If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably already familiar with the form I-589, Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal. Whether your case is in Immigration Court or the Asylum Office, this is the form that you use to apply for asylum, withholding of removal under INA § 241(b)(3), and relief under the United Nations Convention Against Torture.
At the beginning of the asylum interview or the court case, the applicant has an opportunity to make corrections to the I-589. It’s not a problem to make corrections, and generally, correcting errors on the original form does not reduce the likelihood that the application will be granted. In the worst case, the applicant will need to explain the mistake(s), but even this is fairly rare.
You might think that the most important questions on the I-589 are the ones on page 5 related to why you need asylum. It makes sense, since that is the whole point of the form. But, au contraire, in asylum world, things that make sense are rarely the correct answer. The questions about asylum are generally easy to answer on the form, and you have ample opportunity to elaborate on your answer in an affidavit or at the interview.
So what is the most important question on the form? It’s the question that appears on page 1, near the very beginning of the form, in Part A.I., question 6: “What other names have you used (include maiden name and aliases)?” What’s so important about this question, you ask. I will endeavor to explain. But first, a bit of background.
Every asylum applicant must undergo a background check. The check is a bit of a mystery, but it involves a biometrics check and a name check. The background check also involves multiple data bases, and it can be quite time consuming–some people wait years for the completion of their checks. Theoretically–and hopefully–the background check will be completed before the interview or the court case. That way, the applicant can receive a decision shortly after being interviewed. If the check is not complete, or if new information arises at the interview and the check must be augmented, the case will be delayed–possibly for a very long time.
In my office, for example, we have dozens of clients who have been interviewed, but are still waiting for decisions in their cases. Some have been waiting for weeks or months; the longest delayed applicants have been waiting over two years! Most of these delays seem to be because the security background checks are not complete. For people who are single, or whose spouse and children are with them in the United States, the wait may be tolerable (stressful and unpleasant, but tolerable). For people who are separated from their spouse and children, the wait is horrific. How can a mother or father be apart from small children for months or years? Yet this is what many applicants are enduring today.
Which brings us back to the question about “other names used.” If you fail to include every name you have used in your life, the Asylum Office may have to start the security background check all over again for any names that you add to the form during your asylum interview or your court case. So while it is not a problem to correct this question, adding a new name to the form could cause months (or more) of delay. For this reason, it is important to include any and all names you have used when you first submit the form.
Your name on the I-589 (Part A.I., questions 3, 4, and 5) is generally your name as it appears on your passport. So what “other names” should be listed on the form? You should include the name on your U.S. visa, including the notorious “FNU” or “first name unknown,” which often appears on US visas for people who have only one name. If you have a maiden name, include that. Also, list any different spellings of your name that you (or others) have used. If you have nicknames, pseudonyms or aliases, list those too. Of course, if you have ever changed your name, list all previous names you have used. If you ever list your name as “son of” or “daughter of,” include that. Finally, different countries and cultures have different naming conventions. Sometimes, a person’s name is the given name, followed by the father and grandfather’s name, or a tribal name. You should list all iterations of your name.
It is important to answer all questions on the I-589 form as completely and as accurately as possible. But the question about “other names used” is particularly important. If you forget to include all the names you have used, it could cause additional long delays in your case. To paraphrase the immortal Dr. Seuss, “Be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray, or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea, make sure to include all your names on the I-589 form. Then you’ll be off to great places. So, get on your way!”
My wife has a pending i589 dated october 2015. At that I was in Africa, was mentioned as spouse outside the usa. I join her 7 months ago and filed for i730 for me. 6 months later, we file for my EAD that was denied because not yet adjudicated. For the motion to reopen, can I file on the basis of the initial i589 now that I am in the usa since 7 months? If we do so, shall we cancel the i730 process since the asylum status is still pending.
If her asylum case is still pending, I do not know why there would be an I-730 in that – that is only if the case is won. Anyway, if you are in the US and she has an asylum case pending, you can first join her case and then you can file for your EAD. To join the case can be a bit of a bureaucratic difficulty, but email her asylum office and ask how to do it – they should tell you what to do. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
hi jason
i will move for (few months and in that time i will apply for work permit )from Minnesota to New York
i have some questions about EAD
1)should i change my address of my case ?
2)what if i changed my address , it would affect my 150 days before apply to work permit ?
3) if i don’t want to change my address but i will move for short while so could i use the new address for the EAD form ?
thanks
1- If the move is a permanent move and you give up the old address, you have to change your address; 2 – It should not (at least according to USCIS), but I am not very confident about that, and so I advise my clients not to change their address until they have the EAD in their hand, in order to be 100% safe. 3 – You could use the new address on the EAD form, but you may need to explain that later at your asylum interview. If you are only moving for a few months for a temporary job, and maybe keep your driver’s license, taxes, and apartment/house at the old location, you should be ok. Take care, Jason
so where to file my form ? according to my address which included in my application i-589 or according to the temporary address ?
thanks
You can file using the temporary address, but it could take several months to get the EAD, so hopefully you can get mail at that address for some time. Also, you may need to explain to the asylum office why you were using two different addresses, and why your address on the I-589 is your permanent address. Take care, Jason
I have recently filed for asylum, i have about six months or more to apply and get the SSN and the EAD, in the mean time can i apply for a university degree using only the I-589 acknowledgement receipt?
It seems to vary by university. Most universities do not allow it, but you may want to talk to your school of choice to see what they say. Take care, Jason
hello Jason,
i have submitted my application for asylum on Feb. 22nd but i haven’t received acknowledgment receipt yet. checked with usps and cofirmed they delivered the package.
is that normal, or something is wrong. if something is wrong who i can contact.
It is not normal and something may be wrong. Make sure that you mailed it to the correct office (the mailing address varies by where you live in the US, and if you send it to the wrong address, it often disappears). If so, the first step is to contact the local asylum office to ask whether they have the case (the case is mailed to the service center – usually in TX, VT or NE – and then forwarded to the local office). You can find the local office contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
I submitted my I589 and they sent my form back to due to some missing information and the corrected it same day and sent it back the following day and its been over 40 days i haven’t received any receipt number and i tried calling my local office in maryland which was the Arlington services center and they emailed me saying Texas services centre is where centre that deals with Asylum cases, please i need your suggestions. Thanks
If you are in MD, your case should go to the Arlington Virginia asylum office. You can email them to inquire about the case. You can find their email address if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
Is it possible I highlight points in articles to be used as supporting documents in my asylum application? My sister said she did same for hers and that she used marker pens to highlight points on the articles.
I think that is a good idea – it saves the Asylum Officer’s time and points the officer in the right direction. That should be good for your case. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Does the background check show any previous US visa applications and exit/entry date even it was more than 10 years ago?
Thanks
It does – the asylum office will know about any visa applications and probably have copies of those applications. Take care, Jason
Can an asylum receipt keep me from being detained if I have two moral turpitude but no order for removal
It does not keep you from being detained. Asylum can be a defense to being deported if you are detained, but depending on the crimes (and the judge), it could be difficult to win asylum if you have criminal convictions. Take care, Jason
Hello, I wanted to know what the work permit really does?
Does it mean I can go to University? Does it mean I can get financial aid? Can I apply for scholarships?
It makes your authorized to work.
You can always go to university, even without a work permit.
And no, it doesn’t help with financial aid/scholarship in any way.
Can I apply for DV while I’m waiting on my asylum interview?
You have to ask your state DMV, as different states have different rules, but if you have the EAD, you should be able to get your driver’s license. Take care, Jason
Hey josh I applied for asylum (i589) on the 15 February 2017 the farm was sent back because I have to make 3 copies I did that and I sent it back,today is the 25th of may 2017 almost 2 months now I have not received Acknowledgment of receipt of my application, what can I do ?
The first step is to make sure you mailed it to the correct address. If so, contact the local asylum office to ask whether they have a record of the case (you can email them). You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. If they have no record, you may want to talk to a lawyer, or file the case again, as you do not want to miss the one-year asylum filing deadline. Good luck, Jason
Most universities will allow you to attend with a work permit. Usually, you cannot get in-state tuition. Contact the university and maybe there is some financial aid or scholarships available. Take care, Jason
hii
i have submitted my asylum application n received a receipt on march1st but til now they haven’t called me for biometric?when can i expect it?
2.when can i apply for work permit ?im a nurse and will i be able to write RN and work after getting my work permit?
1 – It usually takes a month or so. Maybe contact the local asylum office to ask about that. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. 2 – You can apply for the EAD 150 days after your asylum application was received. Take care, Jason
thanx jason for taking out ur time in replying to our questions.
after getting EAD am i eligible to write NCLEX.since im under asylum process n done nursing course outside united state??
I do not know what NCLEX is. If it is a nursing program, at a school, you are probably eligible, but you would need to contact them to ask. Take care, Jason
I submitted my I 589 form. Did my biometrics, and now waiting for interview. My record is clean. Do you advise to have legal representation from a lawyer during the interview or can I just take my cousin who is fluent in English??
I did a posting on this topic on July 7, 2016. Maybe that would help. Take care, Jason
3 months ago i have got asylum visa from court order . But I don’t get biometrics card from home office till now . Home office don’t receive phone & don’t reply me by email. What can i do now ? Please tell me .
There is no “home office” in the US, and I only know about cases in the US, so you should talk to a lawyer in your country. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason;
I do not have any question but all I wanna say is thank you very much for your relentless effort to answer all the questions. You’re simple great human. God bless you!
Thank you Jack Sparrow – I like the user name. Keep up the good work in the Caribbean. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
I filed my I-589 application for me, my wife and 3 years old child and it is pending as of 13 February, 2017. My wife and I received biometrics notification letter at the same time after 1.5 month later but for my child, I have not received anything so far. Do you suggest I need to wait for a while or write a letter to asylum office? I tried to reach asylum office in San Francisco by phone (number given by an immegration officer) but it could not make it. Thank you.
Usually people under 14 years old do not need biometrics. You can always email the asylum office to double check. You can find their email address if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator (calling usually does not work). Take care, Jason
Thank you very much for your reply. Like all the other people in this blog, I appreciate your help and free consulting. Thank you for being there for people like me always.
Hello,
I was released from ICE detention center without any documentation. ICE kept my passport and other documents from my country because I arrived in the USA illegally. A week after been realeased, I went to my country consulate, and received new passport. soon after that, I submitted my I589 form along with a copy of my new passport. Is this legal? Can I travel within the USA with my new passport on airplane? Please help me…
It is legal. You may need to explain why you asked for a passport from a country where you fear persecution. You should be able to travel domestically in the US with your passport (and it is a good idea to bring with you your asylum receipt). Take care, Jason
Thank you so much.
Dear Jason how long it takes biometrics appointment after we get acknowledgement .
Hi Jason. I applied I-589 January 2017. I got acknowledgement February 21. Until now I am waiting for background check. My daughter is Student with F1 visa. She has to go England for internship for 3 months at 5 May. She applied for I-131. How long we have to wait for fingerprints. We sent email to Arlington office, asked about fingerprints and about my daughter, they promised to help us. How long it takes until they call for background check,what will happen if my daughter go England and won’t be present for fingerprints appointment? what will happen if she’ll not get her I-131 before her leaving? Thank you.
Usually the biometrics appointment comes 1 or 2 months after you file the case. Advance Parole takes 3 to 6 months to get. I am not confident that your daughter can use AP to study abroad (assuming she is a dependent on your asylum case). Maybe she can, but I recommend you talk to an attorney about the before she spends such a long period of time outside the US. It might be better for her to not be part of your asylum case. Take care, Jason
thank u for your help
i got finger print and i got i 797C but i did not recieve any notice after that although some got notifiction with their case number is it normal ?
2- could i apply to state ID with i 797c notice ?
thanks
1 – After the fingerprints, you will not receive any notices until you get the interview (usually in a few years). 2 – Usually you need the EAD to apply for a state ID, but it varies by state, so you have to check with the DMV or whatever office issues the state ID. Take care, Jason
Hi,
I have the following situation. My husband applied for Asylum and it is on Pending(no interview yet). We got married after he applied. He added me on his case, however we completed I-730 form(thinking this is the right form to add me to his case). After sending I-730 form to USCIS we got confirmation stating that they included me as a Spouse and scheduled appointment to give Biometrics, finger print, etc and all completed with no issue and I got my A number, ID, drivers license etc.
After waiting for 150days, I applied for Employment Authorization and it was denied due to there is no Form I-589 within my files.
We have visited the local USCIS office, and they advised us that when my husband applied for asylum he was single and if he adds a family member after sending i-589, the family member is not eligible for EAD. It was strange for me.
So, when I got home I checked about I-730 and this form was for Asylee relative petition which means Asylee who got approved as Asylee in USA. Am I right? But my husband never got an interview yet.
What do you think about this? How can I be added to my husbands i-589 form?
Thank you in advance.
The I-730 is only filed after a person wins asylum. You have to contact the local asylum office and ask the procedure to add a spouse the case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
hey jason
I applied asylum on 15 feb 2017 and received the acknowledgement of receipt on march 2 but till now i have not received any letter regarding biometrics. should I be worried?
And when will I be able to apply for EAD, will it be after 5 month of 15 feb or after I give the biometrics?
Sometimes, biometrics are delayed. I recommend you contact the local asylum office and ask about the biometrics. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. I do not think this will affect your eligibility for EAD. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason, How have you been?
I recently came into new information about the human rights organization. I applied for asylum and I am currently developing my affidavit of support. But sadly, as everything that’s happening is unexpected to me and my family, I do not have the resources to afford a lawyer. My questions are 1. Are there ways I can get legal support if I don’t have money? 2. Is there anything wrong with representing myself if I fail to get representation in any way?
Thank you
1 – I did a post on September 22, 2016 that might help. 2 – I did a post on July 7, 2016 that might help with this. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thanks so much for the valuable knowledge from your blog.
I have a question which might be answered somewhere, but let me ask again to get up-to-date idea.
For asylum applicant without any crime before, is it good idea to skip to check this box to apply for withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture in i589?
If unfortunately asylum case was denied, is it possible to apply withholding of removal at the immigration court?
Thank you.
For cases with the asylum office, it does not much matter whether you check the box for Torture Convention, since the asylum office does not have the authority to grant Torture Convention cases – only an immigration judge can do that. We generally check the box – if a person faces persecution in her country, she usually also faces torture. That way, if the case goes to court, we can make the Torture Convention claim (in addition to the asylum and Withholding claims). Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I have 2 questions, 1. I’ve tried punching in my receipt number on the USCIS case status but an error message occurs it’s been two months since they sent me a letter saying they got my file.
2. Is it possible for me to work from home and earn money through my debit card or mail (from online surveys, marketing…) even though I still don’t have a work permit?
1 – You cannot check asylum cases online. 2 – It is not legal, but it should have no effect on your asylum case. Take care, Jason
Hi, Jason, I filed My i589 Application on 24 February 2017, i did not receive any acknowledgment Receipt from USCIS, because the mailbox address doesn’t have my name written on it, and it is written on mailbox that “NO Name No mail” so i dont know, whether they sent me acknowledgment or not, or acknowledgment recipient was returned to them by USPS? i contacted USPS, and they told me that, if your name was not written on Mailbox, it might have been returned to Uscis, who should i contact? i am kind of worried, because i dont what happened to my application
dear
am not a lawyer but i think if your mail address was written on the i-589 form so normally they will send the i-797c to the address mentioned on it,
am in the same situation that you are in, you can contact the immigration call center and they will transfer your call to the asylum (service center) it depends where did you mailed the application and they will inform you if they have your information in the system…
also you can download the application of the usps to track the mail 100 percent where and when the service center received it.
i know that i don’t have to answer your question because am not a lawyer but am just sharing my experience,
Take care
i did track my mail, they received it on 24 February, but the problem is that, i dont know whether they sent me acknowledgment or not, because USPS told me that, if your name was not written in the mailbox, it will be sent back to USCIS,
You first need a mail box where you can receive mail. Then, I would contact the local asylum office and explain the problem. Maybe they can assist you. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
hi, i have one question. Am i need to translate all newspaper articles to english or just to leave like originals? tnx
Any document not in English must include an English translation and a Certificate of Translation signed by the translator. Take care, Jason
hi … i apply for my asylum under my name and i add my husband and my new born baby he is an american citizen , my interview was 3 days ago , every thing was very good , but when my husband made his finger print his record shows in his background checking .. does this affect me even if i don have any background records , the can deny my case because of that, do you think that they will deported me and take my baby , or the will deal with my husband individualy
If there is an issue with your husband, it may delay your case, but I suppose it depends on the issue. Even if you were to be deported, they would not take your child. There is no worry about that. In any case, the interview was three days ago, so you will need to wait and see what they say. Good luck, Jason
My husband record was bad fraud check, and he is still working on it and he work for community service right now after he finish he should provide the immigration all the documents ,, so do think will affect me , or they can denied me because of him
And also i just got today a notice from the immigration department that i don’t have do show after 2 weeks they said the will mail me there decisions later on , is that normal
It is normal. In many cases, they tell the person to return in two weeks for a decision. More tan 50% of the time, they then call and say that they will mail the decision. It has no bearing on whether you will win or lose, and it happens a lot. Take care, Jason
Hi mr. Jason good day… i have questions on March i went to my appointment in the asylum office,, and that day everything was perfect any way when my husband make his fingerprints they showed that he have report and he should be clean , so they give us waiting time until oct 13 coz my husband should finish his comminty service and made is case dismissed ,, so he fix everything and we got the judge report and we send the asylum office by our loyar all they need in oct 11 ,, and now im waiting for their decision , do you think for how long it will take to get the answer
There is no way to predict, and it might depend on what the criminal issue was – if it was not serious, then maybe it will not take long. But there could also be other reasons for delay, and many people face delay after the interview, especially people from Muslim countries. Hopefully, you will get a good answer soon. Good luck, Jason
Hi how are you sir ,, as i told you befor last year i went to my interview and they told me they will mail me later the answer because my husband was missing some paper so then we apply for the missing documents and we wait for them to answer for 9 month ,, now they send me a latter that they want to reschedule second notice interview and it will on aug 21 , I wondered why they want me to come again there is there any thing wrong or what please help me , i very stressful is this bad or good
Its not criminal he just got dismissed and he was okay and we send this paper last year to them , but now they ask for second interview, have heard anything like my case,
I would not say a second interview is good or bad; they probably just need more info. Maybe about the new documents you submitted or maybe about something else. I would prepare for that interview as you prepared for the first interview. Plus, try to remember what you said at the first interview, so you your testimony at the second interview is consistent with what you told them last time. Take care, Jason
It may affect his eligibility, and it may cause your case to be delayed, but I doubt it will cause your case to be denied, as it is not something you did. If you want to be extra careful, talk with a lawyer. Anyway, he should have a lawyer help him with the criminal case, and that lawyer also need to be aware of his immigration status so the lawyer can help reduce the chances that the conviction will affect his immigration status. Take care, Jason
Hi there. My case is diferent i applied for an asylum i 589. I was waiting for my acknolegment receipt first but I didn’t get it.. but 13 day after they sent me the letter and an appointment for my finger print.. I think it was a little fast. Because usually it take 1 or 2 months to get the biometrics appointment. But mine came in 13 days, and i guess i should get the acknolegment receipt first.. Is that a problem ?? Please help…
We have seen this once in a while. I think it is just an error, but you may want to contact your local asylum office, tell them what happened, and ask for their advice. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
Thank you for your last reply.
please let me trouble you with one more question. Is it possible to apply for a work permit before the 150 Day period? Is there anyway the state can reconsider my case and let me apply earlier?
It is not possible based on asylum. The waiting period is part of the law and cannot be waived. Maybe if you have some other way to get a work permit, you could try that, but most people do not have this option. Take care, Jason
I am sponsoring a woman from Pakistan for asylum. We have a lawyer who the application and additional information was given to. He said he sent it. I have read that Komal, who is seeking asylum, should receive a letter in the mail in two weeks to verify that her application has been received. It has been over two weeks and she has not received a letter. The lawyer said that things were backed up now from 5-8 weeks due to the new Trump regulations. Is this true? I have a feeling that this is suspicious sounding. Should she have received a receipt of her application by two weeks or are things actually slowed down? I would so appreciate an answer to this question. If this lawyer is stringing us along we need to take alternate action quickly as her school visa is up at the end of May.
am waiting for my notice more then 32 days, read my post below…
i contacted the asylum office and they informed me that i have to wait 35 to 45 days…
In my experience, receipts usually take more than 2 weeks. If you do not have something in 30 days after filing, then it may be time to start making inquiries. Take care, Jason
hi
i sent my asylum application to the immigration office in Texas, i sent it on the 13th of february 2017 that means 32 days ago and until now i didn’t receive the i-797c or any mail from them, so i called them to ask them they inform me that there is no information about me in the system at all, she said to check after 15 days more, is that normal?
she told me maybe we have it but until now we didn’t enter it in the system, also she said that they usually send the i797 between 35 to 45 days after they receive the application!! is that true?
In my experience, the receipt comes in less than 30 days. I would wait a bit longer, but you may want to double check that you used the correct address on your form and that you sent the application to the correct office (depending on where you live in the US, your application goes to Texas or maybe somewhere else). You can find this info if you follow the link at right for Asylum Office Locator. Once you find your asylum office, you can scroll down and it tells you where to mail an initial application. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, I applied for asylum in January of 2017. I’ve gotten the fingerprint form and my A number. I’m still not clear on some things tho
1. When I insert my A number in the computer system on the phone ,it still says its not active. its been two months,what could be the problem?
2. How soon after I submitted the asylum application form do I need to send in the affidavit? Does my interview date depend on when I submit my affidavit?(I want to submit an affidavit)
3. My 150days wait period till I can apply work permit is somewhere in June. how soon after I apply for a work permit should I expect it?
4. Can I get a driver’s liscence with the status I’m at in the state of Missouri?
5. I have a nickname in my home country, but its irrelevant to my case. I’ve never been officially called by it,does it matter that I didn’t mention it in my form?
Thank you
1 – the phone system is only for cases in court; not cases at the asylum office like yours. 2 – The interview date is unrelated when you submit evidence, unless you ask to expedite or short list. Each office has different rules, but in our office, all evidence and the affidavit must be submitted at least one week before the interview. 3 – Two to four months after you apply for it. 4 – I do not know; you have to ask the DMV. 5 – You can tell them at the interview, or maybe you can send them some evidence about this beforehand, but that may cause more delay after the interview as they might then so a security background check on the new name. Take care, Jason
I applied for asylum in March 2013, and was interviewed in June 2016. Today, I got a letter for another interview. Why is that? After four years of waiting, what do they want to know from me? Simply, painful.
You should prepare for this interview as you prepared for the first interview. There could be many reasons for the second interview – the officer retired and had poor notes, they discovered new info and want to ask you about it, country conditions have changed and they want to ask about it. You will have to go see. We have not seen that people with second (or third) interviews are more likely to be granted or denied than people with only one interview, so I do not think it is a particular reason to worry. Also, you can ask them when they anticipate a decision will be issued. Hopefully, it will be a good decision and hopefully soon. Good luck, Jason
Thank you, Jason, I hope also, a good end.
Hello Jason，
I’m filing an asylum application.There are two problems.
1.If I am an individual applicants，Is an affidavit necessary?
2.Does the translation need to be certified? I just see 589instr said to find a certified translation, did not say to provide certification
Thank you for your generous help！
1 – We submit the affidavit later (prior to the interview); not when we mail the I-589. It is not required, and some lawyers do not do affidavits, but I think the better practice is to do an affidavit. In any case, you need to explain why you need asylum, either on the I-589 form or in an affidavit. 2 – Yes, but that does not mean you need to pay someone. You just need to have the translator sign a certificate with their name, address, and phone number that certifies they are competent in the language and English and that they translated the document to the best of their ability. Take care, Jason
Thank you so much！
I contact a translation agency from my original country, they told me that they can provide the qualification of the American Translators Association, and affix the company seal，Is that ok？
If that is what you want to do, it should be fine. However, anyone who speaks your language and English can do the translation and sign the certificate of translation. There is no such thing as an “official” translation of documents in asylum cases. Take care, Jason
oh,understand!thank you so much!
I applied for the Asylum and I got a mail that the office receipt my application and they gave me the date of application receipt and the A-number but, it has been 7 weeks now and I didn’t get any other mail for finger print appointment, usually i heard, the finger print appointment letter is arrived with in one or two weeks from the receipt mail, could you please tell me why would that happen or is that normal to wait this much time?
If you have the receipt, you should be fine. If you do not get it in a few more weeks, contact the local asylum office to ask about it. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Thank you so much
Hello Everyone,
My friend have applied for asylum. After 30 days she got back a letter with NO Alien number. It’s says that she is currently in immigration proceedings and she must file I-589 with the immigration court. We tried to call there and she needs an Alien number. She sent the letter on Nebraska address and they said also it’s not suppose to be on this address? Then which address for Washington? Please who may help us what to do? Thank you
If she knows what court her case is in, she can call the court directly and try to find info just using her name. Contact info for the courts can be found if you follow the link at right called Immigration Court. I think it is important that she act quickly – if she misses a court date, the judge will order her deported. She can also file a Freedom of Information Act request (form G-639, available at http://www.uscis.gov) to get a copy of her file, but this takes time. Good luck, Jason
Thank you for your response. She applied the first time. I don’t know why she should go to court?
I do not know. Typically, it happens when the person had a prior case with the immigration court. Maybe that is the reason. Take care, Jason
ok one more question , i go work sometimes coze i have not enough money to rent a room and to feed my self, so what would happen if i got cought by ICE ?
thanks for your help
If you have an asylum case pending, you should be protected, at least from being deported. You can carry your asylum receipt with you in case you are stopped. Take care, Jason
Dear,
I submitted my application sometime in November 2016, I did not get any response not until my lawyer wrote a reminder letter sent with a copy of supporting document. I got a letter sometime in January staying my priority date and A#. Until till now I have not receive fingerprint appointment and official receipt. Please advice. Thanks
You can email the asylum office directly to ask whether you need fingerprints. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
i did my fingerprint so could i bring my family members who included in my application to US ?
If your case is granted, you can bring a spouse and unmarried minor children to the US. Otherwise, they would need to get a visa and come here as anyone else (student visa, tourist visa, work visa, etc.). Take care, Jason
and what do u think ? my case will ease giving them the visa or will make more difficult ?
If you have filed for asylum, and your family needs to apply for a new visa, it usually makes that more difficult. But I am not sure I understand your question. Take care, Jason
ok one more question , i go work sometimes coze i have not enough money to rent a room and to feed my self, so what would happen if i got cought by ICE ?
thanks for your help
If you have a pending asylum case, it offers you some protection from ICE. So maybe at least keep a copy of the asylum receipt with you. Once you have the EAD, this will obviously be easier. Take care, Jason
I applied for asylum and i received the form I-797C to make a fingerprint at ASC, i went last week Feb 22 , and they told me you don’t have an appointment and we are going to send one by mail!!!
And the form I-797C notified me to do the fingerprint during 14 days from Feb 22!!
I don’t know is this a normal situation or they are lying at me???
Do i need to wait there appointment or what i have to do???
And if i didn’t do the fingerprint durig the 14 days may be they’ll deny my case and it will be a problem???
We have been hearing about problems like this, and it is very frustrating. I recommend you try again, and if they refuse, tell them you need to speak to a supervisor. Also, tell them you want something in writing. Good luck, Jason
I had my asylum interview last year,I still don’t receive any decision yet but I check my status online and said a “new card is being produced,On February 23, 2017, we ordered your new card for Receipt Number xxxxxxxxzz, and will mail it to the address you gave us.Im wondering if it a decision they already made or not,do you have any idea about it ???
You cannot check the asylum case online – this is probably for your EAD card. You can contact the asylum office directly to ask about the status of your case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Okay thanks for the information,but another question I don’t apply for EAD card yet,which I should have to do soon,do I still have to apply for employment card or wait until I receive that one? And also every time I apply for employment card they use a different receipt number but this time they’re using the one for my asylum case,it’s that very common to you ???
I am not sure I understand the question. You always have to apply for the EAD if you have asylum pending. Whether they use a different receipt number, I am not 100%, but I believe every time you apply, you have a unique receipt number. This is different from the Alien number and receipt number that you get when you apply for asylum. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
We applied for political asylum and waiting for our case or to be interviewed, we have ead. How does the new president trumps immigration policy affects us? Based on the asylum bulletin schedule it take years before we get our schedule interview, are we still protected while waiting for our scheduled interview? Thanks jason
I did a post about this yesterday – maybe that would help. In short, you are basically protected from Trump’s changes if you have filed for asylum. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Amen to that. Thank you so much.
I didnt see the post can you please send me the link so I can always check your updates. Thank you for using your God given wisdom to help us out.
God bless
Hi Jason,
Found your post.
Thanks again.
God bless.
Hello, I ve recently applied for asylum on Jan 25th and received the receipt notification as of Feb 6th, now my children who are included in my application both 18 and 19 y.o boys are an active students of foreign countries like Canada and Turkey (countries where I am not seeking asylum from), are they allowed to leave US in order to continue studying overseas? will that affect the processing time of my case or overall in general? Please advice.
Before coming to US, Ive sent my boys to study abroad and have paid full amount for 5 years bachelor. When I arrived to US I asked my boys to come to US as well in order to apply for asylum, now it is time to return and are afraid if that could cause a problem in my case.
If they are part of your asylum case, they need Advance Parole (form I-131, available at http://www.uscis.gov) to re-enter the US after they leave. I not know whether they can get AP for a long enough time to study in school and then return here. Perhaps it would be better if they are not part of the case, as they can come and go from the US more easily and then, if you win asylum, you can file for them to get their asylum too (assuming they are unmarried). I suggest you talk to a lawyer before they leave the US, to see what you can do about this. Take care, Jason
Oh thank you much for your quick reply. My younger boy’s visa was issued for 5 years so it is valid through 2021, if he leaves US then he will be able to re-enter the country, but will this affect the case in general?
Assuming it is a B visa, and assuming he is an asylum applicant/derivative, if he tries to re-enter the US with a B visa, he could be stopped at the airport and either detained or sent back (unless he has Advance Parole). The B visa requires that you leave the US within 6 months, but if he has an asylum case, he is asking to stay permanently. These two goals are in conflict, and so he will possibly be rejected from entering. Talk to a lawyer about this before he travels to see what can be done. Take care, Jason
Please advice if the asylum case is pending is it possible to apply for social security card while the status is pending?
Thank you!
You can, though you may first need your EAD. Take care, Jason
i applied for asylum, my application delivered in februrary 8 did not get reciept yet . and i knew that trump new order would deported people immediately, so am i undocumented immigrant or unauthorized immigrant ? what i would do if police stopped me ? may be it is stupid but fear is killing me , thanks
You will get the receipt soon and then you can keep it with you to show to the police if anyone asks (maybe also keep a copy at home or on the web). You can file for your work permit 150 days after your case was received, and this will provide further proof of your status. I have not heard about the Trump Administration targeting asylum seekers, and you are legally allowed to remain here until your case is resolved, so I think you should be ok. Take care, Jason
Can I apply for a asylums on still get married am gay
You can get married, and if your boyfriend is a US citizen, maybe you can get your green card based on the marriage (if so, asylum may be unnecessary, but that is up to you). Take care, Jason
i filed for asylum. it has been almost 2 years im still waiting for my decision. However, i was blessed with a child couple months ago. Do i need to add her to my I-589 Part A.II.
Plus i sent my EAD for renewal as per the USCIS website, i received notification for additional evidence, my EAD expired today can i still work.
Thank you so much for you help.
As to the EAD question, I did a post on January 25, 2017 that has some helpful links. You should be able to work for 180 days using the old EAD and the receipt for the new EAD. Your child is probably a US citizen, and therefore she is not part of your asylum case. However, you will need to add her to the form at your interview. I recommend you complete a new page 2 or 3 of the I-589 that you can give to the officer at your interview. That way, they will have all the info they need, which makes their job easier (and hopefully makes them happy, which might increase your chance for success). Take care, Jason
Thank you so much.
I applied for asylum and they returned my form saying I need to put N/A in just one space on the front page do I correct that and print the page all over ? Seeing that writing and stamps are all over the application or do I just write N/A in the space and sign it?
That is idiotic – I have had that happen to me too and it is very frustrating and a waste of time and postage. Generally, we just make the corrections on the same form by writing in the answer and then re-send it. Take care, Jason
so i sent a new 589 application , and i will wait the notice , in 30 days . so am i protected by any law right now or not ? the president said he intend to take other orders next week
so i sent a new 589 application , and i will wait the notice , so am protected by any law right now or not ? the president said he intend to take other orders next week
If you have filed for asylum, you cannot be deported without due process of law (meaning a hearing with a judge and an appeal). The receipt is evidence that you filed, if you need it. Also, if you keep a copy of the asylum application, that offers some protection as well until you receive the receipt (in case anyone asks your status, you can show them that you applied for asylum). Take care, Jason
Hello,
could I use friend’s address in other state as mailing address?
You can use it as a mailing address, as long as you also give them your physical address where you live (the form I-589 has space to put both). Take care, Jason
more than two month with no notice so it seems that i have to send my i 589 again but the problem is i will move from my adress to other state ? it is ok ? can refile a new form with new address
I suppose you can, but you will need to explain that you are filing a second time and tell the USCIS why you are doing that. Also, you can contact the local asylum office (for your previously filed case) to see if they have any record of your case.You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Also, you can file a form G-639, available at http://www.uscis.gov, and maybe get a copy of the previously-filed case (this will take 3 to 6 months). Take care, Jason
thanks
asylum office does not give any information by phone
i called customer service several times and asylum office as well just to check they recieved my application or not
they did not give me any information
You should email the asylum office or go in person. You can find their contact info/office hours if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. You can also contact the USCIS Ombudsman (a link is also at right), and they may be able to help. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
I was given an order of deportation, after an aggravated felony. I stayed in the US because Im Cuban. I was granted an I-130 through my wife which she was born in the US. and I’ve been in the US 30 years. Can I apply for a “withhold of removal or deportation” and if granted can I apply for a resident card through my I-130 petition.
Thank you for your help.
You would have to talk to a lawyer about the specifics of your case. It depends on the conviction, and whether there is any basis to reopen the prior deportation order. Based on what you wrote, I doubt you can get residency, but you would have to talk to a lawyer about the specific case to know for sure. Take care, Jason