If you recently arrived in the United States and fear returning to your country, asylum may be your path to a safe, legal life. This guide explains the essentials in plain language.
What is asylum?
Asylum is a protection granted by the United States to people who have suffered persecution — or have a well-founded fear of suffering it — on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
The most important deadline: one year
As a general rule, the asylum application (Form I-589) must be filed within one year of your last entry into the United States. Missing this date can close the door to asylum, except in very specific circumstances. That is why the first thing we review in your free consultation is your date of entry.
Documents you need to get started
- Date of entry into the United States
- Alien number (if applicable)
- Passport
- Evidence of inspection upon entry into the U.S.
What about the work permit?
The work permit application (Form I-765) can be started 180 days (about 6 months) after USCIS has received your asylum application. Keeping track of that date is key so you don’t lose a single day.
Why does file preparation matter?
An incomplete form or poorly organized evidence can delay your case for months. A well-prepared file — accurately transcribed forms, organized evidence, and on-time submission — is the foundation of a solid case.
Questions about your case? Your first consultation with us is free: message us on WhatsApp and we’ll review your dates and options together.