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Official form guide
Form I-589: Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-589 is the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, used by individuals who are physically present in the United States and are not U.S. citizens to request asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture.
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USCIS Form I-589 - Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-589 is the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, used by individuals who are physically present in the United States and are not U.S. citizens to request asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Signing Part F before filing the form can cause rejection.
- 2Submitting the form in a language other than English.
- 3Using colored ink or handwriting that is not black.
- 4Leaving any question unanswered or not marking “none,” “not applicable,” or “unknown.”
- 5Signing Part F (or Part G) before the form is filed.
Plain English
This form lets you ask the U.S. government to let you stay because you fear persecution or torture in your home country. You fill it out in English, include your personal details, and can add a spouse and children under 21 who are also in the U.S.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you are physically present in the United States, are not a U.S. citizen, and want to apply for asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture.
- Do not use it when you are a U.S. citizen, are outside the United States, or are filing for a child 21 years of age or older or a married child.
- Check Form G-28 instead when you need to submit a Notice of Entry of Appearance as an attorney or accredited representative.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
You are represented by an attorney and need to notify USCIS of that representation
Establishes legal representation for the asylum case
✓ Verify the form is signed by both you and the attorney
Your attorney changes after the initial filing and you must submit a new notice
Updates the record of who may act on your behalf
✓ Ensure the new G‑28 supersedes the previous one
You are filing without an attorney but still need a representative for correspondence
Allows an accredited representative to receive communications
✓ Verify the representative’s accreditation number is entered
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Part D (Signature)
Your handwritten signature · Your completed Form I‑589
Form G‑28
Notice of Entry of Appearance signed by you and attorney · G‑28 form
Supplementary sheets
Originals of all supplementary statements · Your supplemental pages
Relationship evidence for spouse/children under 21
Copy of marriage certificate or birth certificates · Your supporting documents
Address fields (Question 8 & 9)
Residential address and In‑Care‑Of name if applicable · Your mailing address section
Additional supporting documentation
One copy of any extra evidence · Your evidence packet
Before you submit
- 1Print or type all answers in black ink on Form I‑589.
- 2Answer every question; use “none,” “not applicable,” or “unknown” where appropriate.
- 3Sign Part D of the form before filing.
- 4Do not sign Part F or Part G before filing.
- 5Attach a signed Form G‑28 if represented.
- 6Include originals of all supplementary sheets and statements.
- 7Attach one copy of each additional supporting document.
- 8Attach one copy of relationship evidence for spouse and unmarried children under 21, if any.
- 9Ensure any extra pages bear your printed name, A‑Number (if any), signature, and date.
- 10Use the latest version of Adobe Reader to complete the PDF.
- 11Mail the completed form and attached documents to the USCIS filing address indicated in the instructions.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all questions on Form I‑589 in black ink, answering “none,” “not applicable,” or “unknown” when needed.
- 2Sign Part D of the form; leave Part F and Part G unsigned.
- 3Gather required documents: signed Form G‑28 (if represented), originals of supplementary sheets, copies of supporting evidence, and relationship proof for spouse/children under 21.
- 4Attach the documents behind the form in the order specified in the instructions.
- 5Mail the package to the USCIS filing address provided in the instructions and retain the mailing receipt.
Known limitations
- 1Not for U.S. citizens.
- 2Not for individuals outside the United States.
- 3Not for children 21 years of age or older or married children; they must file separate applications.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name as in your passport.
Complete date (MM/DD/YYYY) and city/country of birth.
Country where you hold citizenship.
Basis
2 items
Detailed description of the harm, persecution, or disaster you are fleeing.
Date you last entered the United States (MM/DD/YYYY).
Evidence
1 items
List all documents supporting your application, including affidavits, country condition reports, and identification.
Signatures
1 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The instructions are dated 01/20/25, indicating the current edition; the source does not reference a separate “latest information” page or note any recent changes.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instructions show 01/20/25
- Fee — not stated in the official source
- Mailing address — not stated in the official source
- Signature — confirm Part D is signed before filing
- Adobe Reader version — confirm you are using the latest version as advised
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a complete copy of the filed Form I‑589 and all attachments for your records.
- 2Monitor your mail for a USCIS receipt notice confirming acceptance of the filing.
- 3Prepare for the asylum interview; bring originals of all supporting documents.
- 4If you discover an error after filing, submit a corrected Form I‑589 with a cover letter explaining the change.
- 5Update USCIS of any address change using the required notification process.
- 6If represented, ensure your attorney updates the Form G‑28 with any changes.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form I‑589 and eligibility (physically present, not a U.S. citizen).
- SRCInstructions p.1 — inclusion of spouse and unmarried children under 21; separate filing for children 21+ or married.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — requirement to type or print answers in black ink, in English, and how to answer unknown questions.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — must sign Part D before filing; must not sign Part F or G before filing.
- SRCInstructions p.9 — required documents list: Form G‑28, originals of supplementary sheets, one copy of additional supporting documentation, one copy of relationship evidence.
- SRCInstructions p.12 — mailing address not to be used; OMB control number and burden estimate.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — how to obtain the form via Adobe Reader or USCIS Contact Center.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — reference to 8 CFR sections 208.4 and 1208.4 for late filing explanations.
Common confusion points
Can I sign Part F before sending the form?
The instructions say Part F is signed only at the asylum interview.
→ Verify Part F remains unsigned before filing.
Do I need to include my children over 21 in this form?
The form requires separate applications for children 21 or older.
→ Exclude them and have them file their own Form I‑589.
What if I don’t have a residential address, only a PO box?
Question 9 allows a PO box, but Question 8 still requires a physical address.
→ Provide a residential address in Question 8 and the PO box in Question 9.
Is a filing fee required?
The instructions do not list a fee for Form I‑589.
→ Confirm no fee is needed before mailing.
Do I need to submit the original Form G‑28 if I have an attorney?
The instructions list Form G‑28 as a required document, signed by both parties.
→ Attach the signed Form G‑28 with the filing.
Can I use a language other than English?
The instructions state answers must be in English and non‑English forms will be returned.
→ Ensure all responses are written in English.
Workflow map
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Questions about USCIS Form I-589
What is USCIS Form I-589 used for?
This form lets you ask the U.S. government to let you stay because you fear persecution or torture in your home country. You fill it out in English, include your personal details, and can add a spouse and children under 21 who are also in the U.S.
Who must file USCIS Form I-589?
Anyone who is physically present in the United States and is not a U.S. citizen must file USCIS Form I-589.
What information does USCIS Form I-589 require?
The form gathers your biographic data, U.S. residential address (Part A.I., Question 8), mailing address (Question 9), immigration history (Question 19), and information about your spouse and children (Part A.II).
How do I complete USCIS Form I-589?
Complete the form in black ink or typed text, answering every question in English. Provide your U.S. residential address in Part A.I., Question 8, and any mailing address in Question 9. Sign only Part D before you submit; you will sign Part F at the asylum interview and Part G at a removal hearing if applicable.
Can I sign Part F before sending the form?
The instructions say Part F is signed only at the asylum interview. Verify Part F remains unsigned before filing.
Do I need to include my children over 21 in this form?
The form requires separate applications for children 21 or older. Exclude them and have them file their own Form I‑589.
What if I don’t have a residential address, only a PO box?
Question 9 allows a PO box, but Question 8 still requires a physical address. Provide a residential address in Question 8 and the PO box in Question 9.
Is a filing fee required?
The instructions do not list a fee for Form I‑589. Confirm no fee is needed before mailing.
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