Q : How Long Does the Process Take?The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides in Section 208(d)(5) that the initial interview for asylum applications filed on or after April 1, 1997 should take place within 45 days after the date the application is filed, and a decision should be made on the asylum application within 180 days after the date the application is filed, unless there are exceptional circumstances. The time frames below apply only if you will be scheduled for an interview at one of the eight asylum offices. Time frames vary for those who live far from an asylum office because asylum officers must travel in order to conduct these interviews. | Applicant files I-589 at the Service Center | Within 21 days of the filing date | Within 43 days of the filing date | Within 60 days of the filing date | Within 180 days of the filing date | | The filing date is the date the complete application was received at the Service Center. | Applicant receives: - Receipt notice that USCIS received I-589
- Fingerprint appointment notice*
- Interview notice
| Applicant is interviewed at one of the eight asylum offices, unless applicant lives at a significant distance from an asylum office. | Majority of applicants return two weeks after the interview to pick up the decisions on their applications, including referrals to the Immigration Court for final determination. | Applicants whose cases have been referred to the Immigration Court receive a decision on their applications. | * Asylum office will not conduct an interview on your application until you have had your fingerprints taken in accordance with notice instructions.
Last updated: 09/29/2008 |