Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal (Form I-589)
TITLE: Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal (Form I-589)
WHAT IT IS: Form I-589 is the application for asylum and for withholding of removal (a protection against return to a country where you would face serious harm). It lets you ask the U.S. government for asylum if you are physically in the United States and are not a U.S. citizen. This form is the first and most important step to seek protection.
WHO NEEDS IT: You can file this form if you are physically present in the United States, you are not a U.S. citizen, and you fear persecution in your home country. Special rules apply if you are a Ms. L. Settlement Class Member or a Qualifying Additional Family Member (QAFM)—you must file on paper and write a specific designation on the first page (see the official Ms. L. page for details).
HOW TO FILE:
1. Complete the paper Form I-589. Type or print clearly in black ink, following the official instructions.
2. If you are a Ms. L. Settlement Class Member or QAFM, write “Ms. L Settlement Class Member” or “Ms. L. Settlement QAFM” on the top of the first page. Do not file online—USCIS may reject an online application from you.
3. Find the correct mailing address. Most applicants will follow the instructions on the form. If you are filing for “Loss of Derivative Status After Initial Filing but Before Final Decision” or filing as a “Principal Applicant and a Derivative Applicant” at the same time, mail your application to the USCIS Dallas or Chicago lockbox (based on where you live), not to the USCIS Asylum Intake Unit. USCIS provided a grace period: if you mailed to the Asylum Intake Unit with a postmark before March 20, 2026, it will still be accepted.
4. Include the required filing fee. The fee amount is not listed in this source—check the official USCIS fee schedule for the current amount and accepted payment methods. USCIS will keep the filing fee even if your application is rejected.
5. Sign and date your form.
6. After you file, if your application is pending, USCIS may send you a notice to pay an Annual Asylum Fee. You must pay that fee within 30 days of the notice. If you do not pay on time, your pending Form I-589 could be rejected (effective May 29, 2026).
FEES: The source does not state the dollar amount of the filing fee. (check the official fee schedule). There is also an Annual Asylum Fee for certain pending applications. If you are a Ms. L. Settlement Class Member or QAFM, you are not required to pay the Asylum Application Fee or the Annual Asylum Fee as of Feb. 5, 2026, based on a litigation update. Always verify the most current fee rules on the USCIS website.
CURRENT EDITION & DEADLINES: No form edition date appears in this source. (check the current edition on the official page). An important payment deadline: if you receive a notice to pay the Annual Asylum Fee, pay within 30 days or your pending application may be rejected.
COMMON MISTAKES: 1. Using an old edition of the form—always download the newest form from USCIS.gov. 2. Mailing your application to the wrong address—look carefully at the “Where to File” instructions that match your case type and location. 3. Forgetting to sign the form—an unsigned application cannot be processed. Also, if you are a Ms. L. class member, filing online instead of mailing a paper form can cause rejection.
WHERE TO GET THE FORM: Download the most recent version from the official USCIS page: https://www.uscis.gov/i-589
SOURCE: https://www.uscis.gov/i-589
DISCLAIMER: General info from USCIS, not legal advice — always verify on the official page and consult a licensed immigration attorney for your case. English is authoritative.