For some time now, we’ve been hearing from the Asylum Division that they would post a “Scheduling Bulletin” to give affirmative asylum seekers a better idea about wait times. Well, the Bulletin has finally arrived, which is–in a sense–good news. But it’s also bad news, since now we see exactly how slowly things are progressing at most asylum offices.
First off, if you’re curious about the status of your asylum office, check out the Bulletin here. What you’ll see is a breakdown of each asylum office and which cases they are currently interviewing (as of July 2015). So, for example, in July 2015, the Arlington Asylum Office was interviewing cases originally filed in August 2013. The chart also lists which cases each office was interviewing over the past few months, so you can see how quickly (or not) each office is moving through its cases.
Reviewing the Bulletin, a few things jump out at me. First, and most distressing, cases are moving very slowly at most asylum offices, and a few offices–notably Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami–have made no discernible progress in the last four months. One mitigating factor here is that it’s summer, a time when the Southern border is particularly busy. Hopefully, once the number of asylum seekers arriving at the border wanes (as it generally does in autumn), the asylum offices will start interviewing more backlogged cases (if you are not familiar with the “asylum backlog,” please see this posting).
Another point worth noting is that the two asylum offices with jurisdiction over the Southern border states–Los Angeles and Houston–represent the slowest and the fastest offices, respectively. Los Angeles is currently interviewing cases filed in August 2011 (which is slower than I realized–I had thought they were interviewing cases from 2012) and they have been stuck on the August 2011 cases for the last four months. On the other hand, Houston, Texas is the fastest asylum office. They are interviewing cases filed in April 2014, though they have made almost no progress in the last four months either. What’s strange is that there is such disparity along the Southern border. I do not know why resources cannot be distributed more evenly to give some relief to asylum seekers at the LA office.
The only asylum office that has shown significant movement over the last four months is New York. In April 2015, the NY asylum office was interviewing cases filed in January 2013. By July 2015, they were interviewing cases filed in June/July 2013. Newark, New Jersey has also done reasonably well, advancing from December 2012 to April 2013 during the same period.
Rescheduled cases and cases involving children (many of the asylum seekers at the Southern border are children) receive priority over “regular” asylum cases. And according to the Bulletin, the asylum offices in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami have had many such cases. Presumably this explains the lack of progress in those asylum offices.
Finally, for people with cases pending at one of the sub offices, the Bulletin notes that it “currently does not include asylum interviews occurring outside of the eight asylum offices or the Boston sub-office (e.g. interviews occurring on circuit rides).” “Asylum offices schedule circuit ride interviews as resources permit.” The Bulletin suggests that applicants contact the “asylum office with jurisdiction over your case for more detailed information” about the schedule at sub offices. You can find contact information for each asylum office here.
So there you have it. The Bulletin will be updated monthly so you can track how quickly each asylum office is moving through the backlog. Though the current situation is discouraging, at least the Bulletin provides some information about where we stand now, and maybe some hope for those who are waiting.
hi
i applied feb 2015 for asylum c8 wath do you think how long it takes and how long i should wait for my intervew i applied for me and my sons and i have work permit
You have to check the Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin – a link is at the right. That gives you some idea of the wait time, but the Asylum Office is hiring new people and so maybe things will start to move faster. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
My Lawyer submit my applications for asylum on February 2016, how long does it takes to receive and answer for fingerprint i live in Florida.
I don’t know, but typically it takes less than 2 months. Take care, Jason
Thank you so much Jason please one more question. What is white card and who can apply for this card and in what situation people get it? everybody speaking about it but nobody knows the meaning and who can be granted of this card?
I do not know what that is, sorry, Jason
hi I have a question, my asylum application was received in January 6 2016 and I was fingerprinted in January 27 2016, when exactly do you think I should apply for EAD? which date will the 150 fall…
thank you
You just have to calculate 150 days after Jan. 6 – It should be sometime around June 6, 2016. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
I have applied for asylum in July 2015 at Arlington VA. Five months back I was told that the backlog is scheduling on August 2013. Since then I have been stressed out thinking about my kids who live in less secured country outside of USA . More over though I am a highly skilled professional I have been jobless as the work permit isn’t issued yet. Dear Jason , why is the system is so slow and unpredictable and causing us more unrest?
I’ve written about the reasons for the delay before, and so you could find other postings about it, but the short answer is that there are too many applicants and not enough resources to process all the cases. You can as the asylum office to expedite your case – I wrote about that on February 26, 2015. It may or may not work, but you can ask. Good luck, Jason
Thank you Jason your answers really help people, One more question it will be soon 150 days after our submitting of asylum application so do we need to apply for my and my wifes work permits or it will come automatically by mail?
When it comes time, you have to apply, using form I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason and one more question it must be 150 working days or no?
If you are talking about the 150 days after asylum is filed, it is 150 calendar days, meaning if you filed on January 1, you can apply for the EAD on June 1. Take care, Jason
Thank you so much Jason please one more question. What is white card and who can apply for this card and in what situation people get it? everybody speaking about it but nobody knows the meaning and who can be granted of this card?
I have no idea what that is. People sometimes talk about the “white” passport, which is a refugee travel document. You can only get it if you have asylum or if you are a refugee. You apply for it using form I-131, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason,
Do u have any idea about why the offices are not responding the emails we send?
I send emails to Los Angeles astlum office like 1 month ago but still no reply.
Thanks,
They sometimes take weeks to respond, and they often never respond. I think they are just too busy/under-staffed. If possible, you can try going there in person, but first check their website to see when they are open. You can find their website if you follow the link at the right, Asylum Office Locator. Good luck, Jason
hi jaason me and family (wife and 2 kids) are asylum seekers for this moment we do not have any document on our hand DMV even do not gave us driving license so my question is is there any program for the families like us to help with anything until we will get our work permits, because it is really hard to survive pay rent etc. thanks
I do not know about that – I recommend you Google “Catholic Charities” for your local city. They help asylum seekers (at least with advice) and if there are resources available, maybe they can point you in thru right direction. Also, please note that you are not allowed to work, but if you do, it does not affect your asylum case. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason about Catholic Charities and other non government organization yeah but i was men if there is any government program? Like does government help the people in our situation with anything? I heard from some people that in Europe government do it
I believe some European government do help asylum seekers (or maybe they did – I do not if things have changed). As far as I know, the US government does not give anything. Perhaps there are programs in some states to give benefits, but I do not know about that. Take care, Jason
Thank you Jason your answers really help people, One more question it will be soon 150 days after our submitting of asylum application so do we need to apply for my and my wifes work permits or it will come automatically by mail?
You have to apply for it using form I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thanks a lot for your help. have you heard anything about Boston asylum? Is the interview process slow there?
Boston is a sub-office of Newark, NJ, so you can look at that office on the Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin (a link is at the right). From what I understand, Boston is slower than Newark, so maybe that gives you some idea of the time. Take care, Jason
Hello! Jason
I’m randy, i have a question, i’ve filed my asylum application at san francisco office, i applied for a work authorization and ssn and i got them, now I’m in los angeles to visit a friend for couple months, and I’m trying to find a job here to earn some money while I’m waiting for my interview, will the immigration transfer my case in los angeles office, because i will be working here?
They only transfer the case if you file a form AR-11 and change your address. If you make a permanent move, you have to change your address, but if you just visit for a few months, it is probably not necessary. Take care, Jason
btw, is the backlog still on? like will the normal speed of processing happen again?
The backlog is unfortunately still here – you can check the link at right called Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin to get an idea about it. Take care, Jason
hi jason! i’ve already done my biometrics last nov 2015, do you have and idea on when the interview notice will be?
No one knows. You can get some idea if you check the Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin – a link is at the right. Take care, Jason
thank you jason!
Jason you are awesome;
I have applied for Asylum 16 month ago in LA, 6 month ago I moved to Texas and my case has been moved to Houston Asylum office since then.
Should I look at LA schedule or Houston one ?
Houston – and supposedly you keep your place in the queue. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
We have filed for asylum through LA office on Dec 2014, and still waiting for an interview. We are planning to move to Tennessee. Do we have to notify the asylum office of address change? Or we can keep the way it is, without changing asylum office? Also, I would greatly appreciate if you could share any of your experience or anything heard from somebody regarding asylum office in Tennessee. Thanks a lot.
I do not know about the asylum office in TN. If you have a permanent move, you need to file an AR-11 (change of address form) with the asylum office. They will move your case. If you check the Asylum Office Locator link at right, and put in your new zip code, you will find your new asylum office. Take care, Jason
Thanks a lot Jason, I hope there will be many good returns in your life for all the advices, help and support given.
Thanks alot
Hello. Help me please, i filed my case for a political asylum in Texas Service Center. i live in Florida. But i did not receive any notification letter that they got my case, so 3 months passed and still nothing.I also did not receive letter that i should give my fingerprints done. What can I do?
It seems like you filed in the correct office – you should have had a response by now. I recommend you contact the local asylum office (you can find your local office and the contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator). Hopefully, they can tell you more information. If they cannot help you, you might want to re-file, and make sure to mail it by certified mail, so you have a record of the application. Take care, Jason
Hey jason,
Thanks for your helpfull articles.
I filed my asylum application 70 days ago and still didn’t get my interview date, right now I’m 16,
Can you tell me which category I am in?
mean the children category or other affirmitive applicants category which is listed in USCIS website?
and can you tell me after 150 can I apply for EAD?
Because I can’t afford immigration lawyer fee, that is why I applied for asylum by myself.
We have seen minors (under 18) get an interview in a few months, but it may depend on the office. Did you get a receipt and do your fingerprints? If not, something may be wrong. If so, we will probably get an interview soon. If there is no decision in 150 days after filing, you can apply for the work permit using form I-765 (available at http://www.uscis.gov). Good luck, Jason
Yeah, fortunatly I have been fingerprinted.
I filed my application on Nov 8 and recieved my recipt in Nov 12 and fingerprinted in Nov 13. I’m living in Las Vegas, NV which my application goes to Los Angeles office, well is there a hope to be interviewed sooner?
Am I in children category right?
Thanks
I think you probably are in the child category and that you will get an interview soon, but I do not know how long the wait is at your office. You can email them and ask – you can find the email if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi. I applied for asylum on February 2015. Now i wanna move to texas. I know i have to let the asylum office know about changing adress. But one more thing. Will the texas office handle my case as a new case or they keep handling my case as on February 2015 ? Thanks dear jason
According to USCIS, if you move, you keep your place in the queue. That means that if your filing date is February 2015, it will be your date for whichever office you move to. Take care, Jason
Hi.I have filled my asylum applicacation on Agust 2014 in Los Angeles office but since I heard this specific office is the slowest I want to transfer my case to San Francsico.Any one knows if I transfer my case i will keep my position for interview ?
According to USCIS, if you move to a new Asylum Office, you will keep your place in the queue. Take care, Jason
I transfered my case from chicago to lose engeles last in august but up to now no update have recieved yet.i have Allien number, workpermit so i simply need to go for the interview because i recieved a letter from chicago asylum office informing me that my case was successfully transfered to los engeles asylum office.What should i do now
The LA office is very slow – see the Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin, a link is provided at the right. That will give you an idea about when your interview is coming. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have applied for asylum on July, 2015 in Newyork office.So due to backlog no interview notice yet. I have already applied for EAD. Do you have any clue about the waiting time for EAD?
I have tried every way to expedite my case. But there is no positive response yet. Any suggestions on that?
Thanks and regards.
The EADs are taking close to 4 months. To expedite, normally we send a letter explaining why you need to expedite with some evidence (for example, if you need to expedite due to a health problem, get a note from the doctor). After that, it is just a matter of luck and waiting. Take care, Jason
Hi dear jason. I have queation regarding my assylum case which i sent on January 2015. I received my work permit. I visited los angeles assylum office 2 times and i requested emergency for my case. But they didn’t let me know yet. Do you know is there any way that they can put me in ahort list or emergency ?
Thanks for your useful information. Cant wait to see your answer.
Each office has a different policy for the short list or for people who want to expedite, so you have to ask the office about that. For our cases, we submit a letter explaining why the person needs to expedite (for example, if they have a health problem, we give a doctor’s note). After the request, they sometimes wait for months before they get an interview, and some of our expedite cases are still waiting for interviews. The LA office is much slower than my local office, so I imagine it is even worse there. Good luck, Jason
hi, Jason thank for all the information
I Have a question about address change when asylum case is pending.
I sent my case to New York office in September 2014 when I was living in Brooklyn. I move to Bronx in February 2015 and send a request for address change to New York Asylum office. In June 2015 went back to Brooklyn and send a request for address change again to New York asylum office and a received a note saying that ” As your case is with the Newark asylum office, in New jersey, you need to send your request there. Once your address is changed, your file will be sent to us (The New York Asylum Office) for any further transactions to your account”. Now I’m confused and I want to now if I send a request to change my address again from Newark to New York Office that can cause more delay or it will be receive as a New case in New York office. Because I find out that I’m not gonna wait to much time for my interview if my case will be considered us an older case in New York Asylum office. I need help.
According to USCIS, if you move, you keep your filing date. So you should be interviewed according to your original filing date at the new asylum office. Whether this actually works in reality, I am not 100% sure, but that is what they tell me, so at least that is what they are trying to do. Take care, Jason
dear sir,
i am a granted asylee i aplyed for green card after one year uscis informed me they is juridiction on my case its now one year i dint get date for interviw wwhay so late.
A green card based on asylum takes at least six months. Hopefully, it is being processed. If you have the receipt, you can check for updates on-line at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for your response to all of us, I’ve been reading all the questions and answers on this site but couldn’t find an answer for myself.
My husband and I applied for asylum in RI on May,2013. Based on the USCIS website which updated asylum scheduling Bullet, Newark asylum office now are scheduling the interviews for people who filed in June 2013. I don’t know if they skipped our case since we applied on may 2013 or they moved our interviews to Boston sub-office. If they did, is there any asylum scheduling bulletin for Boston office? Should we just contact with them?
Thanks in advance
Can’t wait for your response?
Geena
I do not know if RI interviews in Boston, but I would not be surprised. There is no posted schedule for Boston or any sub-office. You can contact Newark by email to ask. Their email address can be found by following the link at the right called Asylum Office Locator. Good luck, Jason
Hi Sir
My Asylum case was filled by my lawyer at June 2014 for Buffalo asylum office in NY state. My lawyer told me that I don’t need to go NJ for interview and NJ office is sending their Officers to Buffalo once a month. Now I have my work permit and I am waiting for my interview time about 18 months.
My Questions: Is that ok applying for local office (Buffalo) instead of NJ office? And if it is ok then should I expect less or more time for my interview?
Thx Sir
Sean
You do not have a choice about which office will interview your case – it depends where you live. USCIS does conduct interviews in Buffalo, but I do not know how often. Also, the last case we did there, the client waited for (I think) about 1.5 years before his interview – but he was granted, so that was good news, at least. Take care, Jason
Hi jason thank you so much for this blog it is really helpfull.
I applied for asylum in boston where i live in last day of august2015 and i heard that things are very slow here. Do u think it gonna be better if i move my case to another place like houston.
Thank you
Boston is part of the Newark, NJ office, which is currently interviewing cases from June 2013. However, USCIS does not publicize interview dates for Boston; it is probably slower than Newark – maybe much slower. As for moving, if you want to be safe, do not move until you have your work permit. Also, just because Houston is faster now does not mean that it will continue at that pace. In addition, at least one commentator here would tell you not to move to Houston because it has a much lower approval rate. My feeling is that the process is slow, there is not much you can do about it, and so you should live wherever is best for you, and hopefully you will get an interview in the not-too-distant future. Good luck, Jason
Affirmative Asylum Scheduling Bulletin is updated today { http://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum/asylum/affirmative-asylum-scheduling-bulletin }
I doesn’t look good for me My case is in NJ. it seems they take 1.5 month to interview 1 month file, by linear estimation I will be interviewed after 2 years 🙁 🙁 not good not good at all
Remember that the bulletin only tells you who is being scheduled now and I think you cannot really calculate the time until your interview in the way you did – for example, in my local office (Arlington), most cases from 2013 and 2014 have already been interviewed, so if things ever start moving, they might get through the remaining cases quickly. In truth, no one knows, however, and the way things have been going lately, I am not feeling optimistic. Good luck, Jason
Hi and thank you for your helpful information ,the lawyer filed my asylum case one month ago amd I got a notification that my asylum case is pending , my case included my wife and my daughter and we live in the US now ,I use to work overseas and I need to travel for one week what dose the parole mean and can I come back without problems using my travel document and does the parole have to do with my visa (B1 B2) or it is a special permission to allow me to get back .
Thanks
Advance parole is something different from the B visa. If you can get it (which is not always easy), you should be able to go and return, as long as you do not go to your country. However, there can be issues and I suggest you talk to your lawyer about it before you apply. You can also look at the form I-131, which is the form you need to file. Take care, Jason
Dear I apply for asylum in oct & do finger prints I apply with my wife & daughter my wife has kidney promblem so She take medication which is unaffordable for me I apply in LA office in 2015 October so can I get any priority in fast interview on medical health problem of my wife
You can contact the office, give them evidence of her health problem, and ask them to expedite the case. It is difficult to convince them to expedite, but you can try. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason. I applied my asylum in October 2014 in New York office. So kindly tell me when I will expect my interview thanks.
The real answer is that no one knows. The Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin (link at the right) shows who is being interviewed now, but does not really predict when a case filed in (for example) October 2014 will be interviewed. NY seems to be moving along these days, so hopefully, it will be soon. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason. I have a question. If some one case is go to the court so approximately how much time it takes in the court to decide in fast track. Thanks
The only “fast” cases in court are detained cases and certain juvenile cases, and those take (usually) 4-6 months. Non-detained cases can take anywhere from 6 months to 5 years, depending on the court and other factors (like luck). Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I applied for asylum in February 2013 but have not been called for an interview. I am in Seattle. Please, do you know when the interview would likely be or which jurisdiction Seattle falls under?
Thank you very much
Please ignore this Jason. You already responded.
Seattle is a sub office of San Francisco, which is currently interviewing cases from September 2013. However, the sub offices are always slower. Maybe you should email the asylum office to check that your case is still pending and there is no problem – I provide a link to the office on the right side of this page (Asylum Office Locator). Good luck, Jason
Hello! Maybe u have any idea what happened with NY asylum office?
In September 2015 they view February 2014. But in August 2015 it was only November 2013! Maybe it s mistake? If not where September 2014?((
I do not think it is a mistake. They seem to be actually doing cases, and so they have advanced from November 2013 to February 2014; meaning they are currently interviewing people who filed their cases in February 2014. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for this information. I live in Seattle and applied for Asylum in February 2013. I received my notice and EAD in good time. I however have not been called for an interview. Do you know under which Jurisdiction Seattle is and when I could expect to be called for an interview?
Thank you
Seattle is a sub office of San Francisco, and (unfortunately), the USCIS does not publish any information about sub offices on the asylum scheduling bulletin. You can supposedly contact the San Francisco office and they will tell you, but I’d be surprised if that worked. I would imagine you can check the Scheduling Bulletin (link at the right side of this page) for the San Francisco office, and Seattle is probably slower than San Fran. Good luck, Jason
Thank you very much. I will try and call the San Francisco office.
(My apologies for sending a 2nd request. I hadn’t seen your answer)
Hi Jason,
I saw your blog yesturday and it having very useful information and the answers you gave to peoples having nice approach. I want to know from you that i want to file my asylum case but problem is this that my wife having UK citizenship and im from Asian country. Is it possible to add her in my asylum application ? If yes than what would happen when i get asylee status ?
Second question is this that if im leaving in different address within or without that state from that which i entered in asylum application than does it effect any problem or delays in my application ?
If you are not a UK citizen, you should be alright to file for asylum. However, the Asylum Office will likely be suspicious of your status in the UK, and they may be resistant to giving you asylum because your wife is a UK citizen (unless you have a fear of going to the UK). However, if you win asylum, your wife can be a derivative and get asylum too, even if she is a UK citizen. If you do not live in the state where you claim to be living, it could affect your case – if a person lies about his address, maybe he is lying about other things, so the logic goes. Take care, Jason
Actually im from Pakistan and belonging to the Ahmadiyya community which are already facing persecution in pakistan and my few family members faced that persecution in past years. So what you think asylum office will be still resistant to give me Asylum on the basis of my wife UK citizenship ?? Because if i want to apply for UK Visa than i should go first to Pakistan to apply for that from homeland. Even i tried for Family visit visa before USA visa from pakistan but UK embassy refused my visa than i applied for USA.
Pleaase guide me
You probably should hire a lawyer to help you. In general, the more evidence you can provide about these points, the better it will be for your case. Good luck, Jason
Hi Jason,
What if i want to file myn asylum in NYC office as it is faster. But when i put my zipcode in office locator site it showed that your office will be of Newark even my zipcode is of NY State city and Newark is in New Jersey. So what i do if i want to file in NYC office ??? Is this necessary to live in NYC for that or within that state is ok ?
You have to file at the office where you live, so if you want to be in NYC, you should move there. I caution you that even if the Asylum Office Scheduling Bulletin currently indicates that NYC is faster than Newark, it does not necessarily mean that it will remain that way. In other words, while it may be faster, it might not. Take care, Jason
Hello,
May you please assist me. I will try as best as i can to explain my case. I am from Zimbabwe, i left the country as a 19 year old boy due to the political instability, hyperinflation, economic hardship and gross human rights voilations in general. I moved to South Africa for more than 10 years. Life was better then as i could work and assist my family back home. While in South Africa there were series of Xenophobic attacks which affected many non South Africans me included. I then decided to get away from South Africa and i applied for school here in the US. I got an F1 visa and was wondering if i have any grounds to apply for Assylum as both the countries i lived in were really challenging for me and my family.
You may have a claim for asylum – we have had many clients who lived in South Africa, but who left due to the xenophobic riots. You should talk to a lawyer so he or she can evaluate your asylum case. Good luck, Jason
Hi I am regularly read your blog
I am hear in f1 and I have pending asylums application can I apply for EAD and start job
That can effect my f1 status
Thank you.
If you have the EAD, you can work. If you are a full time student, your F-1 will continue to be valid. You can do both at the same time. Take care, Jason
HI MR.JASON
I AM A GRANTED ASYLE I APPLYED FOR GREEN CARD AFTER ONE YEAR.ITS 8 MONTHES PASS NOW.USCIS SAYS THEY HAVE JURIDICTION ON MY CASE. BUT I DINT GET THE DATE FOR INTERVEW.WHAT CAN I DO NEXT. THANK YOU
.
You can call the USCIS – their number is on their website. You can also contact the USCIS Ombudsman (I provided a link in a post I wrote in February 2015). Eight months is a bit long, but not that unusual, so hopefully you will get some news soon. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for your time. My case is a little complicated. My husband was granted asylum in 2005, and the whole family joined him immediately. Our kids stayed, after one year received their Green card. I had to leave again because I was working overseas. I travelled back and forth for 8 years, getting Travel document every year to enter the country. In 2013 I decided to have my green card, and after one year of physically staying in the US, in 2014. I applied for Green Card, however my application was sent to Asylum Office. I have been informed that since my husband changed his status to US citizen, I have to file my own asylum. I sent my application to Texas Service Center in August 2014, and in December 2014 I receive a notification that my case was transferred to another office in Summit Lee, MO. Before two months I went to USCIS Office and received info that it is in Houston. I went there and soon after received notification that says, your asylum application was received and is pending as of 10/19/05. I did the Biometrics in August 2015, but so far no news about interview, I am worried, what do you thing will happen in processing time.
Thank you. Kibra.
I think your asylum application is a “nunc pro tunc” application. This means that you have to re-apply for asylum since your husband got his citizenship, which caused you to lose your asylum status. The new asylum application is basically a formality and it should be very easy. However, you probably want a lawyer to guide you through the process, as that is safer. I do not know how long it will take for your interview, but generally, it should go faster than a new application. Good luck, Jason
Thank you Jason, a case worker advised me to put it as” nunc pro tunc”. It took one year since I applied, I did the finger print, and maybe I still a lawyer to follow up. I need to travel outside the US, I have a Travel Document, do you think I still need to do the advance parole. Thank you, Kibra.
Hi Jason. Thanks for everything. I have a backlog case in Arlington office, as you can see in the schedule they have been getting stuck since June in August cases. Is there any new backlog again or something? Why they didn’t go further?
Thanks.
Good question. Normally, the summer is slower and now that summer is over, I was expecting to see more movement. Hopefully, we will. But so far, we are not. I do not know why.
Hi jason . Thanks for your time to help us . I have question if I applied already asylum and I did finger print but I didn’t do my interview yet can I apply for lottery . Clectronic diversity visa . Thanks
You can – and I plan to post something about the Lottery this week. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason I am an avid follower of your posts. Mine is an example of an asylum case that wouldn’t be decided 7 years from the date of application. I am in witholding and removal proceedings since 2013. I just received my notice of master hearing scheduled for December 2019 (and the note on the high probability of being moved further). I did my best to get a work authorization but NCIS told me only the judge may decide on this matter. So this would now be very illogical for may to stay here longer. I talked to my country’s consul and the embassy is willing to provide me travel document/clearance since my passport is on ICE’s possession and I know for a fact that I couldn’t have it back until my case is decided by the court. I don’t have the financial means to get a lawyer and I need help on information if I can self-deport myself with my embassy clearance and if no one will prevent me from going home once I am in the airport. Thank you for sharing invaluable tips and information on your site. God be with you and your family always.
This is a sad situation. You may want to contact the Office of Chief Counsel for the court where your case is located (the prosecutor) – contact info is here: http://www.ice.gov/contact/legal. They are generally hard to reach, but if you could talk to the “attorney on duty,” he/she may agree to file a motion to advance your case for the purposes of seeking “voluntary departure.” If this works, they might even return your passport and it has the (slight) advantage of leaving the country without a deport order, making it marginally easier to return. Good luck, Jason
Thank you I did talk to the clerk of court but she was advising me to go contact USCIS and see if I can get my passport back but I know it is already futile. And filing for advance hearing would now require the service of an attorney. One last thing sir, do I have the right to self deport myself with only a travel clearance from our consul and a local government ID (from my country). Will TSA or immigration won turn me back at the airport since I am self deporting myself?
I do not know, but if you have a valid travel document from your country, my guess is that you will be able to enter the airport and board the plane. If possible, maybe you can ask your embassy for advice on these points. Good luck, Jason
Dear Jason hope you are doing great.
First of all I want to say thank you for your effort.
I have a question, I have applied at Arlington office in October 2014.
what month are they interviewing these days?
Thanks!!
They are still stuck in August 2013. Hopefully, things will start moving soon. Good luck, Jason
my interview was on june 2014 ..till yet i do not recieve any deciscion ..they answer my inquiry by telling me ” for final approval pending , headquarter review ”
what that means?
thank you
For some reason, your case was sent to headquarters. How long this will take is unknown. I will be writing something about this topic in the next few weeks if you want to return here and take a look. Take care, Jason
Thank you very much sir for your answer.
I am waiting for your topic.
Dear sir
In houston they are interviewing people applyied on april 2015 and it took them 5 mothes without finishing it
If someone applies now will it takes 7 years or its a matter of two -three years
No one knows because it depends how many new cases enter the system. My guess is that a new case will take over 1 year, but I do not think it will take 7 years (unless the case is denied and sent to court). Maybe 1 to 3 years is a good guess for the faster asylum offices (like Texas).
Hey Jason . Thank you for giving us important information . i realy knew important things from you my question . I applied for work permit in 1august after 2weeks i got receipt from immigration but until now I didn’t get my card almost 7 weeks . When I check my statue online I find message say your receipt number is incorrect . I tried hundreds but same message . I dont know what’s happening .if there something wrong ?
Maybe you can call the 1-800 number on the USCIS website or make an InfoPass appointment and go there to check. Normally, our clients receive the first EAD (not a renewal) in 1-3 months after filing for it, so you may still receive it. But if you are worried about it, call them or go there to ask. Good luck, Jason
hi
Dear Jason thanks for your valuable information that you always provide.
I have a question,
I read about the Arlington office interviewing august cases and stayed more than a month.
Are they still interviewing august cases?
or they don’t interview these days?
Thanks!!
They are still working on August cases.
Thanks for your information, I have a question, it looks like the progress in Miami office is so slow, what is the reason for that? Because I applied since Sep.2013 and I am still waiting my interview
Everywhere is slow. Miami may have a higher number of juvenile cases or credible fear interviews, which take priority over ordinary asylum applicants. Hopefully now that summer is over, things will start moving faster.
HI, Jason
i m an asylum applicant since march 2013 with miami office.We got the appointment for interview on aprill 11 2013 and then a week later the asylum office cancel the interview and from that time nothing.Do u know exactly which month Miami is interviewing?
thank u
You have to look at the chart from USCIS – there is a link in this article. It has been a long time and you had previously been scheduled, so I do not know that this chart even applies to you. I think you need to contact the Miami asylum office to check the status of your case.
Hi Jason,
I have been searching in the website and the comments for a case similar to mine but I could not find any, so please allow me to summarize the case and ask 1 specific question; and thanks in advance:
– Arrived to the US Jan 2013
– May 2013 Apply in Houston
– June 2013 1st interview in Houston
– July 2013 2nd re- interview requested by the office.
– Never heard back form them, Houston office kept telling me that my file is at the headquarter/security checks…etc
– July 2014 Moved west and informed the USCIS.
– We were granted TPS and F1/F2 s statuses during this period.
– March 2015 my local congressman office contacted Houston.
– June 2015 Houston forwarded the file to San Francisco office.
– August 2015 received a 3rd re-interview notice scheduled in Sep 2015.
– August 2015 received a Canadian immigration visa out of the sudden after 6 years of applying! – End of the summary!!
I have been so patient in my process but I can’t understand and I haven’t met any one with 3 interviews!!
My specific question: Should I inform the UCIS during the upcoming interview about the Canadian visa that I received, considering that I have not been to Canada physically before and it’s not “by any mean” considered as a firm resettlement in a third country!
I’m building my life/work/study/family…etc firmly here in the states and I don’t wish to lose my opportunity of gaining my asylum case by compromising this already complicated case with any other obstacles as I always act legally %100!
Thanks for your important legal advice, please accept my apologizes for the long story!! I’d be appreciative for any other advices regarding this unique case in general!
What is strange to me is that they moved your case after you were interviewed in Texas – I am surprised they did not make the decision based on the first two interviews. As for telling USCIS about the Canada visa, you probably need to talk to a lawyer for more specific advice. It is very likely that USCIS will know that you got the visa; also, if it is an immigration visa, it is possible they will deny your case based on firm resettlement. I agree with you that you are not firmly resettled under the law simply because you have an offer of resettlement, but I would not be surprised if the case was denied anyway. If you were my client, I would inform USCIS about the offer but argue (and submit evidence) that it does not constitute firm resettlement. I suggest you use a lawyer to help you, as that type of argument can be tricky. Good luck, Jason
This is exactly what I’m doing. I and my attorney are collecting many evidence regarding the firm resettlement issue including the RAIO directorate’s officers training which was published in 2012 explaining that concept in details!
Thank you very much, helpful as usual!
Hi Jason,
I did my third interview today and it was 4 hours interview. The officer was not concerned at all about the third country issue which I discussed earlier and she knew that it was not a firm resettlement according to my documentation.
Considering that I’m a physician; most of the questions were about the patients I treated back home! I kept saying that I had no idea about the patients’ identities since I was working in a public hospital and I was meeting the patients for the first and mostly the last time in the OR, plus as a doctor who took an oath, I had to treat people regardless their political or religious affiliations! That was fine, until this question came:
What would have you done if you previously knew that the patient is a member of a terrorist group such like ISIS, would provide a service for him!!!! I answered NO. Questions started regarding the OATH that I was talking about a while ago!!
Anyhow, I know that the homeland security is concerned about the material support for terrorism, but I just wanted to consult with you regarding this specific answer that I gave!!
Any comments or ideas?!
I apologize again for the long reply and thanks in advance!
We have seen other doctors face this issue and my opinion is that it is idiotic. What if you were a trashman, would you take out the trash for a member of ISIS? What if you sold fruit, would you sell ISIS an apple? Ridiculous. It would be one thing if you served in an ISIS field hospital, but that is not what they are asking. Their theoretical question about what you might have done seems to me irrelevant. The law makes exceptions to the terrorism bar for conduct that was unknowing or coerced, and so it seems to me that your answers should have satisfied them. Of course, I am not sure that the answer were acceptable – we will see. Unfortunately, there might be a long delay before you get a decision (hopefully not), as the interview will need to be reviewed by higher-ups. Good luck, Jason
Hi jason
Thanks alot for your time
Could you please advice me where my interview expected
I submitted my case in june 2015 Houston office
Also if i have urgent to travel what kind of travel document can get and how
Thanks in advance
Houston is currently the fastest office, but it will still be a number of months until the interview. No one can predict when the interview will be; it depends on how many new cases enter the system. The travel document is called Advance Parole (form I-131). It is difficult to get, and it would be a good idea to talk to a lawyer about it before you apply and/or travel.
Thanks so much for your advice