U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, is available to file online for qualifying affirmative asylum applicants. USCIS also continues to accept the latest paper version by mail.
The option to file Form I-589 online is available for qualifying affirmative asylum applicants. Individuals can use their USCIS online account to file if they are physically present in the U.S.
Individuals should review the USCIS online filing instructions to ensure they are eligible to file online.
Affirmative asylum applicants may not file Form I-589 online if they:
- Have a matter in an immigration court or before the Board of Immigration Appeals;
- Are an unaccompanied alien child and in removal review;
- Fall within the categories who must file by mail with the Asylum Vetting Center per instructions on the Form I-589 webpage; or
- Previously submitted Form I-589 and it is pending with USCIS.
In FY2021, over 8.8 million requests for immigration benefits and other requests, including 61,150 Forms I-589, were received by USCIS. The number of forms approved for online filing has increased dramatically since its launch in 2017. In FY 2021, over 1.2 million applications, petitions, and requests were filed online. This is a 2.3% increase from the previous year.
Individuals looking to file Form I-589 must first create their USCIS online account. This ensures a secure method for each individual to submit forms and see where their filing is in the process of review, throughout the process. Setting up a USCIS account is free and offers additional features, including connecting with USCIS if questions should arise, through a secure inbox. Individuals can also respond to a Request for Evidence (RFE) through their online accounts. Note that starting Nov. 7, 2022, USCIS will only accept the July 26, 2022 paper edition. Until then, individuals can use the version dated August 25, 2020. The edition date is located at the bottom of the page both on the form and on the instructions.
With the addition of Form I-589, a total of 13 USCIS forms are now available for online filing. See the current list of these documents online. In all cases, USCIS also accepts the latest paper versions sent by mail as well.
If you have questions about online filing or any other immigration-related issue, please contact us. Our extensive experience in U.S. immigration law coupled with our focus on the individual circumstances of each individual ensures you receive the proper guidance.