I-589: Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal

What is a Form I-589?

Form I-589 is an application form used to apply for asylum or for withholding of removal in the United States. It is part of the US Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) and can be found on their website, uscis.gov. The form must be completed in English and it requires certain information and supporting documents to be submitted along with it.

Who is Eligible for Form I-589?

Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, is available to individuals who have either arrived in the United States or are currently present in the United States and who are seeking protection from persecution in their home country. To be eligible to apply for asylum, an individual must demonstrate that they have suffered past persecution or have a well-founded fear of future persecution in their home country due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Applicants must also demonstrate that the persecution is either inflicted or condoned by the government of the applicant’s home country.

What is the Latest Form I-589 Edition?

The latest edition of Form I-589 is October 2019.

What are the Required Documents for Form I-589?

The required documents for Form I-589 include a passport or birth certificate, proof of identity, government-issued photo identification, proof of residence, and any documents related to the application for asylum. Additional documents may be required depending on the individual’s circumstances.

How to Submit Form I-589?

1. Collect the documents you will need to submit. Make sure you have all of the necessary evidence for your application, such as proof of identity, birth certificates, police records, and any other documents that may be applicable to your case.

2. Gather the filing fee. The filing fee for Form I-589 is $755. You may also be eligible to have this fee waived in certain circumstances.

3. Complete the entire application form. Make sure you answer all of the questions completely and accurately, and provide all of the necessary evidence and documentation.

4. Sign and date your form. This must be done in front of a notary public or an immigration official.

5. Submit your form and supporting documents to the appropriate address. This can be found on the USCIS website or in the instructions accompanying your form.

6. Wait for a decision on your application. You can track the progress of your case online or contact USCIS if you have any additional questions about your application status.

What are the Filing Tips for Form I-589?

1. Prepare the form accurately and completely. Make sure you are filling out the correct version of the form – most USCIS forms change frequently, so double-check the date.

2. Gather necessary documents. You may need to provide additional evidence to support the information you provide in your application. Common documents include birth certificates, passports, driver’s licenses, and medical or school records.

3. Submit two copies of your application. USCIS requires that two original copies be submitted for each application. Make sure to keep a copy for your records.

4. Include the filing fee. The filing fee for Form I-589 is $285 and must be included with your application. If you cannot pay the fee, you may request a fee waiver by filing Form I-912 with your application.

5. Sign and date the form. Make sure to sign and date the form in ink at the bottom of the form where indicated in order for USCIS to process your application.

Are There Special Instructions for Form I-589?

Yes, there are special instructions for Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. These instructions, which provide important information about filing for asylum and withholding of removal, can be found on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. The form must be printed double-sided on white, letter-sized paper with black ink. All questions must be answered in English and an original signature must be included. The form must also be accompanied by any relevant supporting documentation and the filing fee of $50.00.

What is the Form I-589 Fee?

The Form I-589 fee is the filing fee for those applying for asylum or refugee status in the United States. The fee is $50, and is non-refundable and must be paid when submitting the form.

Can I Apply for Form I-589 Fee Waiver or Reduction?

Yes, you can apply for a fee waiver or reduction on Form I-589. The form can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. To apply, you must meet certain criteria and provide proof of your financial hardship. The fee waiver request must include all supporting documents necessary to determine eligibility. USCIS will review the request and make a decision based on the evidence provided.

What is the Form I-589 Processing Time?

The processing time for a Form I-589 varies depending on the individual case. Generally, the processing time for a Form I-589 is between 6 to 8 months from when it is initially filed. However, some cases can take up to several years to process depending on the complexity of the case and the backlog of applications.

Form I-589 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Form I-589?
Form I-589 is an application for asylum and for withholding of removal. It is used by individuals who are seeking protection from persecution in their home countries.

2. Who is eligible to file Form I-589?
To be eligible to file Form I-589, applicants must demonstrate that they are either unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group.

3. When should I file Form I-589?
Form I-589 should be filed as soon as possible after arriving in the United States or after realizing that you may be subject to persecution upon returning to your home country.

4. How long does it take for Form I-589 to be processed?
The processing time for Form I-589 depends on the individual case and can range from several weeks up to several months.

5. Can I work while my Form I-589 is being processed?
Individuals who are seeking asylum may not work in the United States until their application for asylum has been approved or their application for employment authorization has been approved.

6. Can I bring my family with me if my application is approved?
Yes, it is possible to bring your family with you if your application for asylum is approved. However, you must submit a separate application for each family member and provide evidence of your family relationship.