5 things to do while your asylum case is pending with USCIS

If you have an asylum case pending with USCIS, sometimes you have to wait a long time for an interview. Here are 5 things you can do while you wait, if you want to continue pursuing your asylum case. 

1. Check your case status regularly 

Check the USCIS case status website and enter the receipt number from your asylum application. It can help to check every week, because sometimes USCIS will schedule an interview very quickly. Read about common messages on the case status website.  

Important USCIS notices, such as your asylum interview notice, will arrive by mail or in your online USCIS account. If you move, you can change your address with USCIS. If your email or phone number changes, you can update it in settings in your online USCIS account.

2. Renew your work permit 

You can apply for your initial work permit 150 days after you submit your asylum application to USCIS. You can apply to renew your work permit while your case is pending, and you may want to apply for renewal 1 year before the expiration date, to increase the chance that you will receive your new work permit before your current one expires. Learn more about work permits.  

3. Keep track of your annual asylum fee  

There is a new $100 annual asylum fee for each year that an asylum application is pending. USCIS has a website where you can check if your annual asylum fee payment is due. However, ASAP members have filed a lawsuit about the annual asylum fee and the information is rapidly changing. Find up-to-date information about the annual asylum fee here.

4. Continue to prepare for your interview

You can continue to work on gathering evidence to support your asylum case. You will need to submit any additional evidence usually at least one week before your asylum interview. It can be helpful to find a lawyer who can help you prepare your asylum case. You can also watch this video for more information about asylum interviews.

5. Sign up for ASAP membership to get free legal updates by text or email

Every month, the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) provides all members with free legal updates by email or text message – including information about how laws are changing. Signing up for ASAP membership is completely free for asylum seekers in the United States.