System, 69 Fed.
Reg 26, 179 (May 11, 2004) or its successors. DHS may also
share the information, as appropriate, for law enforcement
purposes or in the interest of national security.

Supplements to Form I-589
Form I-589, Supplement A - For use to complete Part A.II.
Form I-589, Supplement B - For use to complete Parts B
and C and to provide additional information for any other part
of the application.

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USCIS Forms and Information

You can get USCIS forms and immigration-related
information on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov. If you
do not have internet access, you may order USCIS forms by
calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. (For
TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833).

Additional information concerning asylum and withholding of
removal is available on the USCIS website at
www.uscis.gov/asylum and the EOIR website at
www.usdoj.gov/eoir.

Penalties

If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material
fact or submit a false document with Form I-589, we will deny
your Form I-589 and may deny any other immigration benefit.

In addition, you will face severe penalties provided by law and
may be subject to criminal prosecution.
For specific information, see Part E in Part 1, Section V, of
these instructions.

Paperwork Reduction Act
An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information
collection and a person is not required to respond to a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid
OMB control number. The public reporting burden for this
collection of information is estimated at 11 hours per
response, including the time for reviewing instructions, and
completing and submitting the form. Send comments
regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing
this burden to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,
Office of Policy & Strategy, Regulatory Coordination
Division, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140,
Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009; OMB No. 1615-0067. Do
not mail your completed Form I-589 to this address.

Form I-589 Instructions 03/01/23