I-589 · Timeline

After you file (affirmative asylum)

The steps of the affirmative process with USCIS.

1. 1

   Receipt and biometrics notice

   Once USCIS has your completed application, you receive two notices: an acknowledgment that it was received, and a notice to go to an Application Support Center (ASC) for fingerprinting. Keep the receipt number; you need it to check your case status online.^[1,2]

2. 2

   Biometrics appointment

   Bring your appointment notice to the ASC. Each family member included on your application gets a separate appointment, whatever their age, and must attend. If someone cannot go, ask to reschedule before the appointment, online or through the USCIS Contact Center. After a missed appointment you must ask for a new one within 10 calendar days and show exceptional circumstances; otherwise USCIS may dismiss the application if you maintain a lawful basis to remain in the United States, or refer it to an immigration judge if you do not. If you are a parolee who misses the appointment, USCIS decides case by case whether to end your parole and refer your case to an immigration judge.^[1]

3. 3

   Interview

   If USCIS schedules an interview, it takes place at an asylum office or another location, often a USCIS field office, as stated in your notice. You may bring an attorney or accredited representative, and witnesses. You must bring your spouse and any children seeking derivative asylum, and an interpreter if you cannot proceed in English. The interview generally lasts about 1 hour, though this varies by case.^[1]

4. 4

   Officer decides, supervisor reviews

   The asylum officer decides whether you are eligible to apply for asylum, whether you meet the refugee definition and whether you are barred from a grant. A supervisory asylum officer reviews the decision for consistency with the law and, depending on the case, may refer it to asylum division staff at USCIS headquarters for more review.^[1]

5. 5

   Decision

   In most cases you return to the asylum office to pick up the decision 2 weeks after the interview. It can take longer, and the decision is normally mailed, if you are in valid immigration status, were interviewed at a USCIS field office, have pending security checks or your case is being reviewed at USCIS headquarters.^[1]