I-589 - Application for political asylum
Form I-589 can be submitted in a variety of ways:
Where to mail depends on the following factors:
1. Online filing through USCIS applies if:
1) You entered the country on a visa;
2) You entered through Mexico but have not received a subpoena number I-862 Notice to Appear.
2. Mail filing through USCIS applies if:
1) You entered through Mexico but your case is not in the court system;
2) Your case has been closed in the court system.
3. и 4. Court filing applies if your case is in the court system.
5. Online court filing is only available to attorneys who are required to use the ECAS system.
1. Filing Form 589 through USCIS online
To file online, you must create an account.
In your personal account, under the account menu, select "File Form Online" -> I-589.
If you are in the country on a visa, simply file the I-589 through USCIS and expect an invitation for an interview.
2. Filing Form 589 through USCIS mail
- Applicant Documents:
- Child's documents +
Additional evidence (does not have to be submitted at once):
The mailing address is listed on the page under "Where to file" and varies by state, city of residence, and postal service.
Submit Form I-589 along with G1145 to quickly receive a text message notification with the case number.
150 days after the Form I-589 acceptance date on the 797 Notice, apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Once you receive the EAD, and if you are already in the court system, resubmit Form I-589 to the court with your case.
What can happen after you submit Form I-589 to USCIS (for those who entered through Mexico).
Information from the USCIS website: if your case is not in the court system, USCIS will accept your Form I-589 because the law requires that your asylum application be filed within one year of entering the country. However, when you do show up in the court system and this information is given to USCIS, your Form I-589 with all of your documents will be forwarded to the immigration court and you will receive a letter (797 Notice) that your case has been transferred to the immigration court.
If you sent Form I-589 to USCIS without a complete history and evidence, you will be able to provide any written additions at the first master judgment.
What if USCIS sent you an invitation for an interview at their office?
There is a 99% chance that this interview will take place, but you must show up for it and be prepared. On the day of the interview at the USCIS office, you must show the officer copies of your documents from your entry documents, including the I-862 Notice to Appear. If you do so, your interview will be canceled directly at the office and your case will be sent to court.
A list of documents to send to the court can be found here.
You can also bring your I-589 form and case directly to Master Hearings (first court hearing), but the sooner you send your form in, the sooner you will receive your work authorization and Social Security number.
- Online filing through USCIS
- Mail filing through USCIS
- Mail or in-person filing in court
- In-person filing for Master Hearing in court
- Online filing in court
Where to mail depends on the following factors:
1. Online filing through USCIS applies if:
1) You entered the country on a visa;
2) You entered through Mexico but have not received a subpoena number I-862 Notice to Appear.
2. Mail filing through USCIS applies if:
1) You entered through Mexico but your case is not in the court system;
2) Your case has been closed in the court system.
3. и 4. Court filing applies if your case is in the court system.
5. Online court filing is only available to attorneys who are required to use the ECAS system.
- How do I know where and how do I file my I-589?
- How do I know if I am in the court system?
- How do I not miss a call for biometric collection (fingerprinting)?
1. Filing Form 589 through USCIS online
To file online, you must create an account.
In your personal account, under the account menu, select "File Form Online" -> I-589.
If you are in the country on a visa, simply file the I-589 through USCIS and expect an invitation for an interview.
2. Filing Form 589 through USCIS mail
- Applicant Documents:
- I-589
- Copies of documents from border control/detention facilities
- (I-94, I-862 Notice to Appear, I-220, I-385, etc.).
- Copy of passport or passports (all pages from cover to cover, if applicable)
- Copy of birth certificate (if available)
- Translation of birth certificate
- Copy of marriage certificate (if married and spouse is in the U.S.)
- Translation of marriage certificate
- Child's documents +
- Copy of child's birth certificate (if married and child is in the U.S.)
- Translation of child's birth certificate
Additional evidence (does not have to be submitted at once):
- Country Report
- History in English
- Other evidence
The mailing address is listed on the page under "Where to file" and varies by state, city of residence, and postal service.
Submit Form I-589 along with G1145 to quickly receive a text message notification with the case number.
150 days after the Form I-589 acceptance date on the 797 Notice, apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Once you receive the EAD, and if you are already in the court system, resubmit Form I-589 to the court with your case.
What can happen after you submit Form I-589 to USCIS (for those who entered through Mexico).
Information from the USCIS website: if your case is not in the court system, USCIS will accept your Form I-589 because the law requires that your asylum application be filed within one year of entering the country. However, when you do show up in the court system and this information is given to USCIS, your Form I-589 with all of your documents will be forwarded to the immigration court and you will receive a letter (797 Notice) that your case has been transferred to the immigration court.
If you sent Form I-589 to USCIS without a complete history and evidence, you will be able to provide any written additions at the first master judgment.
What if USCIS sent you an invitation for an interview at their office?
There is a 99% chance that this interview will take place, but you must show up for it and be prepared. On the day of the interview at the USCIS office, you must show the officer copies of your documents from your entry documents, including the I-862 Notice to Appear. If you do so, your interview will be canceled directly at the office and your case will be sent to court.
A list of documents to send to the court can be found here.
You can also bring your I-589 form and case directly to Master Hearings (first court hearing), but the sooner you send your form in, the sooner you will receive your work authorization and Social Security number.