<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="humanitarian-visas" data-vt-code="Asylum"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/humanitarian-visas">Humanitarian & other</a><span>›</span><span>Asylum</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Status</span><span>Humanitarian</span><span>Form I-589</span><span>1-year filing deadline</span><span>Work permit</span><span>Green card after 1 year</span></div> <h1><span>Asylum</span> Asylum Status</h1> <p class="vt-lede">Asylum is not a visa: it is a protection status for people already in the United States or at a port of entry who were persecuted, or fear persecution, in their home country.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: USCIS · USCIS / Federal Register</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/asylum">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Filing deadline</dt><dd>Within <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partI-sec1158.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1 year of arrival</a>, unless changed or extraordinary circumstances apply</dd></div><div><dt>Form I-589 fee (principal)</dt><dd><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$100</a> at filing; family members included on the application pay no additional fee</dd></div><div><dt>Annual Asylum Fee</dt><dd><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$102</a> per year while pending, when USCIS sends a notice; <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20187/fiscal-year-2027-inflation-adjustment-to-hr-1-immigration-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$105 from Oct. 16, 2026</a></dd></div><div><dt>Work permit</dt><dd>File at <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">150 days</a>; generally eligible once the case has been pending 180 days</dd></div><div><dt>Family abroad</dt><dd>Form I-730 within <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-730" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2 years</a> of the grant; fee <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$0</a></dd></div><div><dt>Green card</dt><dd>Eligible <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-asylees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1 year after the grant</a>, via Form I-485</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>New fees and faster consequences in 2026.</strong> Under Pub. L. 119-21, every principal asylum applicant pays a non-waivable $100 filing fee and an Annual Asylum Fee for each year the case is pending. A court stay paused USCIS fee notices from Oct. 30, 2025 until <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/29/2026-08333/uscis-immigration-fees-and-related-procedures-required-by-hr1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Feb. 2, 2026</a>; since <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/29/2026-08333/uscis-immigration-fees-and-related-procedures-required-by-hr1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">May 29, 2026</a>, USCIS rejects the asylum application of anyone who does not pay within 30 days of a notice, and any asylum-based work permit ends immediately. The annual fee is <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$102</a> now and <a href="https://uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-fy-2027-inflation-increase-for-certain-immigration-related-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$105 from Oct. 16, 2026</a>.</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">Asylum protects people who are in the United States, or seeking entry at a port of entry, and who have suffered persecution or fear persecution because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>). It is a status granted after an application, not a visa, and the person does not need a sponsor.</p> <p class="b">There are two ways to apply. An <strong>affirmative</strong> application is filed with USCIS by someone who is not in removal proceedings (or by an unaccompanied child); an asylum officer decides it or refers it to immigration court. A <strong>defensive</strong> application is made before an immigration judge of the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review as a defense against removal (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-589" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS Form I-589</a>). Since <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/28/2026-15190/affirmative-asylum-referrals-without-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">July 28, 2026</a>, USCIS may refer some affirmative cases to immigration court without an interview.</p> <p class="b">Asylees can work, can bring a spouse and children, and can apply for a green card after 1 year. By law, the initial interview should start within 45 days and a decision should be made within 180 days of filing, absent exceptional circumstances (<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partI-sec1158.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 208(d)(5)</a>); in practice, timelines vary widely.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">To be granted asylum, the applicant must</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Be physically present in the United States or arriving at a port of entry.</li><li>Show past persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.</li><li>File within 1 year of the last arrival, unless changed circumstances that materially affect eligibility, or extraordinary circumstances related to the delay, are shown; unaccompanied children are exempt from this deadline.</li><li>Not be subject to a bar, such as having persecuted others, certain serious crimes, security grounds, or firm resettlement in another country.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">Other limits to know</h3> <ul class="b"><li>A person who previously applied for asylum and was denied generally cannot apply again unless circumstances have changed.</li><li>The <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Circumvention of Lawful Pathways</a> rule ended May 12, 2025, but USCIS says it still applies to people who entered at the southwest border between May 12, 2023 and May 11, 2025.</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Asylum status</th><td>No fixed end date; it can be terminated in limited cases, such as a fundamental change in circumstances or when a bar to asylum applies (<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partI-sec1158.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 208(c)(2)</a>)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Green card</th><td>Eligible after <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-asylees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1 year of physical presence</a> after the grant (measured on the date USCIS decides the I-485)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Travel</th><td>Needs a Refugee Travel Document (Form I-131): <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$165</a> age 16+, $135 under 16</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Pending applicants</th><td>May not travel without advance parole; Form I-131 for a pending I-589 costs <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$630</a> (paper)</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">Fees from USCIS Form G-1055 (edition 10/01/26). The Pub. L. 119-21 fees cannot be waived, and new amounts apply to filings postmarked on or after Oct. 16, 2026 (<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20187/fiscal-year-2027-inflation-adjustment-to-hr-1-immigration-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">91 FR 62540</a>).</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Form I-589 filing fee (Pub. L. 119-21)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$100</a></td><td>Principal applicant</td><td>Not refundable, even if the application is rejected; unchanged for FY 2027</td></tr> <tr><td>Annual Asylum Fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$102</a></td><td>Principal applicant</td><td>For each year the case stays pending; paid online within 30 days of a USCIS notice; <a href="https://uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-fy-2027-inflation-increase-for-certain-immigration-related-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$105 from Oct. 16, 2026</a></td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-765, initial asylum-applicant EAD (c)(8)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$0 + $560</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>$560 Pub. L. 119-21 fee; <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20187/fiscal-year-2027-inflation-adjustment-to-hr-1-immigration-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$570 from Oct. 16, 2026</a></td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-765, renewal asylum-applicant EAD (c)(8)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$520 paper / $470 online + $275</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>The $275 fee is not adjusted for FY 2027</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-765, asylee EAD (a)(5)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$0</a></td><td>Asylee</td><td>Asylees are authorized to work by their status</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$0</a></td><td>Asylee</td><td>One petition per family member</td></tr> <tr><td>Form I-485, green card</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1,440 paper / $1,390 online</a></td><td>Asylee</td><td>$950/$900 for a child under 14 filing with a parent; fee waiver may be requested</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Since Feb. 5, 2026, the Pub. L. 119-21 asylum fees do not apply to Ms. L. Settlement Class members and their qualifying family members (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-589" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>). Defensive applications before an immigration judge follow EOIR’s procedures.</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Statutory target: interview</dt><dd>45 days</dd><dd class="n">Absent exceptional circumstances (<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partI-sec1158.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 208(d)(5)(A)(ii)</a>)</dd></div><div><dt>Statutory target: decision</dt><dd>180 days</dd><dd class="n">Absent exceptional circumstances (<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partI-sec1158.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 208(d)(5)(A)(iii)</a>)</dd></div><div><dt>Evidence deadline</dt><dd>14 days before interview</dd><dd class="n"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS alert, Aug. 21, 2026</a></dd></div></dl> <p class="b">Actual affirmative asylum times vary widely by office; check <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a>. Holds on pending asylum applications under PM-602-0192 and PM-602-0194 were vacated on June 5, 2026 (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/update-on-uscis-strengthened-screening-and-vetting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dorcas v. USCIS</a>) and enjoined on Aug. 24, 2026 (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/recent-court-order-on-hold-policies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Red Eagle Law v. Edlow</a>); USCIS says it is complying pending further review.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">File Form I-589 within 1 year</div><div class="tx">File with USCIS (affirmative) — online where eligible, or by mail to the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-589" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dallas or Chicago lockbox</a> for the applicant’s state — or with the immigration court if in removal proceedings; the principal pays the $100 fee.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Biometrics</div><div class="tx">Attend the appointment; a missed appointment must be rescheduled within 10 calendar days, showing exceptional circumstances.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Pay the Annual Asylum Fee when billed</div><div class="tx">If the case is pending a year, USCIS sends a notice; pay within 30 days or the application is rejected.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Work permit</div><div class="tx">File Form I-765 (c)(8) once the asylum case has been pending 150 days; delays caused by the applicant stop the clock.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Interview or referral</div><div class="tx">Submit evidence at least 14 days before the interview. The officer grants asylum or refers the case to immigration court, which can now happen without an interview.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">6</span><div><div class="tt">After a grant</div><div class="tx">Asylees may work immediately, may petition for family with Form I-730 within 2 years, and may apply for a green card after 1 year.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>With Form I-589</h3><ul><li><span>Proof of identity and nationality (passport, national ID, birth certificate), with certified English translations.</span></li><li><span>A detailed written statement of past harm or fear of future harm and why it is linked to a protected ground.</span></li><li><span>Supporting evidence: country-condition reports, affidavits, medical or police records, photos.</span></li><li><span>Evidence explaining any filing after the 1-year deadline.</span></li><li><span>For each family member included: proof of the relationship (marriage and birth certificates).</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">A spouse and unmarried children under 21 who are in the United States can be included on the principal’s Form I-589 at filing or any time before a final decision, and receive derivative asylum if it is granted (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>).</p> <p class="b">Family members not included can be petitioned with <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-730" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form I-730</a> within 2 years of the grant, with no fee. A relative abroad is processed by a U.S. consulate as a follow-to-join asylee, called <a href="https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM020305.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visas 92 (V92)</a>; see the Refugee page for V92/V93 follow-to-join details.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">Asylees may apply for permanent residence after 1 year of physical presence in the U.S. after the grant (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-asylees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>). Since Feb. 2, 2023, USCIS measures that year as of the date it decides the application, so filing slightly earlier is possible.</p> <div class="vt-gsteps"><div><div class="k">Step 1</div><div class="tt">Meet the 1-year presence rule</div><div class="tx">Count from the date asylum was granted.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 2</div><div class="tt">File Form I-485</div><div class="tx">Each derivative family member files separately; the fee is <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1,440</a> (paper) unless a fee waiver is approved.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 3</div><div class="tt">Interview and decision</div><div class="tx">USCIS checks continued eligibility and admissibility.</div></div></div> <p class="b">Asylees with green cards can generally apply to naturalize after the required period of permanent residence.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/refugee"><div class="c">Refugee</div><div class="n">Refugee Status (USRAP)</div><div class="tx">The same protection for people applying from outside the U.S.</div></a><a href="/visa/parole"><div class="c">Parole</div><div class="n">Humanitarian Parole</div><div class="tx">Temporary permission to enter for urgent reasons; not an admission.</div></a><a href="/visa/tps"><div class="c">TPS</div><div class="n">Temporary Protected Status</div><div class="tx">Country-based protection, no individual persecution claim needed.</div></a><a href="/visa/u"><div class="c">U</div><div class="n">Crime Victims</div><div class="tx">Status for victims of qualifying crimes who help law enforcement.</div></a><a href="/visa/vawa"><div class="c">VAWA</div><div class="n">VAWA Self-Petition</div><div class="tx">Self-petition for abused spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens or LPRs.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Is asylum a visa?</summary><p>No. Asylum is a protection status granted to someone already in the U.S. or at a port of entry. There is no asylum visa to apply for from abroad.</p></details><details><summary>What does asylum cost now?</summary><p>The principal pays a <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$100</a> non-waivable fee with Form I-589 and, while the case is pending, an Annual Asylum Fee when USCIS sends a notice — <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$102</a> now, <a href="https://uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-fy-2027-inflation-increase-for-certain-immigration-related-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$105 from Oct. 16, 2026</a>.</p></details><details><summary>Is USCIS actually collecting the Annual Asylum Fee?</summary><p>Yes. A court stay paused USCIS fee notices from Oct. 30, 2025 to Feb. 2, 2026. Since May 29, 2026, USCIS sends notices, and nonpayment within 30 days leads to rejection of the application (<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/29/2026-08333/uscis-immigration-fees-and-related-procedures-required-by-hr1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">91 FR 22952</a>).</p></details><details><summary>When can an asylum applicant work?</summary><p>An applicant can file Form I-765 once the asylum case has been pending 150 days and is generally eligible at 180 days; applicant-caused delays stop the clock (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>). The initial EAD carries a <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$560</a> fee ($570 from Oct. 16, 2026).</p></details><details><summary>What if the 1-year deadline was missed?</summary><p>An application may still be considered if the applicant shows changed circumstances affecting eligibility or extraordinary circumstances related to the delay (<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partI-sec1158.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 208(a)(2)(D)</a>). Form I-589 is also the application for withholding of removal.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Asylum</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-589" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Fee Schedule (Form G-1055)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20187/fiscal-year-2027-inflation-adjustment-to-hr-1-immigration-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS / Federal Register</strong> · Fiscal Year 2027 Inflation Adjustment to H.R. 1 Immigration Fees (91 FR 62540)</span><span>federalregister.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/29/2026-08333/uscis-immigration-fees-and-related-procedures-required-by-hr1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>DHS / Federal Register</strong> · USCIS Immigration Fees and Related Procedures Required by H.R.1 (interim final rule, 91 FR 22952)</span><span>federalregister.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partI-sec1158.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>U.S. Code (govinfo)</strong> · 8 U.S.C. 1158 (INA 208), Asylum</span><span>govinfo.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-asylees" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Green Card for Asylees</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/recent-court-order-on-hold-policies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Recent Court Order on Hold Policies</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Sep 30, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>FY 2027 inflation increases to asylum fees.</strong> Annual Asylum Fee rises from $102 to $105 and the initial asylum EAD fee from $560 to $570 for filings postmarked on or after Oct. 16, 2026; the $100 filing fee is unchanged. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20187/fiscal-year-2027-inflation-adjustment-to-hr-1-immigration-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 24, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Asylum adjudication holds enjoined.</strong> In Red Eagle Law v. Edlow (N.D. Cal.) the court enjoined PM-602-0192 and PM-602-0194 and certified a class including asylum applicants with pending I-589s; USCIS announced compliance on Aug. 28, 2026. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/recent-court-order-on-hold-policies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 28, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Affirmative asylum referrals without interview.</strong> Interim final rule lets USCIS refer certain affirmative asylum applications to immigration court without an interview; USCIS still offers an interview before granting or denying. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/28/2026-15190/affirmative-asylum-referrals-without-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 5, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Asylum hold memos vacated.</strong> In Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island v. USCIS (D.R.I.) the court vacated PM-602-0192 and PM-602-0194, which had held all pending asylum applications; final judgment June 11, 2026. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/update-on-uscis-strengthened-screening-and-vetting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">May 29, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Consequences for unpaid Annual Asylum Fee take effect.</strong> Interim final rule (published Apr. 29, 2026): failure to pay within 30 days of notice leads to rejection of the asylum application and loss of asylum-based work authorization. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/29/2026-08333/uscis-immigration-fees-and-related-procedures-required-by-hr1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Apr 24, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Border asylum proclamation held unlawful.</strong> In RAICES v. Mullin the D.C. Circuit affirmed that Proclamation 10888 and its guidance are unlawful insofar as they block applying for asylum and withholding of removal. <a href="https://media.cadc.uscourts.gov/opinions/docs/2026/04/25-5243-2170245.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Feb 23, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proposed asylum EAD reform.</strong> Proposed rule would extend the wait to apply for an asylum-based EAD to 365 days and pause EAD filings when affirmative processing averages exceed 180 days; not final as of Oct. 1, 2026. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/23/2026-03595/employment-authorization-reform-for-asylum-applicants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Oct 30, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Automatic EAD extensions ended.</strong> Interim final rule ended automatic extensions of EADs for renewals filed on or after Oct. 30, 2025 in the affected categories, which include asylum applicants (c)(8). <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/30/2025-19702/removal-of-the-automatic-extension-of-employment-authorization-documents" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 22, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Pub. L. 119-21 asylum fees announced.</strong> USCIS announced the $100 asylum application fee, the Annual Asylum Fee and new EAD fees for asylum applicants. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/22/2025-13738/uscis-immigration-fees-required-by-hr-1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/asylum">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Humanitarian & other", "item": "https://visatypes.com/humanitarian-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Asylum", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/asylum"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Is asylum a visa?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "No. Asylum is a protection status granted to someone already in the U.S. or at a port of entry. 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