Some asylum seekers file their applications and never receive an interview. Others are interviewed for asylum and never receive a decision. I’ve discussed the first problem–called the backlog–several times, but today I want to discuss the second problem. What happens to people who are interviewed for asylum, but then wait forever for a decision?
I’ve had a number of clients with this problem. They fall into a few broad categories.
One group are people from countries that are considered a security threat to the United States–countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and Somalia. People from such countries are subject to more extensive—and thus more time consuming—security background checks. The security check process is very opaque, so we really don’t know much about what the government is checking or why it takes so long, and the length of the delay seems to have nothing to do with the person’s personal history (for example, I’ve had clients who worked in the U.S. Embassy in their country or with the U.S. military, and still the background check was delayed). To me, the security background check delays don’t make sense. If the person is a threat to the United States, allowing him to live freely here for months or years while the government investigates his background seems like a bad idea. Another aspect of the background check that does not make sense is that asylum seekers in court never seem to be delayed by security checks. Also, aliens seeking their residency in other ways (marriage to a U.S. citizen or through employment) don’t seem to have problems with background checks either. While the need for background checks is clear, the inordinate delays for asylum seekers is hard to understand.
Another group of people who face delays after the interview are people who may have provided “material support” to terrorists or persecutors. I have a client like this–he was kidnapped by terrorists and released only after he negotiated a ransom (which was paid by his relative). Had he not paid the ransom, his case would not have been delayed post-interview. Of course, had he not paid the ransom, he would have been killed by the kidnappers, so the point would probably be moot. I imagine that his case is subject to review by Headquarters, which again, seems reasonable. But why it should take 10 months (so far) and what they hope to discover through an additional review, I don’t know.
A third group of people whose cases are delayed are members of disfavored political parties or organizations. Such people might also be subject to the “material support” bar, but even if they have not provided support to persecutors, their cases might be delayed.
A final group are high-profile cases, such as diplomats and public figures. When such a person receives asylum (or is denied asylum), there are potential political ramifications. Again, while I imagine it makes sense to review such cases at a higher level, I am not exactly sure what such a review will accomplish. The law of asylum is (supposedly) objective–we should not deny asylum to an individual just because her home government will be offended–so it is unclear what there is to review.
These delays are particularly frustrating given that decisions in asylum cases should generally be made within six months of filing. According to INA § 208(d)(5)(A)(iii), “in the absence of exceptional circumstances, final administrative adjudication of the asylum application, not including administrative appeal, shall be completed within 180 days after the date an application is filed.” Unfortunately, the “exceptional circumstances” clause is the exception that swallows the rule. These days, everything from backlog to background check to Asylum Office error seems to pass for exceptional circumstances. I know this is not really anyone’s fault–the Asylum Offices are overwhelmingly busy, but it is still quite frustrating.
Indeed, I have had clients waiting for more than two years (two years!) after their interview, and the asylum offices can give us not even a hint about when we will receive a decision. The worst part about these delays is how they affect asylum seekers who are separated from their families. I’ve already had a few clients with strong claims abandon their cases due to the intolerable wait times. The saddest case was an Afghan man who recently left the country, two years after receiving a “recommended approval.” The client had a wife and small children who were waiting in Afghanistan. After he received the recommended approval–in 2012–we were hopeful that he would soon receive his final approval, and then petition for his family. After enduring a two-year wait, during which time first his child and then his wife suffered serious illnesses, the client finally gave up and returned to his family. This is a man who worked closely with the U.S. military in Afghanistan and who has a very legitimate fear of the Taliban. In his case, we would have been better off if the Asylum Office had just denied his claim–at least then he would have known that he was on his own. Instead, he relied on our country for help, we told him we would help, and then we let him down.
Delays after the interviews seem to affect a minority of applicants, and they have not garnered as much attention as the backlog. However, they can be just as frustrating and never-ending as backlogged cases. At the minimum, it would be helpful if the Asylum Offices could provide some type of time frame for these people, particularly when they are separated from family members. As DHS struggles to deal with the backlog, I hope they don’t forget about those who have been interviewed, but who are also stuck waiting.
thank you for helpful info.
Hi Jason, I am asylum applicant who did the interview smoothly 6 months ago, I did sent an status request form. Today I received the form and the USCIS highlighted ” You were interviewed and your case pending preparation of a written decision. Your case may involve unusually complex or novel area of law that require consultation with our national headquarter, we share your concern regarding the delay. The progress of your case being monitored and decision will complete and mailed to you ASAP”
what that mean and could I receive the final decision or initial decision first. Thanks
I do not know for sure, but I expect it means you will have to wait a while longer for your decision (though hopefully not). It sounds like the case may have gone to headquarters, where delays are usually over a year. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Hope you are doing well.
I have interviewed in Dec 2016 for my asylum case at SF office and have been told to wait for the decision in the mail. I have not yet received it. However, my application to renew my EAD card that has been filed back in Oct 2016 has been denied, citing that my asylum application has been approved on the day after my interview and I no longer eligible for the work permit.
But I have not yet received any documentation about the approval. What can I do now? I am looking for a job, but without the work permit or asylum approval documents, I can’t legally work right?
Thank you
OMG! Congratulations! Did the work permit office inform you that ur case has been approved? Or Is it just a guess?
I am stuck in this process since September…I was interviewed in September but I haven’t received any decision. Are you sure ur case has been approved?
Exact quote on the letter:
“A review of your file and USCIS records indicates that you filed an Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal (Form I-589) pursuant to 8CFR $ 208. However, Form I-589 was approved on December XX, 2016. A further search of records from USCIS and Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) does not show that an appeal or motion is pending in your case, or that Form I-589 has been reopened or re-filed. Since you no longer have a pending Form I-589, you are not eligible for employment authorization under the (c)(8) category, and Form I-765 must be denied.”
But I have not received anything official that indicates my approval from the Asylum office, so I am very confused about my current situation.
Sometimes we have seen this – hopefully it will mean good news is coming. I think you should contact (or go in person) to the SF asylum office to ask what is happening. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi Tony,
My case is exact similar to yours. My Ead for C(8) category was denied stating that my asylum was approved in Dec 2016. I recently contacted the asylum office and got a response from then stating that my application is pending a final decision and i will be notified by mail once the decision has been made.
Have you heard back anything regarding you case?
Hi Jenny,
No, I have not received anything yet from the asylum office. Is your application also in the SF office? From reading Jason’s latest article regarding the recent executive order impact. I feel like our cases may be further delayed by the lack of staffing, now that many agents have to go deal with deportation. California is a hot zone for this. It is very frustrating to be stuck in limbo here.
Best of luck!
Yes, it is actually SF office. Hopefully the mail is sent out soon. I have to provide my employer with the new EAD and do not have much time left.
This is very frustrating. If the asylum office is not giving you an answer (and actually, SF is one of the better offices), try the USCIS Ombudsman – a link is at right. This is free, and maybe it will get things moving. Take care, Jason
UPDATE:
I have received the approval documentation from the SF Asylum office after writing them a letter inquiring my status after 3 weeks!
Great news – Congratulations! Jason
Dear Jason,
If someone applies to the Asylum and while waiting for an interview or a decision gets married to an American citizen, what happens to their case? do they just go ahead and get married and apply for the green card via marriage or keep waiting for the asylum decision?
Thank you
If the person is eligible for the green card, they can apply and if they get the green card, they can close the asylum case (or in some cases, they want asylum and a green card so they can get a Refugee Travel Document. In that case, they can continue the asylum case even after they get a green card). Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I am an asylum applicant who waiting for interview since Oct. 2014. Now I have academic job, can I get green card through the job ?
Maybe, but you may have to leave the US and re-enter to get the green card, and this may or may not be possible. You would have to talk to a lawyer about your specific situation. Take care, Jason
Hi there, thanks for the useful information, I also interviewed two years ago and still waiting for the decision from sf office. Thanks
Hi there, thanks for the useful information, I also interviewed two years ago and still waiting for the decision from sf office. After interview Immigration officer told me that he/she notified you by mail after they get my background check, they want check my background, it will take time. So I’m waiting
Hi Jason , thanks for the useful information, I also interviewed two years ago and still waiting for the decision from sf office. After interview Immigration officer told me that he/she notified you by mail after they get my background check, they want check my background, it will take time. So I’m waiting. I’m from India
You might want to try contacting the asylum office for an update. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Also, you can contact the USCIS Ombudsman – a link is also at right. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason, one more thing to know, getting kids benefits and tax refund is a negative moove on asylum case? or I have to decline these tax refund for better background?
I do not see how this would affect your asylum case one way or the other. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thanks, this is helpful. But I’m wondering what happened with your clients from the second group? Did they get an approval? And how long did they wait?
Thanks!
If you are referring to the person who provided “material support” to terrorists (unwillingly), that case is still pending, despite many inquiries. It is unclear whether USCIS will ever issue a decision at this point. It is very frustrating and unfair. Take care, Jason
Hello. How are you doing? Thank you for helping us and providing us with answers, we really appreciate it.
I m currently in California, i got work permit and my case is pending. Im wondering is there any chance to apply/transfer my case or apply for Canadian papers/residence, or apply for citizenship from here. Thank you in advance
Moving to Canada is a separate case. You should talk to a lawyer there before you try that, as there are restrictions on seeking asylum in Canada if you were first in the U.S., and if you try to go to Canada and get rejected back to the U.S., you could be detained. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I hope you are fine. I had two interviews with Asylum officer 2 times in April and June. I have been waiting for the decision about 7 months. Unfortunately, my home country is in the list of trump terrorist countries and all my people ban to come to the USA from and US embassies do not issue visa for my people. I do not know it will effect on my asylum case and its process. some people say it will effect and USCIS will suspend my case for 90 days too because I am from one of those countries.
It might, but it is unclear. The executive order states that immigration benefits (which would presumably include asylum) are suspended for nationals from certain countries. However, the EO is vague on this point, and so it is unclear how long the suspension lasts for people who are in the US (the 90 day suspension is for people outside the US seeking visas, but there is no time-frame listed for people inside the US). In other words, the president’s order is vague, and so we do not know. The president cannot change the law, and so your asylum case should still (eventually) go forward, and hopefully, you can still get a positive result. Take care, Jason
Hi please I need help
I applied for Asylum on may 2016 alone without my kids and they r in different country I can’t go to see them and they can’t come to see me they still young and sick the office Asylum helped me with expedite interview after they saw the doctor reporte but from October 2016 till now I am waiting the decision till now I went there they said will try to send it soon but I didn’t get it what can I do I am in very bad situation ?
You can contact the local asylum office to inquire about your case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. You can also contact the USCIS Ombudsman (a link is also at right), and they may be able to help with a delayed case. Hopefully, you will get a positive result soon. Take care, Jason
Thanks for your help hopefully they can help me
Thank you Mera for the question and thank you Jason for the answer. I will do the same in my case. I haven’t seen my two kids for the last three years . If you did call your asylum office, please share with us what happened.
Thank you
Hi Jason
Thanks for your answering us .. I went to office Asylum in Housten which I had the interview they told me still in the security background checks.. that answer they told me since October 2016 there is no way I can expedite I am worry it will be more late and I will stay without my kids more long time
You can also contact the USCIS Ombudsman (a link is at right) and they may be able to help with a delayed case. Also, I suppose you can file a mandamus lawsuit, but my understanding is that if you file one and the background check is not done, they will just deny your case. Anyway, try the Ombudsman, and if that does not help, talk to a lawyer about the mandamus before you file to see what the lawyer thinks. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
First of all, thank you for your great spirit and for making this articles.
I have few question,
– I applied for asylum from a western European country, did you ever heard of asylum being granted to western European citezens?
– Will the long backlog that exists , become longer under trump if he begins to deport people?
– After the asylum interview, if the case is denied, does it always go to immigration court? or can there be a final denial?
Thank you so much!
1 – It is possible, but rare. 2 – It is unknown; we will have to wait and see. It might actually get faster under Trump, but we do not know. 3 – If you are out of status (meaning whatever period of stay you had when you came here (on the form I-94) is expired), then you will be referred to an imam judge. If you are still in status (for example, you are on an F-1 visa and you are still a full time student), you will receive a notice of intent to deny from the asylum office. You can respond to that, but if USCIS does not change its mind, your case will be denied and you will continue here in the status you have (for example, F-1). Take care, Jason
Hello, I have heard of few cases where an Asylum seeker ends up with a “No Status” Visa status. Not sure if that’s what its called. But not an illegal citizen. They are granted permission to stay in the U.S. but without a Green Card. They are also given a Social Security, ID, and working permit.
Does this “status” exist or is it just an undocumented person? Is there a specific title for it?
I have never hear of such a thing. Sometimes, in court, people get some type of status that is inferior to asylum – such as Withholding of Removal or Torture Convention relief, or PD (prosecutorial discretion). Maybe that is what you are referring to. These statuses allow you to stay in the US with a work permit, but you cannot leave the US and return, and generally, you cannot get a green card. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you very much for helping us.
I have applied for asylum three years ago. Since now I did not any letter for interview. This is the three years that I am going to renew my EDcard. I am so worried. I am a single mom and have a lot of problems to pay for my daughter college too. Also, my dad is sick and I did not chance to visit him.
I have visited the congress office and every time they only send me the letter that I have to wait for the interview.
Please please tell me what should I do? I got depression and I have documents about it. Also, I have a daughter in my country too that I did not see her for more than 4 years. She also got depression.
I face with a lot of tragedy problems here. I really need help, however, no one helps me. I went to immigration office too. They did not answer me a clear answer yet. only they told me that I have to wait. But I am going to die. please help me.
Thank you very much.
If you have documentation of your depression, financial problems, and/or family separation, you can submit it to the asylum office and ask them to expedite your case. Sometimes this works; other times it does not, but you can try. If you email them or go there in person, they should be able to tell you the procedure to request expediting. You can find the Asylum Office contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
I am still waiting for my asylum interview. I also have been applying to the dvlottery. What will happen to my asylum process if I win the dvlottery and get a greencard through that via?
Even if you win the lottery, you may not be eligible for a green card, or you may have to leave the US to get the green card. If you win, I highly recommend you hire a lawyer to guide you through the process. If you do get your GC through the lottery (or any other way), you can tell the asylum office and close your case. Take care, Jason
Hi my name Johnson I would like to know if you already stay in the u s for 3 or 4 years can you still apply for asylum?
You can, but you may be barred from asylum – A person is required to file asylum within one year of arrival. There are exceptions, but you should talk to a lawyer about the specifics of your case to know whether you meet an exception. Take care, Jason
Hi,
Me and my family were interviewed in September 2016, and were told to pick up decision after two weeks. We went twice to the asylum office, and each time we were asked to come after three months. We are so frustrated, one of the reasons is that my kids won’t be able to pursue college education as its extremely expensive for us, because my kids are neither citizens nor DREAMERS. Its a family case. Do you think we should write a letter to immigration because my kids’ future is at stake? They are excelling high school, but unfortunately, due to delay in decision they can’t pursue higher education. Can you tell us the possible reason for delay?What can we do to ask them to give our decision faster? I will appreciate your quick response
Thanks.
It is very common for the asylum officer to tell you to return in 2 weeks, and then the case is not ready, so your situation is not unusual (unfortunately). I think you can write a letter to the asylum office explaining that the delay is blocking your children from attending university due to the higher tuition. I also recommend you contact the USCIS Ombudsman’s office (a link is at right). They can sometimes help in a situation like this, or at least they can maybe give you a better idea of what is happening. Finally, talk to the school, as sometimes there are options available for students in their situation (and if the school can’t help, talk to a different school). Take care, Jason
Thank you so much, Jason. One more question: Do asylum seekers have to worry from Trump? Is he going to deport all of the refugees and asylees? I heard that he is against Islamism, however, I am not a Muslim; I am an Asian. What are his views on asylum seekers? Do you have any idea? He was not clear on his views on asylum seekers and refugees.
Thank you, again.
We do not know, but if you are in the US, you cannot just be kicked out. There are laws and procedures, and you have protections under the Constitution (even if you are not a citizen). We will have to wait and see what he does with the asylum system. Take care, Jason
Hello, I have a question. What we should do about tax/taxes/tax return? Does that apply for us?
If you are working in the US, you are supposed to pay taxes. If you are not sure, you can find a tax preparer and ask. Take care, Jason
Hello, I got my work permit and i went to DMV to apply for ID. They told me i have to go for secondary inspection. Do you know how long i have to wait to get my ID ( California )
Sorry – I do not know about the DMV in California. Take care, Jason
Hello you doing good for us . thank you .
i was applied for asylum with my family . my wife and my 2 kids . so family case get interview early or not have deference with somebody when apply like single ? thank you
before 8 month i did fingerprint and i get employ card for myself and my wife , also we got it social security number but what i doing to get social security number for my kids ?
You should be able to ask for an SS card for your children. Also, families to not get priority over single applicants. However, if there is a health reason or family separation, you can ask for an expedited interview. Contact your asylum office to ask about that. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
What is good number to call USCIS and asked them why I haven’t received decisions after interview.
Thank you
You have to contact the local asylum office where you attended the interview. Often, calling does not work, but you can try. You can also email or go in person to ask. You can find contact info for the asylum office if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. If that does not work, you can contact the USCIS Ombudsman – a link is also at right. Take care, Jason
i am a somali refugee and i did my uscis interview on 5th july 2016 but when i went to collect my decision letter i got deferred letter and until now my case is on hold …whenever i try to inquire my case they say that my case is on long term hold …..I dont know what is wrong sometimes i even think to myself that i have been rejected ….people are saying the reason as to why my case is on hold is because i am underage and my family are not with me
It is very common for people to have their decisions delayed – especially people from majority Muslim countries. There is not much you can do about it, but one thing you can try is contacting the USCIS Ombudsman (a link is at right). That office might at least give you a better idea about the reason for the delay. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
Thanks for your patience and these all valuable answers.
I would like to ask just 2 questions.
I want to come to USA with asylum request, as i know for decision it can sometimes take up to 2-3 years. In the end, if they decide to deny my request, I will be deported to my country back? or there is a ways which will finally make me legal in US?
Could you please let me have your practice on this.
If my prove is not so strong to be granted status immediately what else it depends on? A good lawyer?
Thank you in advance
Harry
A good lawyer can help you present your case – I wrote a post about that on July 17, 2016. The case probably takes a few years, but we do not know what changes Trump will make to the system. Currently, if your case is denied, you can go to court to present the case again before a Judge. If you lose there, you can appeal. All this takes several more years. Maybe you have some other way to stay here, but I do not know, and you would need to talk to a lawyer about the specifics of your case. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have pending case with USCIS for almost two and the half years.
I send letters to them, I have visited their office several times but nothing . Every time same answer your case is still under review .
Last thing that I did I contacted Congressman office and after two months I received second finger print requests and I was informed by congressman office that my case is with adjudicating officer.
This was since August and still I have no decision.
Is there anything else that I could do or it is normal that for adjudicating officer to take more then three months to get decision?
Please advice!
Thank you and have a great day.
Unfortunately, many people have the same problem. You can try contacting the USCIS Ombudsman – a link is at right. At least this might give you some more info about the reason for the delay. We just received a decision yesterday for a long-delayed case, so eventually, you will get a decision. Take care, Jason
Jason, what do you mean by a long delayed case?
I don’t recall, but we have some people waiting 2 or 3 years with no decision. It is really pretty tragic. Take care, Jason
My friend received decision one month after the interview.
hi recently we applied for asylum in meanwhile to for transportation can we apply for driving license or some substitue like that
You have to have EAD or to be in legal status under your visa
You can try, but in most states, you need the work permit in order to get a license. Take care, Jason
Hello, I am Syrian married to a Libyan, we have 1 daughter, I am in the u.s I applied for the asylum with my daughter and aske for an expedite and I got an early interview , after two weeks from interview I received a recommended approval it’s been 2 months now, my question is can I apply for my husband with the recommended approval? He is still in Libya and lives in danger…
If not, is there anything I should do to expedited my final decision so I can apply for my husband to come to safety and reunited with his family…
From what I read above there is some asylum applicant whow are waiting for tow and a half years after they received a recommended approval and this is very depressing!!!
Please advice
You cannot apply for your husband until you have the final approval. It can take a long time for the final approval, though usually it is faster for women. I do not know that there is much you can do to make them go faster. You might just email them and explain that you are concerned about your husband. You can find their email address if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Thanks a lot I appreciate it.
Hello Dear Jason,
Thank you for your help here. Do you know how many percent of asylum cases face with pick delay decision. I am waiting for my decision about 6 months and I heard some people are waiting more than 2 years and I would like to know all asylum cases face with delay or few of them.
Regards,
M.
Most of my clients are Muslim, and so maybe I am not the best person to ask, but most cases I see face long delays after the interview. This is not always the case, and sometimes no-Muslims face long delays (though this is less common). For what it’s worth, the delay you describe sounds pretty normal to me, unfortunately. Take care, Jason
I’m an iranian refugee stuck in pakistan ,been interviewed 2 times by USCIS dhs officers and it’s exactly 6 months and 3 days yet no answer! I have been interviewed by UNHCR and IOM prior to USCIS interview and been granted refugee status 2 years ago! I don’t understand why it has taken so long! USCIS has had my file for a year or more , how long would it take for them just to give the result?’ I’m really frustrated , the worst thing is that there’s no way to contact them!
Sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, it is not something I know much about (I do asylum cases for people already in the US). Maybe try contacting this organization – http://stars-egypt.org/ – it is in Egypt, but maybe they can offer advice. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason Dzubow
Thank you for the commitment.
undergoing supervisory review means what?
your suggestion and experience!
Paolo
Every case is reviewed by the supervisor, so I think this is basically a meaningless statement (the Asylum Office says this to a lot of people). You can give them some time and follow up with them to see whether there is anything new. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, I applied a year ago for asylum at the same time as my sister, she got her receipt and all but I never got anything.
Should I apply again ? Thank you.
It sounds like something is wrong. I recommend you make sure you mailed it to the correct address and that it was received (if you sent it by certified mail). Also, contact your local asylum office to ask whether they have the case (you can find contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator). If you get no answer, you should re-file and explain what happened. Finally, you can request a copy of your file using form G-639 (available at http://www.uscis.gov) – you should do this, but since it takes several months, it is better to re-file once you contact the asylum office and if they tell you they do not have the case. Take care, Jason
Hi! I don’t Understand i came to united states with my sisters and my step mother they already hgreed card take only 6 monts since july 2015 i never receive mine and now they ask me for an interview why me??
This happens sometimes, and it is difficult to tell why one person is interviewed and another person (seemingly in the same position) is not interviewed. My guess is that it will not be a problem for you, but if you have issues – immigration problems, criminal arrests – you should talk to a lawyer for help. Take care, Jason
Hello dear Jason,
I had 2 interviews on April and June 6th 2016 in Arlington VA and I am waiting for my decision. My attorney did inquiry from Arlington office for my asylum decision and they emailed him back: “Your client’s case is undergoing supervisory review. Once that is complete, the final decision will be mailed to the address on file”.
can you tell me usually how long will it take for a case to get decision when it is undergoing supervisory review.
Regards,
M.
There is no average wait time for this. Plus, the case might also be waiting for security background checks or headquarters review. A decision could come soon, or it could take many months. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict. Take care, Jason
Thank you Jason,
I have been in US since 2013 as a law student and human rights activist and I applied for asylum in 2015. I would like to know does USCIS do Background check for me again because I already passed background check before getting F1 visa?
Second, As I know my case is non of the categories that must submit to HQ. I would like to know is it possible that USCIS sends a case to HQ that is not in lists of categories of cases that it usually sends to HQ?
Regards,
M
They will do the background check again. Although your case may not be in a category to submit to HQ, it could get sent there anyway if they think there is a reason to do that. I doubt it would happen, but it could. Most likely, if you have a delay after the interview, it will be due to the security background check, not HQ review. If you are lucky, you will just get a good decision soon after the interview. Take care, Jason
Hopefully dear Jason, Thank you so much.
i applied asylum on 2014 more than 2 years stillcase pending they asked some documents i submit before deadline still no responce from uscis never ever
Hi,I applied for asylum in feb2016,recvd ead,cards valid for 1 year,what is the procedure if u want to travel.how long does it take to get an advance parole,can u travel with it np,or rtd.
It can take 5 or 6 months to get Advance Parole. Apply using form I-131, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Jason Dzubow
have your say here. PENDING FINAL DECISION means what? could it mean rejected or nearly sound approval? it is third year after the interview. thank you
Alex
It sounds like you are still waiting for a final decision, but it is not clear to me where this was written. Take care, Jason
i phoned to the asylum office about the inquire of my case. they answered me your case is pending a final decision. what could you say?
Alex
It is the standard answers, and does not tell you much. At least you know your case has not disappeared, so I suppose that is good. You just have to keep waiting. Take care, Jason
Hi,applied for asylum in Feb 2016,recvd rad cards too for me and my family,I used to live here in the 90s,and had a different last name,had a soctal security no also,what will happen if I apply for Ssn now using my ead,with a different last name,do I have to mention that I had a ssn before,also have a driver’s licence for 5 years with a different last name,I am confused,plz advice me what to do?
Sorry – I am not sure what to do for the SSN. You may want to talk to a lawyer who knows more about social security issues. Good luck, Jason
I’m waiting for my design more than tow years ago after the interview . I have sent an email yesterday asking about my case to Arlington Asylum office and they said . Your case is currently being reviewed. You will be informed by mail of your final decision. Do u know how long it will take to get the design ?
I do not know – things are moving very slowly and we have many clients waiting as long as you. Hopefully, you will get some good news soon. Take care, Jason
hello Mr.Jason
i have pending asylum case and i have not receive decision for my interview and i have urgent situation my dad seek, can i apply for Advance Parol
thank you
You can – You might also inform the asylum office about that and ask whether they can expedite your decision. Good luck, Jason
Hello Mr.jason
I apply for asylum before 2 months ans still not receive fingerprints appointment only the receipt number blue paper
Can I apply for expedit my interview now ?
And is that good reason if my daddy iscsick in different country’s
Contact your local asylum office to ask about the fingerprints. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. You can ask to expedite based on your father’s health – give them evidence, like a letter from the doctor. I do not know whether they will accept this reason, but you can try. Take care, Jason
HELLO Mr.Ahmed
i applied for asylum 4 months ago.Till now i didnt get any receipt number from them.
please can you tell me what is receipt number blue paper looks like?
thanks
It is a half a page with your name on it. You should also get a fingerprint appointment. If you did not get these, you should contact the asylum office to ask about your case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. If the case was not received, you may need to re-file. Hopefully, you have proof (like a mailing receipt) that you mailed your case. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I had my biometrics done on Sept 19, 2016. In how long should i expect a notice for an interview? Thanks for your reply! I applied with the Houston court.
Check the Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin – a link is at right. It will give you an idea about how long you have to wait. Take care, Jason
Am makes interview with African rsc ( resettlement support center ) & after that my USCIS interview is scheduled from 03 August 2016 up to 23 August 2016 but still am not make interview USCIS . Because They did not told me the day . so what is the reason ?
I do not know much about the procedures related to resettlement – maybe you can contact the RSC and ask. Take care, Jason
Hi, Jason I had my main asylum interview 3 March 16, today I received a call from lady that she will call me tomorrow to tell my decision I am so worried.
It is not usually for them to call you with a decision. Normally, you pick up a written decision or they mail it to you. Anyway, good luck, Jason
Hi Jason today I received a letter from home office as I have done with my substantial interview in march 2016,they wrote now I need to come again next week to discuss my case no longer than one hour and need to Submitt my doctor and mental health adresses.so my question is is it a interview or they will give my decision I am so depressed please guide me.thankyou
If you are at the “home office”, you are not in the US, and so I do not know. But even if you are in the US, I do not know. In general, though, they will not give a decision at the time of the interview. In the best case, they will ask you to return in 2 weeks to pick up the decision. Good luck, Jason
when does USCIS send certified mail? I have a pending asylum case and recently I missed a certified mail from USCIS. What can it be?
They send it once in a while, but it does not seem consistent when they use it, so I do not know what it could be. Maybe call them or make an Info Pass appointment to ask (the number and appointment page are on the website http://www.uscis.gov). Take care, Jason
Jason,
It was my referral notice. My asylum is not approved after waiting for a result for 3 years, I contacted the ombudsman office and also pushed the USCIS in person to expedite my case and within two weeks they sent me referral notice. I still have to find out my court date because it has not been scheduled yet. Do you know if the immigration court is going to do another YEARS LONG background check on me. Will they also be doing the same long process as USCIS?
The background check seems to be much less of a problem in Immigration Court. However, depending on your judge, the case can take a long time. You can ask the judge to expedite your case, and sometimes that works. Good luck, Jason
Thanks, Jason.
Can I request to transfer my case from SF immigration court to some other state? It looks like the San Francisco Immigration court is super backlogged.
The only way to move a case is for you to move to another location. If you change your address to another state, your court case will probably be moved. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have been interviewed by an asylum officer at New York asylum office on June 2015 and earlier this month I have requested them to provide me the update of the decision and they replied me the following-
“The case is under review and pending preparation of a written decision. The decision will be completed and mailed to you as soon as circumstances permit .”
Can you please explain me more what does it mean including the words of pending , review and circumstances permit ?Also requesting you to provide me the advise for any further steps is necessary for getting the decision faster.
You can try contacting the USCIS Ombudsman (a link is at right) for more detail. Basically, it means that they are still reviewing your case. Maybe your asylum officer is slow or has retired; maybe the officer’s supervisor is slow; maybe there is an issue with your case. We cannot tell from their message. I do know that such delay is – unfortunately – pretty common, and it does not seem to mean anything good or bad concerning the outcome of the case. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
Your doing great job for us. I had my interview in April 2016 till date I haven’t received the decision notice. I had an inquiry USCIS office told me my case is under quality assurance review sent to USCIS HQ office. I contact my lawyer he said be optimistic most of the case which took longer they are granted approval. Is it true? longer wait will have positive response. I am worrying about my family their stack in war-torn country living under increadible threat. In overall how you observe my case when they told me sent for quality assurance review to HQ office doese it mean it has finalized and sent to HQ for decision quality check. How long those process takes in USCIS HQ office.
Looking forward for your response
There was a report from the USCIS Ombudsman a few months ago that listed the average weight time at HQ. I can’t remember what it was, but I think it was 8 or 10 months. Maybe you can look for the report (try Googling “USCIS Ombudsman 2015 report”. The info you need is more than 1/2 way through the report, if I remember correctly). As for the chances of success, I have not noticed much difference between slow cases and fast cases in terms of the grant rate, but logically, it makes sense that they do not generally need to send your case to HQ if they want to deny, and so maybe it is a good sign. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason, I had my interview for Asylum 7months back in San Fransisco. Yesterday I received a call on my mobile from a lady informing me that my case decision came and granted . Do this usually happen like this informing the decision? How could I make sure?
Thank you.
It is possible, I suppose, but that is not how it should happen, and it seems strange to me. In any case, you need the written approval notice so you have proof of your status here. Contact the SF office and ask them. You can find their contact info and office hours if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
We are planning to apply for an EAD under A5 category as 2.5 months passed from the date of asylum approval, still we didn’t receive the EAD valid for 2 years which supposed arrived us within 14 days from the date of grant of Asylum.
We gave the EAD fees when we were under C*8 and our asylum was pending. Do we need to pay any fees for an EAD under the category A-5.
Looking forward to lestening from you soon.
Regards,
CM
You do not need to pay a fee for the first EAD after your asylum was approved. But USCIS should have sent you the card. Is it possible that they sent it to the wrong address? Maybe you want to call them to check. You can find their number on the http://www.uscis.gov website. Also, you might want to check with the local asylum office. Contact info for the local office can be found if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason ,I interviewed San Francisco 11 month ago but I didn’t receive any decision yet. And another thing is before when we apply for medical they deny it and said you are not eligible for full scope because asylum is pending. But 3 month ago they start full medical .and they said fenderal and state make this decision your are eligible . I don’t understand why they start it
I do not understand either. It is possible that your asylum case was granted, but no one told you. You may want to contact the local asylum office to check. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason
I m Iranian , applied for asylum almost three years ago . I interviewed at 6th may,2016 .
The officer gave me the letter to pick up a decision after 2 weeks.But a day before due date , I got email that I should be wait, they will send me the decision by mail. I sent email , called to customer care , follow my case , but they just said they are so sorry , this case could take more times . My job authorization has been finished so I cant even work and If I want to renew it , it take almost 90 days . I m really confused , and I dont know what I should do to get some answer about time firm
It is very common for people to see a delay like this, and there is no way to predict how long the delay will take. We have some clients waiting more than 2 years since the interview. I suggest you apply to renew your EAD immediately. Good luck, Jason
Hi I applied for asylum on 8th monday august 2016. My packet reached on 12th friday of this month. Still I didnt get any information from uscis like acknowledgment and finger priting. I am much worried about this. How many days it takes time to recieve. Thank you.
You should not be worried. You will likely get the receipt in the next few weeks. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I didnot get any letter from uscis. I am still waiting for it. Its been three weeks from the day packet reached. What I have to do now. Usually how many days it takes time. I am very much worried.
It is too soon to worry – it can take up to a month, and sometimes more. If you do not have any letter from them after one month, you can start by contacting the local asylum office to ask about your case (you can find contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator). Take care, Jason
Thanks for the reply jason. If I apply asylum through lawyer will she get a copy of finger print notice along with me.
Yes – the lawyer and the applicant should both receive the FP notice. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason ,
I already interviewed 3 months ago and I didn’t receive any decesion yet.
I applied for nationality .
Decision can take anywhere from a few days to years, depending on many factors. You can always contact the local asylum office or the USCIS Ombudsman to inquire (for the local office, follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator; the Ombudsman link is also there). However, my guess is that there is nothing to be done and you will have to wait. Hopefully, you will get a good decision soon. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason, I just stumbled on your page and was quite impressed. My husband came in with a student visa 2 years ago and I came to join him a year ago. We wish to apply for asylum because the Boko Haram situation in our country, Nigeria, has not settled and with the fact that we reside in the Northern part of the country. I read online that we can still apply for asylum in this kind of situation. Do you think we are eligible for asylum? Thank you.
You can apply, but I am not sure how strong your case is. If the US government believes you can relocate to another part of the country and be safe, they will deny your application. Also, you need to show that you have a specific harm; not just a general problem in your country. Though I am not confident that your case is all that strong, I do not have all the facts, and I could be wrong. It may be worth sitting with a lawyer and going over the specifics to get a better idea of your chance for success. Take care, Jason