Department of Homeland Security OMB No.

1615-0067; Expires 07/31/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
I-589, Application for Asylum
Department of Justice
U.S. Executive Office for Immigration Review and for Withholding of Removal

Instructions

What Is the Purpose of This Form? WARNING - IMPORTANT NOTICE

This form is used to apply for asylum in the United States and Applicants in the United States unlawfully are subject
for withholding of removal (formerly called "withholding of to removal if their asylum or withholding claims are not
deportation"). This application may also be used to apply for granted by an asylum officer or an immigration judge.
protection under the Convention Against Torture. You may Any information provided in completing this application
file this application if you are physically present in the United may be used as a basis for the initiation of, or as
States, and you are not a U.S. citizen. evidence in, removal proceedings, even if the application
is later withdrawn.
NOTE: You must submit an application for asylum within 1
year of arriving in the United States, unless you can establish Applicants determined to have knowingly made a
that there are changed circumstances that materially affect frivolous application for asylum will be permanently
your eligibility for asylum or extraordinary circumstances ineligible for any benefits under the Immigration and
directly related to your failure to file within 1 year. (See Part Nationality Act (INA). You may not avoid a frivolous
C. Additional Information about Your Application, in finding simply because someone advised you to provide
Section V. on Part 1 of the instructions for further false information in your asylum application. See
explanation.) section 208(d)(6) of the INA and Title 8 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) sections 208.20 and 1208.20.
You may include in your application your spouse and
unmarried children who are under 21 years of age and If filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
physically present in the United States. You must submit (USCIS), unexcused failure to appear for an appointment
certain documents for your spouse and each child included as or to provide biometrics (such as fingerprints) and other
required by these instructions. Children 21 years of age or biographical information within the time allowed may
older and married children must file separate applications. If delay eligibility for employment authorization and result
you are granted asylum and your spouse and/or any unmarried in an asylum officer dismissing your asylum application
children under 21 years of age are outside the United States, or referring it to an immigration judge.
you may file Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition,
Applicants and eligible dependents in removal
for them to gain similar benefits.
proceedings who fail, without good cause, to provide
USCIS with their biometrics or their biographical
information as required within the time allowed may
Instruction Sections: Filing Information and have their applications found abandoned by the
How Your Application Will Be Processed immigration judge. See sections 208(d)(5)(A) of the INA
and 8 CFR sections 208.10, 1208.10, and 1003.47(d).
The instructions are divided into two sections:
The first section has filing information. This section
discusses basic eligibility criteria and guides you through
filling out and filing the application.
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 form, or the asylum process, you may wish to
consult an attorney or other qualified person to assist you.
(See Section IV, Right to Counsel, in Part I of these
instructions.)

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 1

 Table of Contents Part 1. Filing Instructions

Part 1. Filing Instructions..................................................................2

I. Who May Apply and Filing Deadlines
I. Who May Apply and Filing Deadlines ..................................2
II. Basis of Eligibility
..................................................................3 You may apply for asylum irrespective of your immigration
A. Asylum..........................................................................3 status and even if you are in the United States unlawfully
B. Withholding of Removal................................................3 unless otherwise provided by statute or regulations.
C. Deferral of Removal Under
the Convention Against Torture....................................4 You MUST file this application within 1 year after you
arrive in the United States. If you fail to file within 1 year
D. Legal Sources Relating to Eligibility.............................4
after your arrival, your application may be denied unless
III. Confidentiality.....................................................................4
you can show that there are changed circumstances that
IV. Right to Counsel.....................................................................4
materially affect your eligibility for asylum or extraordinary
V. Obtaining and Completing the Form .................................5
circumstances that prevented you from filing within 1 year.
Part A.I. Information About You...................................5
Failure to file the Form I-589 within 1 year of your last
Part A.II. Spouse and Children........................................5
arrival in the United States also may delay your eligibility
Part A.III. Information About Your
Background.....................................................6 for employment authorization or result in the denial of your
application for employment authorization.
Part B. Information About Your
Application......................................................6 An Unaccompanied Alien Child (UAC) is a legal term
Part C. Additional Information referring to a non-U.S. citizen child who has no lawful
About Your Application ....................................6 immigration status in the United States; has not attained 18
Part D. Your Signature...................................................7 years of age; and has no parent or legal guardian in the United
Part E. Signature of Person Preparing States, or for whom no parent or legal guardian in the United
Form, If Other than You....................................7 States is available to provide care and physical custody. See 6
Part F. To Be Completed at Asylum U.S.C. 279(g)(2). The Asylum Division has initial jurisdiction
Interview, If Applicable.....................................7 over an asylum application filed by a UAC, including a UAC
Part G. To Be Completed at Removal in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. For
Hearing, If Applicable........................................7 more information about the asylum process for UAC, visit the
VI. Required Documents and Required USCIS asylum website at www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/
Number of Copies That You Must refugees-asylum/asylum/minor-children-applying-asylum-
Submit With Your Application...........................................8 themselves.
VII. Additional Evidence
That You Must Should Submit ..............................................8 Detailed UAC filing instructions are found in Part 1. Section
XII of these instructions.
VIII. Fee.......................................................................................8
IX. Biometrics, Including If you have previously been denied asylum by an immigration
Fingerprints and Photographs .............................................8 judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals, you must show
X. Organizing Your Application.............................................9 that there are changed circumstances that materially affect
XI. Incomplete Asylum Applications .......................................9 your eligibility for asylum.
XII. Where To File?...................................................................9
The determination of whether you are permitted to apply for
Part 2. Information Regarding
Post-Filing Requirements..................................................12 asylum will be made once you have had an asylum interview
with an asylum officer or a hearing before an immigration
I. Notification Requirements
When Your Address Changes...........................................12 judge. Even if you are not eligible to apply for asylum for the
reasons stated above, you may still be eligible to apply for
II. Asylum Interview Process.................................................12
withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the INA or
III. Status While Your
Application Is Pending ......................................................13 under the Convention Against Torture before the Immigration
Court.
IV. Travel Outside the United States.......................................13
V. Employment Authorization Pursuant to 48 U.S.C. 1806(a)(7), if you are physically present
While Your Asylum Application Is Pending ....................13 in, or arriving in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
VI. Employment Authorization Islands, you may not apply for asylum until January 1, 2030;
When Your Asylum Application Is Approved .................13 however, you may use Form I-589, Application for Asylum
USCIS Privacy Act Statement .........................................................13 and for Withholding of Removal, to apply for withholding of
USCIS Forms and Information.......................................................14 removal and for protection from removal under the
Penalties.............................................................................................14 Convention Against Torture in Immigration Court
Paperwork Reduction Act...............................................................14 proceedings.
Supplements to Form I-589.............................................................14

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 2

Part 1. Filing Instructions (continued) Withholding of Removal Under Section 241(b)(3) of the INA
To qualify for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)
II. Basis of Eligibility of the INA, you must establish that it is more likely than not
that your life or freedom would be threatened on account of
A. Asylum race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social
group, or political opinion in the proposed country of removal.
To qualify for asylum, you must establish that you are a
refugee who is unable or unwilling to return to his or her If you obtain an order withholding your removal, you cannot
country of nationality, or last habitual residence if you have no be removed to the country where your life or freedom would
nationality, because of persecution or a well-founded fear of be threatened. However, you may be removed to a third
persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, country where your life or freedom would not be threatened.
membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Withholding of removal does not adhere derivatively to any
This means that you must establish that race, religion, spouse or child included in the application; they would have to
nationality, membership in a particular social group, or apply for such protection on their own.
political opinion was or will be at least one central reason for
If you are granted withholding of removal, this would not give
your persecution or why you fear persecution. (See section
you the right to bring your relatives to the United States. It
208 of the INA; 8 CFR sections 208 and 1208, et seq.)
also would not give you the right to apply for lawful
If you are granted asylum, you and any eligible spouse or permanent resident status in the United States.
child included in your application can remain and work in the
Withholding of Removal Under the Convention Against
United States and may eventually adjust to lawful permanent
Torture
resident status. If you are not granted asylum, the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may use the The Convention Against Torture refers to the United Nations
information you provide in this application to establish Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or
that you are removable from the United States. Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
To be granted withholding of removal to a country under
B. Withholding of Removal
Article 3 of the Convention against Torture, as implemented in
Your asylum application is also considered to be an U.S. law, you must show that it is more likely than not that
application for withholding of removal under section 241(b) you would be tortured in that country.
(3) of the INA, as amended. It may also be considered an
"Torture" is defined at 8 CFR sections 208.18(a) and
application for withholding of removal under the Convention
1208.18(a), which incorporate the definitions in Article 1 of
Against Torture if you checked the box at the top of Page 1 of
the Convention against Torture as implemented in U.S. law.
the form, or if the evidence you present indicates that you may
For an act to be considered torture, it must be an extreme form
be tortured in the country of removal. (See 8 CFR sections
of cruel and inhuman treatment, it must cause severe physical
208.13(c)(1) and 1208.13(c)(1)). If asylum is not granted, you
or mental pain and suffering, and it must be specifically
may still be eligible for withholding of removal.
intended to cause severe pain and suffering.
Regardless of the basis for the withholding application, you
Torture is an act inflicted for such purposes as obtaining from
will not be eligible for withholding if you:
the victim or a third person information or a confession,
1. Assisted in Nazi persecution or engaged in genocide; punishing the victim for an act he or she or a third person has
committed or is suspected of having committed, intimidating
2. Have persecuted another person;
or coercing the victim or a third person, or for any reason
3. Have been convicted by a final judgment of a based on discrimination of any kind.
particularly serious crime, which includes convictions
Torture must be inflicted by or at the instigation of, or with
for aggravated felonies, and therefore represent a
the consent or acquiescence of, a public official or other
danger to the community of the United States;
person acting in an official capacity. The victim must be in
4. Are considered for serious reasons to have committed a the custody or physical control of the torturer. Torture does
serious non-political crime outside the United States; or not include pain or suffering that arises only from, is inherent
in, or is incidental to lawful sanctions, although such actions
5. Represent a danger to the security of the United States.
may not defeat the objective and purpose of the Convention
(See section 241(b)(3) of the INA; 8 CFR sections
Against Torture.
208.16 and1208.16.)
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 08/25/20 Page 3

To apply for withholding of removal under the Convention 2. Section 208 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1158 (regarding
Against Torture, you must check the box at the top of Page 1 eligibility for asylum);
of the application and fully complete Form I-589.
3. Section 241(b)(3) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)
You must include a detailed explanation of why you fear (regarding eligibility for withholding of removal);
torture in response to Part B. Question 4 of the application. In
4. Title 8 of the CFR sections 103.2, 208 and 1208, et seq.;
your response, you must write about any mistreatment you
experienced or any threats made against you by a government 5. Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture and Other
or somebody connected to a government. Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
as implemented by section 2242(b) or the Foreign
Only immigration judges and the Board of Immigration
Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 and 8
Appeals may grant withholding of removal or deferral of
CFR section 208, as amended by the Regulations
removal under the Convention Against Torture. If you have
Concerning the Convention Against Torture: Interim
applied for asylum, the immigration judge will first determine
Rule, 64 FR 8478-8492 (February 19, 1999) (effective
whether you are eligible for asylum under section 208 of the
March 22, 1999); 64 FR 13881 (March 23, 1999);
INA and for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3)
of the INA. If you are not eligible for either asylum under 6. The 1967 United Nations Protocol relating to the Status
section 208 of the INA or withholding of removal under of Refugees;
section 241(b)(3) of the INA, the immigration judge will
7. The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees;
determine whether the Convention Against Torture prohibits
and
your removal to a country where you fear torture.
8. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
As implemented in U.S. law, Article 3 of the Convention
for Refugees, Handbook on Procedures and Criteria for
against Torture prohibits the United States from removing you
determining Refugee Status (Geneva, 1992).
to a country in which it is more likely than not that you would
be subject to torture. However, the Convention Against
Torture does not prohibit the United States from returning III. Confidentiality
you to any other country where you would not be tortured.
This means that you may be removed to a third country where The information collected will be used to make a
you would not be tortured. Withholding of removal under the determination on your application. It may also be provided
Convention Against Torture does not allow you to adjust to to other government agencies (federal, state, local, and/or
lawful permanent resident status or to petition to bring family foreign) for purposes of investigation or legal action on
members to come to, or remain in, the United States. criminal and/or civil matters and for issues arising from the
adjudication of benefits. However, no information indicating
C. Deferral of Removal Under the Convention Against that you have applied for asylum will be provided to any
Torture government or country from which you claim a fear of
persecution. Regulations at 8 CFR sections 208.6 and
If it is more likely than not that you will be tortured in a
1208.6 protect the confidentiality of asylum claims.
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 IV. Right to Counsel
lawful or permanent immigration status in the United States
and does not necessarily result in release from detention. Immigration law concerning asylum and withholding of
Deferral of removal is effective only until it is terminated. removal or deferral or removal is complex. You have a right to
Deferral of removal is subject to review and termination if it is obtain and provide your own legal representation at an asylum
determined that it is no longer more likely than not that you interview and during immigration proceedings before the
would be tortured in the country to which your removal is Immigration Court at no cost to the U.S. Government.
deferred or if you request that your deferral be terminated.
If you need or would like help to complete this form and to
prepare your written statements, assistance from pro bono
D. Legal Sources and Guidance Relating to Eligibility
(free) attorneys and/or voluntary agencies may be available.
The documents listed below are some of the legal sources and Voluntary agencies may help you for no fee or a reduced fee,
guidance relating to asylum, withholding of removal under and attorneys on the list referred to below may take your case
section 241(b)(3) of the INA, and withholding of removal or for no fee. If you have not already received from USCIS or
deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture. the Immigration Court a list of attorneys and accredited
These sources are provided for reference only. You do not representatives, you may obtain a list by calling 1-800-870-3676
need to refer to them in order to complete your application. or visiting the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Executive
Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) website at
1. Section 101(a)(42) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)
www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers-
(defining"refugee");
map.

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 4

Representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for You may amend or supplement your application before or at the
Refugees (UNHCR) may be able to assist you in identifying time of your asylum interview with an asylum officer and at
persons to help you complete the application. RefWorld, a your hearing in Immigration Court by providing additional
resource database available on UNHCR's website or at information and explanations about your asylum claim. For
www.refworld.org, provides useful country conditions asylum applications filed with USCIS, submit any documentary
information from a variety of sources. Contact information for evidence at least 14 calendar days before your interview with an
the UNHCR is: asylum officer. Extensions to submit additional evidence may
be granted by USCIS on a discretionary basis. Any such
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
extension will be treated as an applicant-caused delay in the
1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500
adjudication of your asylum application. Any applicant-caused
Washington, DC 20036
delay will result in denial of your application for employment
Telephone: 202-296-5191
authorization if the delay is unresolved at the time you file for
Email: [email protected]
employment authorization. See 8 CFR sections 208.7.
Website: www.unhcr.org
Calls from Detention Centers and Jails. Asylum-seekers in Part A.I. Information About You
detention centers and jails may call UNHCR toll-free by
This part asks for basic information about you. Alien
dialing #566 or 1-888-272-1913 on Monday, Wednesday, and
Registration Number (A-Number) refers to your USCIS file
Friday, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time).
number. If you do not already have an A-Number, USCIS will
assign one to you.
V. Obtaining and Completing the Form You must provide your residential street address (the address
where you physically live) in the United States in Part A.I.,
USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS Question 8, of the asylum application. You must provide a
website. To view, print, or fill out our forms, you should use mailing address, if different from the address where you
the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download reside, in Question 9. If someone else is collecting your mail
for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. The USCIS Contact for you at your mailing address, you may enter that person's
Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY name in the "In Care Of" field in your response to Question 9.
(deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. If your mailing address is a post office box, include that
You must type or print all of your answers in black ink on address in Question 9 and include a residential address where
Form I-589. Your answers must be completed in English. you physically live in Question 8.
Forms completed in a language other than English will be
In Question 13, use the current name of the country. Do not
returned to you. You must provide the specific information
use historical, ethnic, provincial, or other local names.
requested about you and your family and answer all the
questions asked. If you entered the country with inspection, the Form I-94
number referred to in Question 19b is the number on Form
If any question does not apply to you or you do not know the
I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, given to you when you
information requested, answer "none," "not applicable," or
entered the United States. In Question 19c, enter the date and
"unknown."
status as it appears on Form I-94. If you did not receive Form
You must provide detailed information and answer the I-94, write "None." If you entered without being inspected by
questions as completely as possible. If you file your an immigration officer, write "No Inspection" in Question 19c
application with missing information, we may return it to you in the current status or status section.
as incomplete. If you need more space, attach Form I-589,
Supplement A or B (included in the application package) and/ Part A.II. Spouse and Children
or additional sheet(s) indicating the question number(s) you
You must list your spouse and all of your children, including
are answering.
your stepchildren, deceased children, adopted children, and
You are strongly urged to attach additional written statements adult children, in this application, regardless of their age,
and documents that support your claim. Your written marital status, whether they are in the United States, or
statements should include events, dates, and details of your whether or not they are included in this application or are
experiences that relate to your claim for asylum. filing a separate asylum application.
Put your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any), In addition, you may include in your asylum application your
name (exactly as it appears in Part A.I. of the form), spouse and/or any children who are under 21 years of age and
signature, and date on each supplemental sheet and on the unmarried, if they are in the United States. Children who are
cover page of any supporting documents. 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.

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 5

On the other hand, if you are not approved for asylum, your Part A.III. Information About Your Background
spouse or children are also not approved.
Answer Questions 1 - 5, providing details as requested for
If you apply for asylum while in proceedings before the each question. Your responses to the questions concerning the
Immigration Court, the immigration judge may not have places you have lived, your education, and your employment
authority to grant asylum to any spouse or child included in history must be in reverse chronological order starting with
your application who is not also in proceedings. your current residence, education, and employment and
working back in time.
When including family members in your asylum application,
you must submit one additional copy of your completed
Part B. Information About Your Application
asylum application and primary documentary evidence
establishing your family relationship for each family member, This part asks specific questions relevant to eligibility for
as described below: asylum, for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of
the Act, or for withholding of removal under the Convention
1. If you are including your spouse in your application,
Against Torture. For Question 1, check the box(es) next to the
submit three copies of your marriage certificate and three
reason(s) that you are completing this application. For all
copies of proof of termination of any prior marriages.
other questions, cheek "Yes" or "No" in the box provided.
2. If you are including any unmarried children under
If you answer "Yes" to any question, explain in detail using
21years of age in your application, submit three copies
Form I-589, Supplement B or additional sheets of paper, as
of each child's birth certificate.
needed.
If you do not have and are unable to obtain these documents,
You must clearly describe any of your experiences, or those of
you must submit secondary evidence. Secondary evidence
family members or others who have had similar experiences
includes but is not limited to medical records, religious
that may show that you are a refugee.
records, and school records. You may also submit an affidavit
from at least one person for each event you are trying to prove. If you have experienced harm that is difficult for you to write
Affidavits may be provided by relatives or others. Persons down and express, you must be aware that these experiences
providing affidavits need not be U.S. citizens or lawful may be very important to the decision-making process
permanent residents. regarding your request to remain in the United States. At your
interview with an asylum officer or hearing with an immigration
Affidavits must: judge, you will need to be prepared to discuss the harm you
1. Fully describe the circumstances or event(s) in question have suffered. If you have trouble remembering or talking
and fully explain how the person acquired knowledge of about past events, we suggest that you talk to a lawyer, an
the event(s); accredited representative, or a health professional who may be
able to help you explain your experiences and current situation.
2. Be sworn to or affirmed by persons who were alive at
the time of the event(s) and have personal knowledge of Part C. Additional Information About Your Application
the event(s) (date and place of birth, marriage, etc.) that
Check "Yes" or "No" in the box provided for each question. If
you are trying to prove; and
you answer "Yes" to any question, explain in detail using
3. Show the full name, address, and date and place of birth Form I-589, Supplement B or additional sheets of paper, as
of each person giving the affidavit and indicate any needed.
relationship between you and the person giving the
If you answer "Yes" to Question 5, you must explain why you
affidavit.
did not apply for asylum within the first year after you arrived
If you submit secondary evidence or affidavits, you must in the United States. The Government may accept as an
explain why primary evidence (for example, birth or marriage explanation certain changes in the conditions in your country,
certificate) is unavailable. You may explain the reasons certain changes in your own circumstances, and certain other
primary evidence is unavailable using Form I-589, events that may have prevented you from applying earlier.
Supplement B or additional sheets of paper. Attach this
For example, some of the events the Government might
explanation to your secondary evidence or affidavits.
consider as valid explanations include but are not limited to
If you have more than four children, complete Form I-589, the following:
Supplement A for each additional child or attach additional
1. You have learned that human rights conditions in your
pages and documentation providing the same information
country have worsened since you left;
asked in Part A.II. of Form I-589.
2. Because of your health, you were not able to submit this
application within 1 year after you arrived;

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 6

 3. You previously submitted an application, but it was Failure of the preparer to sign will result in the application
returned to you because it was not complete, and you being returned to you as an incomplete application.
submitted a complete application within a reasonable
If USCIS or EOIR later learns that you received assistance
amount of time.
from someone other than an immediate family member and
Federal regulations specify some of the other types of events the person who assisted you willfully failed to sign the
that may also qualify as valid explanations for why you filed application, this may result in an adverse ruling against you.
late. These regulations are found at 8 CFR, sections 208.4 and
Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C.), section 1546(a),
1208.4. The list in the regulations is not all-inclusive, and the
provides in part:
Government recognizes that there are many other
circumstances that might be acceptable reasons for filing more Whoever knowingly makes under oath, or as permitted
than 1 year after arrival. under penalty of perjury under section 1746 of title 28,
knowingly subscribes as true, any false statement with
If you are unable to explain why you did not apply for asylum
respect to a material fact in any application, affidavit,
within the first year after you arrived in the United States or
or other document required by the immigration laws or
your explanation is not accepted by the Government, you may
regulations prescribed thereunder, or knowingly presents
not be eligible to apply for asylum, but you may still be
any such application, affidavit, or other document
considered for withholding of removal under INA section
containing any such false statement shall be fined in
241(b)(3), or for protection from removal under the
accordance with this title or imprisoned not more than
Convention Against Torture.
10 years, or both.
Part D. Your Signature If aggravating factors exist, the maximum term of imprisonment
could reach 25 years.
You must sign your application in Part D and respond to the
questions concerning any assistance you received to complete If you knowingly provide false information on this application,
your application, providing the information requested. Sign you or the preparer of this application may be subject to
after you have completed and reviewed the application. 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
If it is determined that you have knowingly made a
8 CFR sections 270 and 1270).
frivolous application for asylum, you will be permanently
ineligible for any benefits under the INA. (See section
Part F. To Be Completed at Asylum Interview, If
208(d)(6) of the INA.)
Applicable
According to regulations at 8 CFR sections 208.20 and
Do not sign your application in Part F before filing this form.
1208.20, an application is frivolous if any of its material
You will be asked to sign your application in this space at the
elements is deliberately fabricated. (See Section IV, Right to
conclusion of the interview regarding your claim.
Counsel, in Part 1 of these instructions if you have any
questions.) You may not avoid a frivolous finding simply NOTE: You must, however, sign Part D of the application.
because someone advised or told you to provide false
information on your asylum application. Part G. To Be Completed at Removal Hearing,
If Applicable
Part E. Signature of Person Preparing Form, If Other
Do not sign your application in Part G before filing this form.
Than You
You will be asked to sign your application in this space at the
Any person, other than an immediate family member (your hearing before the immigration judge.
spouse, parent(s) or children), who helped prepare your
NOTE: You must, however, sign Part D of the application.
application must sign the application in Part E and provide
the information requested. You are reminded again that, if is determined that you
have knowingly made a frivolous application for asylum,
Penalty for Perjury you may be permanently ineligible for any benefits under
the INA. (See section 208(d)(6) of the INA.)
All statements in response to questions contained in this
application are declared to be true and correct under penalty According to regulations at 8 CFR sections 208.20 and
of perjury. You and anyone, other than an immediate family 1208.20, an application is frivolous if any of its material
member, who assists you in preparing the application must elements is deliberately fabricated. Again, note that you may
sign the application under penalty of perjury. Your signature is not avoid a frivolous finding simply because someone advised
evidence that you are aware of the contents of this application. or told you to provide false information on your asylum
Any person assisting you in preparing this form, other than an application.
immediate family member, must include his or her name,
address, and telephone number and sign the application where
indicated in Part E.

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 7

 Translations. Any document containing foreign language
VI. Required Documents and Required
submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by a full English
Number of Copies That You Must Submit language translation that the translator has certified as
With Your Application complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that
he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language
You must submit the following documents to apply for asylum
into English.
and withholding of removal:
1. The completed, signed original and one copy of your
completed application, Form I-589, and the original VII. Additional Evidence That You Must
and one copy of any supplementary sheets and Submit
supplementary statements. If you choose to submit
additional supporting material, see Section VII, You must submit reasonably available corroborative evidence
Additional Evidence That You Should Submit, in showing (1) the general conditions in the country from which
Part 1 of these instructions. You must include two you are seeking asylum, and (2) the specific facts on which
copies of each document. You should make and keep an you are relying to support your claim.
additional copy of the completed application for your
If evidence supporting your claim is not reasonably available
own records.
or you are not providing such corroboration at this time, you
2. An additional copy of your completed application, must explain why, using Form I-589, Supplement B or
Form I-589, with supplementary statements, for each additional sheets of paper.
family member listed in Part A.II. that you are
Supporting evidence may include but is not limited to
including in your application.
newspaper articles, affidavits of witnesses or experts, medical
3. Two copies of primary or secondary evidence of and/or psychological records, doctors' statements, periodicals,
relationship, such as birth or school records of your journals, books, photographs, official documents, or personal
children, marriage certificate, or proof of termination statements or live testimony from witnesses or experts.
of marriage, for each family member listed in Part A.II.
If you have difficulty discussing harm you have suffered in the
that you are including in your application.
past, you may wish to submit a health professional's report
NOTE: If you submit an affidavit, you must submit explaining this difficulty.
the original and one copy. (For affidavit requirements,
see Part A.II in Part 1, Section V, of these instructions.)
VIII. Fee
4. One passport-style photograph of yourself and of each
family member listed in Part A.II. that you are There is no fee for filing this application.
including in your application. The photos must have
been taken no more than 30 days before you file your
application. Using a pencil, print the person's complete IX. Biometrics, Including Fingerprints
name and A-Number (if any) on the back of each and Photographs
photograph.
1. Biometric Service Appointment. Applicants for
5. Two copies of all passports or other travel documents
asylum are subject to a biometrics check of all
(cover to cover) in your possession and two copies of
appropriate records and other information databases
any U.S. immigration documents, such as a Form I-94,
maintained by the DHS, the Department of Justice, and
Arrival-Departure Record, for you and each family
the Department of State. You will be required to appear
member included in your application, if you have such
for a biometric services appointment to submit
documents. Do not submit original passports or travel
biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature),
documents unless specifically requested.
so that USCIS can verify your identity, and conduct
6. If you have other identification documents (for background and security checks, including a check of
example, birth certificate, military or national criminal history records maintained by the Federal
identification card, driver's license, etc.), we recommend Bureau of Investigation (FBI), before making a decision
that you submit two copies with your application and on your application.
bring the original(s) with you to the interview.
You and your spouse and children will be given
Copies. Documents filed with this application should be instructions on how to complete this requirement. You
photocopies. If you choose to send an original document, will be notified in writing of the time and location of the
USCIS or the Immigration Court may keep that original Application Support Center (ASC) where you must go
document for its records. to be fingerprinted and photographed.

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 8

 2. Arrests and Convictions. Aliens who have been 3. One copy of any additional supporting documentation;
convicted of a particularly serious crime are not eligible 4. One copy of the evidence of your relationship to your
for asylum. For applications filed on or after April 1, spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age
1997, the conviction may have occurred either inside or that you are including in your application, if any; and
outside of the United States. If you have been arrested
in the United States, you must submit a certified copy of 5. One copy of the items listed above in your original
all arrest reports, court dispositions, sentencing package, except your photograph.
documents, and any other relevant documents
If you are including family members in your application,
3. Failure to Appear for Scheduled Appointment. An attach one additional package for each family member.
unexcused failure to appear for a scheduled appointment Arrange each family member's package as follows:
or to provide your required biometrics, including
1. One copy of your completed, signed Form I-589 and
fingerprints and photograph, or to provide other
supplementary sheets submitted with the original
biographical information within the time allowed, may
application. In Part A.II., staple in the upper right
delay and/or result in an asylum officer dismissing your
corner one passport-style photo of the family member
asylum application or referring it to an immigration
to be included; and
judge. An unexcused failure to appear for an interview
or for your biometric services appointment may also 2. One copy of Form G-28, if any.
delay or result in denial of any application for
For example, if you include your spouse and two children, you
employment authorization based on your pending
should submit your original package, plus one duplicate for
application for asylum. For applicants before an
you, plus one package for your spouse and one package for
immigration judge, such failure without good cause may
each child, for a total of five packages. Be sure each has the
constitute an abandonment of your asylum application
appropriate documentation.
and result in the denial of employment authorization.
(See 8 CFR sections 208.7(a)(1)(v) and 1003.47(d)). NOTE: Any additional pages submitted should include your
printed name (exactly as it appears in Part A.I. of the form),
At the time you file your Form I-589, you must submit
A-Number (if any), signature and date.
photographs as specified in Section VI. Required
Documents and Required Number of Copies That
You Must Submit With Your Application, in Part 1 XI. Incomplete Asylum Applications
of these instructions.
USCIS will issue a receipt notice for an asylum application
properly filed under 8 CFR section 103. If USCIS rejects your
X. Organizing Your Application application, we will return the application with a rejection
notice explaining the reasons for rejection. You may correct
Organize your application together in the following order,
the deficiencies and refile your application. If you filed your
forming one complete package (if possible, secure with binder
asylum application with USCIS, you can check the status of
clips and rubber bands so that material may be easily
your application on the USCIS website.
separated):
The filing and acceptance by USCIS of a complete application
1. Your original Form I-589, with all questions completed,
starts the 365 calendar-day period you must wait before you
and the application signed by you in Part D and signed
may apply for employment authorization. If your application is
by any preparer in Part E; and
not complete and is returned to you, the 365 calendar-day
2. One passport-style photograph of you stapled to the period will not begin until you resubmit, and USCIS accepts, a
form at Part D. properly-filed application. (See Section V. Employment
Authorization While Your Application Is Pending, Part 2 of
Behind your original Form I-589, attach in the following
these instructions for further information regarding eligibility
order:
for employment authorization.)
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 XII. Where to File?
by an attorney or representative;
Although USCIS will confirm in writing its receipt of your
2. The originals of all supplementary sheets and application, you may wish to send the completed forms by
supplementary statements submitted with your registered mail (return receipt requested) for your own records.
application;
If you are in proceedings in Immigration Court, unless you are
filing as an unaccompanied alien child (UAC):

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 9

If you are currently in proceedings in Immigration Court (that NOTE: If you also mail applications for other forms of relief
is, if you have been served with Form I-221, Order to Show that you are applying for while in removal proceedings, as
Cause and Notice of Hearing; Form I-122, Notice to Applicant specified by the instructions provided by counsel for DHS at
for Admission Detained for Hearing Before an Immigration your master calendar hearing, you will receive two notices
Judge; Form I-862, Notice to Appear; or Form I-863, Notice with different receipt numbers. You must wait for and take
of Referral to Immigration Judge), you are required to file both scheduling notices to your ASC appointment.
your Form I-589 with the Immigration Court having
You (and your eligible spouse and children, regardless of age)
jurisdiction over your case.
must then:
At the master calendar hearing, counsel for DHS will provide
1. Attend the biometrics appointment at the ASC and
you with instructions for providing biometric and biographical
obtain a biometrics confirmation document before
information to USCIS that you must follow. These instructions
leaving the ASC; and
may also be obtained at www.uscis.gov/laws/immigration-
benefits-eoir-removal-proceedings. The following paragraphs 2. Retain your ASC biometrics confirmation as proof
describe the instructions that you will have to follow. that your biometrics were taken and bring it to your
future Immigration Court hearings.
In addition to filing your Form I-589 with the Immigration
Court and serving a copy on the appropriate U.S. Immigration
NOTE: If the instructions above should change for
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Principal Legal
submitting copies of the first three pages of your asylum
Advisor, you must also complete the following requirements
application to the USCIS Nebraska Service Center for
before the immigration judge can grant relief or protection in
purposes of receiving the receipt notice and ASC scheduling
your case.
appointment, you will be provided the changed instructions,
Send the following three items to the USCIS Nebraska either at the master calendar hearing or at another point in the
Service Center: Immigration Court proceedings. Follow the instructions you
are provided, or else you may not receive the ASC biometrics
1. A clear copy of the first three pages of your completed
scheduling notice in a timely manner.
Form I-589 that you will be filing or have filed with the
Immigration Court, which must include your full name, 1. After completion of exclusion, deportation, or removal
current residential address, current mailing address, proceedings, and in conjunction with a motion to reopen
and A-Number. Do not submit any documents other under 8 CFR section 1003, with the Immigration Court
than the first three pages of the completed Form I-589; having jurisdiction over the prior proceeding, any such
motion must reasonably explain the failure to request
2. A copy of Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as
asylum prior to the completion of the proceedings; or
Attorney or Accredited Representative, if you are
represented; and 2. In proceedings under 8 CFR sections 208.2(c) and
1208.2(c) and after Form I-863, Notice of Referral to
3. A copy of the instructions provided by counsel for DHS
Immigration Judge, has been served on you and filed
that you received at your first master calendar hearing in
with the Immigration Court, an immigration judge will
immigration removal proceedings.
have exclusive jurisdiction over your case.
USCIS Nebraska Service Center
Defensive Asylum Application with Immigration Court Special Filing Instructions for an Unaccompanied Alien
P.O. Box 87589 Child (UAC)
Lincoln, NE 68501-7589 If you are a child in removal proceedings and filing as a UAC,
your completed application package should be sent to:
Note: There is no filing fee required for Form I-589
applications. USCIS Nebraska Service Center
UAC I-589
After the three items are received at the USCIS Nebraska
P.O. Box 87589
Service Center, you will receive:
Lincoln, NE 68501-7589
1. A USCIS receipt notice indicating that USCIS received
If you received an instruction sheet from counsel for DHS
your Form I-589; and
when you attended a hearing in Immigration Court, or if you
2. An ASC notice for you and any eligible spouse and have a copy of documentation provided by the Department of
children included in your Form I-589 who are also in Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement
removal proceedings. Each ASC notice will indicate the (ORR) showing that you are, or that you were in ORR custody
individual's unique receipt number and will provide as a UAC, such as the UAC Initial Placement Referral Form
instructions for each person to appear for an or the ORR Verification of Release Form, please submit those
appointment at a nearby ASC for collection of documents with your application package as well.
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).

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 10

If you are a UAC but you are not in removal proceedings, *NOTE: Applicants living in California, Nevada, and
please submit your Form I-589 application package as directed Pennsylvania should call the USCIS National Customer
below in the discussion entitled, “If you are not in proceedings Service Center or their local asylum office if they are unsure
in Immigration Court or before the Board of Immigration where to mail their applications.
Appeals.”
National Customer Service Center: 1-800-375-5283
If you are in proceedings before the Board of Immigration TTY: for the Hearing Impaired: 1-800-767-1833
Appeals:
California and Nevada Residents
You may file your Form I-589 with the Board of Immigration
Appeals in conjunction with a motion to remand or reopen Los Angeles Asylum Office: 714-808-8000
under 8 CFR sections 1003.2 and 1003.8. You may file an San Francisco Asylum Office: 415-293-1234
initial Form I-589 with the Board of Immigration Appeals
Pennsylvania Residents
only if the Board of Immigration Appeals has jurisdiction over
your case. Any such motion must reasonably explain the Arlington Asylum Office: 703-235-4100
failure to request asylum and/or withholding of removal prior Newark Asylum Office: 201-531-0555
to the completion of the proceedings.
Information concerning asylum offices and where to file
If you are not in proceedings in Immigration Court or before asylum applications is also available on the USCIS website at
the Board of Immigration Appeals: www.uscis.gov.
Mail your completed Form I-589 and any other additional If you previously applied for and were denied asylum by
information to the USCIS Service Center as indicated below USCIS or if you were previously included in a spouse's or
or visit the USCIS website: www.uscis.gov/i-589. parent's pending application but you are no longer eligible to
be included as a dependent, mail your completed Form I-589
If you live in: Mail your application to: to the Asylum Office having jurisdiction over your place of
Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, USCIS Texas Service Center residence. (See www.uscis.gov/asylum for information on
District of Columbia, Florida, Attn: I-589 Asylum Office jurisdiction.) Include a letter with your
Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, 6046 N Belt Line Rd. application stating that you previously applied for asylum and
Mississippi, New Mexico, STE. 589 were denied or that you are now filing independently for
North Carolina, Oklahoma, Irving, TX 75038-0018 asylum. Reference in the letter the application on which you
Western Pennsylvania* (in the were a dependent.
jurisdiction of the Pittsburgh
field office), Puerto Rico,
South Carolina, Tennessee,
You may file your completed Form I-589 directly with the
Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Asylum Office having jurisdiction over your case only if:
Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, 1. You have received the express consent of the Asylum
or Wyoming
Office Director or the Director of the Asylum Division
If you live in: Mail your application to: to do so; or

Alaska, Northern California*, USCIS Nebraska Service Center 2. You were previously included in a spouse's or parent's
Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, P.O. Box 87589 pending application but you are no longer eligible to be
Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Lincoln, NE 68501-7589 included as a derivative applicant. In such cases, you
Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, must include a cover letter referencing the previous
Nebraska, Northern Nevada* application and explaining that you are now
(in the jurisdiction of the Reno independently filing for asylum.
field office), North Dakota,
Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota,
Washington, or Wisconsin
The following categories of individuals are not entitled to an
asylum interview at a USCIS asylum office:
Arizona, Southern USCIS California Service Center
California*, Guam, Hawaii, P.O. Box 10881 1. Certain alien crewmembers;
or Southern Nevada* (in the Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-0881 2. Certain stowaways;
jurisdiction of the Las
Vegas field office), 3. Visa Waiver Program applicants for admission;
4. Visa Waiver Program overstays and status violators;
Connecticut, Delaware, USCIS Vermont Service Center
Maine, Massachusetts, New Attn: Asylum 5. Certain aliens ordered removed under section 235(c) of
Hampshire, New Jersey, 75 Lower Welden Street the INA on security-related grounds; and
New York, Eastern St. Albans, VT 05479-0589
Pennsylvania* (in the 6. Aliens granted S nonimmigrant status under
jurisdiction of the section101(a)(15)(S) of the INA (such as witnesses and
Philadelphia field office), informants).
Rhode Island, or Vermont

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 11

Individuals subject to these special categories who file asylum If you are already in proceedings in Immigration Court,
applications with USCIS service centers will be served with you must notify the Immigration Court on EOIR Form 33/
Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, when IC, Alien's Change of Address Form/Immigration Court,
they appear at the USCIS asylum office and will be referred to of any changes of address within 5 days of the change in
Immigration Court for an asylum-only hearing. address. You must send the notification to the Immigration
Court having jurisdiction over your case. You must also
If you fall into one of the above categories and you have not
notify USCIS on Form AR-11, Alien's Change of Address
yet been served with Form I-863, you may file your completed
Card, or by a signed and dated letter within 10 days after you
Form I-589 with the USCIS service center having jurisdiction
change your address.
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 II. Asylum Interview Process
appropriate Immigration Court.
If you are not in proceedings in Immigration Court, you will
If you are an alien crewmember in custody and you have been
be notified by the USCIS Asylum Office of the time, date,
given Form I-589 as well as information about the privilege of
and place (address) of a scheduled interview.
being represented by counsel and the consequences of
knowingly filing a frivolous asylum application, you have 10 USCIS recommends that you bring a copy of your Form I-589
days within which to submit your completed Form I-589 to the with you when you have your asylum interview. An asylum
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Field officer will interview you under oath and make a
Office Director having jurisdiction over the port of entry at determination concerning your claim. In most cases, you will
which your vessel arrived. The Field Office Director may not be notified of the decision in your case until a date after
extend the 10-day filing period for good cause. Once you file your interview.
your application, the Field Office Director will serve you with
You have the right to legal representation at your interview, at
Form I-863 and immediately forward your application to the
no cost to the U.S. Government. (See Section IV, Right to
appropriate Immigration Court.
Counsel.) You also may bring witnesses with you to the
interview to testify on your behalf.
Part 2. Information Regarding Post-Filing If you are unable to proceed with the asylum interview in
Requirements fluent English, you must provide, at no expense to USCIS,
a competent interpreter fluent in both English and a
language that you speak fluently.
I. Notification Requirements When Your Your interpreter must be at least 18 years of age. The
Address Changes following persons cannot serve as your interpreter: your
attorney or representative of record, a witness testifying on
If you change your address, you must inform USCIS in
your behalf at the interview, or a representative or employee
writing within 10 days of moving.
of your country. Quality interpretation may be crucial to your
While your asylum application is pending with the asylum claim. This assistance must be obtained at your expense prior
office, you must notify the asylum office on Form AR-11, to the interview.
Alien's Change of Address Card, or by a signed and dated
Failure without good cause to bring a competent
letter notifying USCIS within 10 days after you change
interpreter to your interview may be considered an
your address.
unexcused failure to appear for the interview. Any
The address that you provide on the application, or the last unexcused failure to appear for an interview may prevent
change of address notification that you submitted, will be used you from receiving employment authorization, and your
by USCIS for mailing. Any notices mailed to that address will asylum application may be dismissed or referred directly
constitute adequate service, except that personal service may to the Immigration Court.
be required for the following: Form I-122, Notice to Alien
If you are deaf, or if you are hard of hearing and need a sign
Detained for Hearing by an Immigration Judge; Form I-221,
language interpreter in your language, one will be provided for
Order to Show Cause; Form I-862, Notice to Appear; Form
you. Contact the Asylum Office with jurisdiction over your
I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge; and Form
case as soon as you receive a notice for your asylum interview
I-860, Notice and Order of Expedited Removal.
to notify the office that you will need a sign language
interpreter in your language so that accommodations can be
made in advance.

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 12

If available, you must bring some form of identification to You cannot apply for employment authorization if USCIS or
your interview, including any passport(s), other travel or the Immigration Court denies your Form I-589 before the
identification documents, or Form I-94, Arrival-Departure expiration of the 365 calendar-day period. If your asylum
Record. You may bring to the interview any additional application is still pending with USCIS or the Immigration
available items documenting your claim that you have not Court after 365 calendar days, you may apply for employment
already submitted with your application. All documents must authorization.
be submitted in triplicate.
If you cause a delay in the processing of your asylum
If members of your family are included in your application for application that is unresolved when your application for
asylum, they must also appear for the interview and bring any employment authorization is adjudicated, USCIS will deny
identity or travel documents they have in their possession. your application for employment authorization.
Examples of applicant-caused delays include, but are not
III. Status While Your Application Is Pending limited to:
1. A request to amend or supplement an asylum
While your case is pending, you will be permitted to remain in
application that causes a delay in its adjudication or in
the United States. After your asylum interview, if you have
proceedings as described in section 208.4(c);
not been granted asylum and appear to be removable under
section 237 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1227, or inadmissible under 2. Failure to appear to receive and acknowledge receipt
section 212 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182, the asylum office will of the decision as specified in section 208.9(d);
refer your application, together with the appropriate charging
3. A request for extension to submit additional evidence
document, to the Immigration Court for adjudication in
fewer than 14 days before the interview date as
removal proceedings.
permitted by section 208.9(e);
4. Failure to appear for an asylum interview or biometric
IV. Travel Outside the United States services appointment, unless excused by USCIS as
described in 208.10(b)(1) for the failure to appear;
If you leave the United States without first obtaining advance
parole from USCIS using Form I-131, Application for a Travel 5. A request to reschedule an interview for a later date;
Document, we will presume that you have abandoned your
6. A request to transfer a case to a new asylum office or
asylum application. If you obtain advance parole and return to
interview location, including when the transfer is based
the country of claimed persecution, we will presume that you
on a new address;
abandoned your asylum application, unless you can show that
there were compelling reasons for your return. 7. A request to provide additional evidence after
interview;
NOTE: The application process for advance parole varies
depending on your personal circumstances. Use InfoPass on 8. Failure to provide a competent interpreter at interview;
the USCIS website to check with your local USCIS District and;
Office for application instructions. Additional information on
9. Failure to comply with any other request needed to
obtaining advance parole is available from the USCIS website
determine asylum eligibility.
at www.uscis.gov.
For more information on employment authorization
documents, see Form I-765 Instructions. Each family member
V. Employment Authorization While Your whom you have asked to be included in your asylum
Asylum Application Is Pending application and who also wants an employment authorization
document must submit his or her own Form I-765.
Simply filing an application for asylum does not entitle you to You may obtain copies of Form I-765 by calling the USCIS
employment authorization or to work in the United States.
Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or from the USCIS website
You must wait to apply for employment authorization until
at www.uscis.gov.
your asylum application has been pending with USCIS or the
Immigration Court for 365 calendar days. If 365 calendar
days have elapsed since you properly filed your asylum
application and USCIS or the Immigration Court accepted it,
and your asylum application remains pending, you may request
employment authorization by filing Form I-765, Application
for Employment Authorization. (See 8 CFR section 208.7(a)).

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 13

VI. Employment Authorization When Your Penalties
Asylum Application Is Approved If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material
fact or submit a false document with Form I-589, we will deny
Aliens granted asylum (asylees) are authorized to work in the
your Form I-589 and may deny any other immigration benefit.
United States and are not required to apply for an employment
authorization document; however, you may request an EAD In addition, you will face severe penalties provided by law and
under 8 CFR section 274a.12(a)(5) if you want to have may be subject to criminal prosecution.
evidence of your employment authorization. For specific information, see Part E in Part 1., Section V. of
these instructions.
DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this Paperwork Reduction Act
application, and the associated evidence, is collected under the
An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information
Immigration and Nationality Act sections 103, 208, and
collection and a person is not required to respond to a
241(b)(3), and 8 CFR sections 103, 208, and 1208.
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid
OMB control number. The public reporting burden for this
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested
collection of information is estimated at 12 hours per
information on this form is to determine eligibility for asylum
response, including the time for reviewing instructions, and
in the United States, and for withholding of removal. The
completing and submitting the form. Send comments
information may also be used to apply for deferral of removal
regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this
under the Convention Against Torture.
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing
this burden to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary.
Office of Policy & Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division,
However, failure to provide the requested information, and
5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs,
any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in
MD 20588-0009; OMB No. 1516-0067. Do not mail your
the denial of your benefit request.
completed Form I-589 to this address.
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you
provide on this benefit application with other federal, state, Supplements to Form I-589
local, and foreign government agencies and authorized
organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses described in Form I-589, Supplement A - For use to complete Part A.II.
the associated published system of records notices [DHS/
Form I-589, Supplement B - For use to complete Parts B
USCIS-001 - Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking and
and C and to provide additional information for any other part
DHS/USCIS-010 - Asylum Information and Pre-Screening]
of the application.
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.

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.

Form I-589 Instructions 08/25/20 Page 14