Recently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated the asylum application process, requiring applicants to submit evidence supporting their asylum claims in advance. Starting from August 21 (Friday), applicants must submit relevant materials at least 14 calendar days before their scheduled asylum interview.
USCIS reminds that if applicants submit evidence less than 14 calendar days before the interview, the materials may not be reviewed in time for the interview and could potentially lead to rescheduling.
Delays in evidence submission that result in rescheduled interviews may impact the eligibility of applicants to obtain work authorization documents (EAD, commonly known as work permits).
It is emphasized by USCIS that applicants must attend asylum interviews as instructed. If unable to attend, they should timely request rescheduling according to USCIS regulations, providing appropriate reasons and evidence.
Beginning August 21, applicants must demonstrate the existence of “exceptional circumstances” for USCIS to consider rescheduling asylum interviews. USCIS will no longer issue Failure to Appear Warnings to applicants.
If applicants have a valid reason to stay in the U.S. but fail to submit a rescheduling request before the interview date or within 10 calendar days after a missed interview, USCIS may deny their asylum application. Cases of applicants without valid reasons to stay in the U.S. will be referred to immigration judges.
For individuals with parole status, if they fail to attend asylum interviews on time, USCIS will assess whether the purpose of parole has been fulfilled and decide if parole should be terminated, with the case being referred to an immigration judge when necessary.
USCIS also reminds that starting from the same day, foreign nationals who have submitted Form I-589 (Asylum and Withholding of Removal application) and are unable to attend biometric services appointments on time, but wish to reschedule, must, within 10 calendar days of missing the appointment, request a new appointment through their my.uscis.gov account or by contacting the USCIS Contact Center, providing evidence of “exceptional circumstances” leading to the inability to attend on time.
Failure to timely submit a rescheduling request, provide necessary evidence, or prove the existence of exceptional circumstances may lead USCIS to take the following actions: denial of asylum application for those with valid reasons to stay in the U.S. and referral to an immigration judge for those without valid reasons.
Individuals with parole status who fail to attend biometric appointment on time will also be evaluated for potential parole termination and have their cases transferred to immigration judges.