Form I-589 · Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
Form I-589 walkthrough
A plain-English walkthrough of what the form asks and why. It explains the form; it does not replace it or the official instructions, which are the authority.
Filings sent to the Asylum Intake Unit for a prior final USCIS action and postmarked on or after October 15, 2026 are rejected; use the Dallas or Chicago lockbox instead. The edition date and filing notices were checked on the official page on October 26, 2026. The section-by-section walkthrough below is our plain-English explanation and has not yet been compared line by line with the official instructions, so this page stays marked as a draft.
Who files
A person physically in the U.S. who fears persecution. Those in immigration court proceedings (other than unaccompanied children) file with the court instead.
What it does
Asks for protection in the U.S. because of past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution.
Where
By mail to the Dallas lockbox (FL, GA, MD, NJ, PA, TX) or the Chicago lockbox (other states), or online if the Filing Instructions Tool says you can. Some categories go to the Asylum Intake Unit.
Cost
See the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055, edition 10/16/26). Fees change and USCIS rejects a request without the correct fee, so confirm the amount on the official fee page or fee calculator before you pay.
Walk through the form
Section names and numbers can change between editions. Follow the official form as you read.
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1About you and your familyPersonal details.
What it asks
- Names, birth details, nationality, languages
- Address history
- Spouse and children, inside or outside the U.S.
Evidence to gather
- Passport or ID
- Marriage and birth records
Tip: Include family members who may be added to your application.
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2Your claimWhy you cannot return.
What it asks
- What happened to you and when
- Who harmed you and why
- What you fear if you return
Evidence to gather
- A detailed signed statement
- Country condition reports
- Medical or police records
- Witness statements
Tip: Be specific and consistent. Add pages if you need space.
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3Deadline and feesTiming rules to watch.
What it asks
- File within one year of arrival, or explain why an exception applies
- Pay the Annual Asylum Fee each year the case is pending
Evidence to gather
- Proof of entry date
- Evidence for any exception to the deadline
Tip: Requests postmarked on or after October 16, 2026 without the new required fee are rejected. Certain Ms. L. class members have special filing steps.
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4Supporting evidence and translationsWhat you send with the form.
What it asks
- Every document in another language needs a full English translation
- The translator signs a statement that they are competent and the translation is accurate
- Send copies unless the instructions ask for originals
Evidence to gather
- Civil documents for each person named
- Certified translations
Tip: Follow the evidence list in the official instructions for your exact category.
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5Sign, submit and what comes nextThe last steps.
What it asks
- Read the statement carefully before you sign
- Sign personally. USCIS rejects unsigned forms
- Pay the current fee shown on the official fee schedule
- Keep a full copy of everything you send
Evidence to gather
- Receipt notice from USCIS after filing
- Any request for more evidence, with its deadline
Tip: Keep your receipt notice and answer any request before its deadline.
Common mistakes
- Missing the one-year deadline
- Inconsistent statements
- Not paying the annual fee within 30 days of the notice
- Using an old edition of the form, or mixing pages from different editions
- Mismatched names or dates across documents
- Missing signatures or translations
What happens next
USCIS schedules an interview. Seek help from a legal aid organization or accredited representative if you can.
Official sources
- USCIS – Form I-589 (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-26)
- USCIS – Fee Schedule (G-1055) (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-26)
The official form and its instructions are the authority. If this page differs, follow the official source.
Move to America is an independent information and preparation service. We are not a government agency, not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government, and not a law firm. Nothing here is legal advice, and we cannot guarantee any visa or immigration outcome.