USCIS announced updates to asylum processing. Starting May 9, 2024, only affirmative asylum applications filed at the required lockbox location will be accepted by USCIS. Asylum applications submitted to service centers will be rejected.

This change along with related revisions to Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal was announced on May 31, 2023. The move to lockbox locations for asylum filing is aimed at streamlining overall asylum processing and improving efficiency by digitizing paper filings.

Certain categories of applicants applying for asylum must continue to submit their applications to the Asylum Vetting Center via mail.  Matters in immigration court proceedings for unaccompanied children must mail their applications to their required lockbox location. For filings not in immigration court proceedings, online filing is available for affirmative asylum applicants. To learn more about filing requirements and the lockbox locations, see the USCIS webpage.

If you have questions about an asylum application or any other U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Our team of attorneys brings experience across employment-based and family-based visa filings. We work with our clients every step of the way to ensure they are informed for their specific situations and always remain in compliance.