Fill out Form I-589 Online in 2026

Form I-589 is the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, filed with USCIS or, in some cases, with an immigration court.

It allows certain individuals who are physically present in the United States to request protection because they fear persecution in their home country. This form is used to seek asylum and related forms of protection that prevent removal to a country where the applicant may face serious harm.

Filing Form I-589 accurately and completely is critical, as it determines whether the applicant may remain in the United States and receive protection under U.S. immigration law.

Form I-589 is used to request humanitarian protection under U.S. immigration law. Specifically, it allows an applicant to:

• Request asylum in the United States
• Apply for withholding of removal under U.S. immigration law
• Request protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT)

Once you open your Asylum Application Form (PDF), follow these steps:

Part A. Information About You

• Provide your personal details, family information, and U.S. entry history.\ - Your Information – Your name, biographic details, address, and nationality\ - Information About Your Spouse – Complete only if you have a spouse\ - Information About Your Children – List all children, regardless of age or location\ - Your Last Address Outside the United States and Your Last Entry Into the United States – Your last foreign address and how you entered the U.S.

Part B. Information About Your Application

• Explain why you are applying for asylum, including the type of protection requested and the basis of your claim.

Part C. Additional Information About You

• Answer background and history questions, including prior applications, arrests, or immigration proceedings.

Part D. Applicant’s Statement, Declaration, and Signature

• Review your application, certify that it is true and correct, and sign and date the form.

Part E. Declaration of Person Preparing Form, if Other Than Applicant, Spouse, Parent, or Child

• Completed only if someone else prepared the form. The preparer must provide their information and sign.

Part F. To Be Completed at Asylum Interview, if Applicable

• Do not complete this section when filing. It is completed and signed during your asylum interview with a USCIS officer.

Part G. Additional Information

• Use this section to continue answers that do not fit elsewhere. Always note the Part and Question number.

Form I-589 Supplement A

• Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal – Supplement A

Use this to list additional children if there is not enough space in Part A.

Form I-589 Supplement B

• Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal – Supplement B

Use this to provide additional details about your asylum claim or continue any response.

Individuals who are physically present in the United States and are seeking asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture must file Form I-589 (PDF version).

USCIS reviews the application, or, if the applicant is in removal proceedings, the immigration court does so.

Form I-589 is not required if you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or if you are applying for refugee status outside the United States.

You generally do not refile Form I-589 unless USCIS or an immigration judge instructs you to do so.

Form I-589 must be filed within one year of your last arrival in the United States. Late filings may still be accepted if you qualify for an exception based on changed circumstances or extraordinary circumstances.

Missing the deadline can bar asylum, but withholding of removal and protection under the Convention Against Torture may still be available.

To sign your Asylum Form (PDF file is the standard) using our tool, first click the "Fill Form" option to load a blank version of the form into the PDF editor. Fill out all necessary fields, then create a simple electronic signature and add it to the designated signature area.

Once your signature is in place, click "Done" to download the completed form. Always check official sources for specific signature requirements to ensure compliance with submission guidelines.

Filing Form I-589 can be done by mail. You need to send the completed form to the address specified in the instructions.

Form I-589 can't be filed online. Always keep a complete copy of your application and supporting documents for your records.

• Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization Used to apply for a work permit based on a pending or approved asylum application. This is how asylum applicants request an EAD.
• Form I-94 – Arrival/Departure Record Not a filing form, but often submitted as evidence. It shows when and how you entered the United States and helps establish the one-year asylum filing deadline.
• Form G-28 – Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative Filed if you have a lawyer or accredited representative handling your asylum case with USCIS.

Forms used if your case is in immigration court (Defensive Asylum)

• Form EOIR-28 – Notice of Entry of Appearance Before the Immigration Court Used instead of Form G-28 when an immigration judge handles your asylum case.

Forms used after asylum is granted

• Form I-730 – Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition Used to request immigration benefits for certain family members (spouse or unmarried children under 21) after asylum approval.
• Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status Used to apply for a green card, usually one year after asylum is granted.