The set of documents you need to prepare for your asylum application will depend on whether you’re applying for affirmative asylum or defensive asylum. We list below the documents you will need for an affirmative asylum application.
See this post for differences between an affirmative and a defense application.
Documents to file when first applying
| Form I-589 | This form is used as the primary form when applying for asylum or withholding of removal). Include one passport photo. Submit two copies of your application, and one copy for each derivative applicant. |
| Filing Fees: None | No filing fees are necessary to apply for affirmative asylum. |
| Form G-28 | Your attorney or representative needs to submit this form, if representing you. |
Documents to file one week before your interview
| Legal memo | You or your attorney can submit a legal memo that provides legal arguments if needed to support your application. |
| Affidavit or declaration | The affidavit or declaration will be one of the key documents supporting your application. The affidavit or declaration is a document that you or your attorney prepares, and which provides extensive details on why your background and experience qualifies you for asylum. |
| Annotated index of supporting documents | This index provides a list and corresponding page numbers of the documents you will submit to support your affidavit and application. You may title this document as, for example: INDEX OF DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED ON BEHALF OF [YOUR NAME] |
| Supporting documents | These are copies of documents you can include to support your affidavit and application for asylum. These documents may include: your past identity records, school certificates, flight records, letters from family or friends supporting details about your life and claim of persecution, medical records (if they help your application), press releases or newspaper articles showing relevant events of persecution in your home country, or expert articles or reports providing details on persecution in your home country. There are no limits to how many supporting documents you can provide—but be reasonable, and only include documents if they are specific and relevant to your case. |
| Evidence of family relationship | You should provide documents proving your relationship to your family members who are applying for derivative asylum through your application. |
| Translator’s certificate | Provide a translator’s certificate if some of your documents are in another language. |
References: USCIS Forms; National Immigrant Justice Center
