USCIS announced that certain affirmative asylum applicants may now file an online Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.
Online filing allows applicants to submit forms electronically, check the status of their application online, and receive online notices from USCIS. You may file for affirmative asylum if you are physically present in the United States.
By offering certain applicants the option to file an online Form I-589, USCIS continues to make the process of applying for immigration benefits efficient, secure, and convenient for more applicants.
To file an online Form I-589, eligible applicants must first visit my.uscis.gov to create a USCIS online account. There is no cost to create an account, which offers a variety of features, including the ability to communicate with USCIS about your application through a secure inbox and respond online to Requests for Evidence.
USCIS will conduct a public engagement and other outreach activities to ensure that eligible applicants are familiar with the features of an online account, including how to apply for affirmative asylum online.
The option to file an online Form I-589 is currently available only to certain applicants. All other applicants will continue to file the paper Form I-589.
Individuals may not file online if they:
• Are in proceedings in immigration court or before the Board of Immigration Appeals;
• Are an unaccompanied alien child as defined in 6 U.S.C. § 279(g) and are in removal proceedings;
• Are among the categories of applicants who must currently file by mail with the Asylum Vetting Center as outlined in the Special Instructions section of the Form I-589 webpage; or
• Already submitted a Form I-589, which is still pending with USCIS.
If you do not follow the applicable instructions, USCIS may reject your online application or it may take longer to file.