Immigration and asylum
How to apply for asylum, keep up with court, get a work permit and avoid scams.
This is general information, not legal advice: QARAVAN has no lawyers. QARAVAN does not help anyone enter the US and cannot arrange visas, invitations, sponsorship or evacuation. For your own case, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or a representative accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice.
We explain how the processes work; this is not legal advice. QARAVAN has no lawyers and does not provide legal services.
Start here
- Apply for asylum within one year of your last arrival in the US. If you are late, talk to a lawyer right away.
- Go to every immigration court hearing. If you missed one, check your case on the court's website (EOIR) at once and find a lawyer: the deadline to ask to reopen can be 180 days.
- Report a new address to USCIS within 10 days and to the immigration court within 5 days, or letters will go to your old address.
- 1You missed a hearing or never got the notice
- 2Free and low-cost legal help
- 3Legal help: our members' experience
- 4Immigration court
- 5You moved: tell the immigration agencies and the court your new address
- 6Applying for asylum
- 7Fingerprints, the interview and the asylum decision
- 8A work permit while your asylum case is pending
- 92026 fees, waivers and who pays
- 10After asylum is granted
- 11Other options: Temporary Protected Status, U and T visas, and Special Immigrant Juvenile status
- 12If you are not in the US yet
Sources, checked November 2026
- uscis.gov/g-1055
- uscis.gov/i-912
- uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-10-01/pdf/2026-20187.pdf
- asaptogether.org/en/new-fees
- justice.gov/eoir/types-appeals-motions-and-required-fees
- justice.gov/eoir/eoir-payment-portal-frequently-asked-question…
- epay.eoir.justice.gov/index
- uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-fy-2027-inflation-in…
- justice.gov/eoir/media/1454066/dl
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-28/pdf/2026-15190.pdf
- justice.gov/eoir/check-case-status
- acis.eoir.justice.gov/en
- justice.gov/eoir/notice-appear
- justice.gov/eoir/learn-about-immigration-court
- justice.gov/eoir/policy-manual-eoir/part-II/icpm/chapter-3-10
- justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1480776/dl
- uscis.gov/addresschange
- uscis.gov/ar-11
- justice.gov/eoir/update-respondent-or-alien-information
- law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/8/1003.15
- respondentaccess.eoir.justice.gov/en
- uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-10-part-a-chapter-4
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-10-30/html/2025-19702.htm
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-10-14/pdf/2026-20955.pdf
- americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/employment-authoriza…
- asaptogether.org/en/work-permits
- immigrationequality.org/legal-help-inquiry-form
- immigrationequality.org/about-us/what-we-do/direct-legal-servi…
- immigrationequality.org/selfhelp/self-help-manuals/selfhelp-ma…
- avp.org/get-help/legal
- srlp.org/legal-services
- srlp.org/about/legal-services/immigrant-rights-project
- immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/organization.652328-Sy…
- nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/moia-immigration-legal…
- nyc.gov/site/immigrants/about/press-releases/nyc-moia-launches…
- nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/moia-immigration-legal…
- nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/get-legal-help.page
- citylimits.org/city-to-phase-out-replace-de-blasio-era-program…
- legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation
- dos.ny.gov/office-new-americans
- nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/rapid-response-legal-c…
- justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers
- justice.gov/eoir/can-someone-represent-you-eoir
- nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/avoid-immigration-serv…
- ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/consumer-issues/immigration-se…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/obtaining-as…
- uscis.gov/i-589
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/the-affirmat…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/preparing-fo…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/what-happens…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/affirmative-…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/asylum-bars
- law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/8/208.4
- uscis.gov/i-765
- uscis.gov/i-765-addresses
- uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/other-resources/immigration-benefits…
- justice.gov/eoir/self-help-materials
- icor.eoir.justice.gov
- justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports
- justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program
- justice.gov/eoir/list-of-currently-disciplined-practitioners
- uscis.gov/scams-fraud-and-misconduct/avoid-scams/legal-services
- justice.gov/eoir/new-york-broadway-immigration-court
- justice.gov/eoir/new-york-federal-plaza-immigration-court
- justice.gov/eoir/new-york-varick-immigration-court
- uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-asy…
- uscis.gov/i-485
- uscis.gov/i-730
- uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/trave…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status
- uscis.gov/i-918
- uscis.gov/i-914
- uscis.gov/working-in-US/eb4/SIJ
- law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/8/1003.23
- law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/8/1003.6
- law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1229a
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/establishing…
- uscis.gov/about-us/asy/NY/New%20York
- uscis.gov/about-us/asy/NY/Newark%20-%20Manhattan%20Branch
- my.uscis.gov/accounts/annual-asylum-fee/start/overview
- nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/ENG_Updated_ALL_Legal-…
- nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/RU_ALL_Updated_Legal-S…
- catholiccharitiesny.org/what-we-do/immigrants-and-refugees
- legalaidnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/What-You-Can-Do-If-…
- legalaidnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/What-You-Can-Do-If-…
- locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search
- ice.gov/locator
- nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/What-to-do-after-a-lov…
- nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/NYIFUP-English.pdf
- nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/New-York-Immigrant-Fam…
- bronxdefenders.org/get-legal-help
- bronxdefenders.org/our-work/defending-new-yorkers/immigration-…
- envisionfreedom.org/get-support
- lgbtqfund.org
- immigrationequality.org/InquiryForm
- americanbar.org/groups/public_interest/immigration
- hias.org/legal-services
- nylag.org/gethelp
- nylag.org/immigration/pro-se-plus-project
- nylag.org/immigrant-protection
- catholicmigration.org/legal-services
- catholicmigration.org/immigration
- ccbq.org/service-type/immigration-assistance
- maketheroadny.org/program/legal-services
- maketheroadny.org/contact
- africanservices.org/legal
- africanservices.org
- camba.org/impact/legal-services
- camba.org/programs/immigration-legal-services
- unlocal.org/queer-immigrant-justice-project
- unlocal.org/contact-us
- unlocal.org/immigration-legal-representation
- immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/organization.652328-Sy…
- cbst.org/ark-services
- humanrightsfirst.org/asylum-and-refugee-representation
- safehorizon.org/immigration-law-project
- icarecoalition.org/getlegalhelp
- safepassageproject.org/get-legal-help
- safepassageproject.org/contact
- door.org/legalservices
- brooklaw.edu/Academics/Clinics-and-Externships/In-House-Clinic…
- immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/organization.627298-Sa…
- law.columbia.edu/academics/experiential/clinics/immigrants-rig…
- law.cuny.edu/academics/clinical-programs/immigration/initiatives
- cardozo.yu.edu/kathryn-o-greenberg-immigration-justice-clinic
- law.nyu.edu/immigrantrightsclinic/aboutirc
- pace.edu/law/academics/clinics/immigration-justice-clinic
- supportkind.org
- stjohns.edu/law/academics/clinics/refugee-and-immigrant-rights…
- fordham.edu/school-of-law/centers-and-institutes/feerick-cente…
- justice.gov/eoir/page/file/942311/download
- justice.gov/eoir/page/file/942301/download
- justice.gov/eoir/filing-complaint-eoir-fraud-and-abuse-prevent…
- immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory
- uscis.gov/forms
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/questions-an…
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/usrap
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-10-02/pdf/2026-20318.pdf
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-10-31/pdf/2025-19752.pdf
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/humanitarian-parole
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-10-16/pdf/2025-19570.pdf
- uscis.gov/i-131
- uscis.gov/i-134
- uscis.gov/i-129f
- uscis.gov/i-130
- uscis.gov/about-us
- travel.state.gov/en/newsroom/visas/2026/suspension-of-visa-iss…
- travel.state.gov/en/newsroom/visas/2026/countries-subject-to-v…
- rainbowrailroad.org/request-help
- rainbowrailroad.org/stories/russia-blocks-rainbow-railroads-we…
- oramrefugee.org/seek-help
- oramrefugee.org/asylum-information
- oramrefugee.org/our-work
- oramrefugee.org/contact-us
- accessnow.org/help
- accessnow.org/helpline-mandate
- ilga-europe.org/about-us/contacts
- ilga-europe.org/about-us/membership
- ilga-europe.org/about-us/who-we-are
- ilga-europe.org/news/statement-on-russias-designation-of-ilga-…
- ilga.org/news/russia-ilga-world-undesirable
- ilga.org/about-us
- ilga.org/member-organisations
- pinkarmenia.org/en/about-us/services
- pinkarmenia.org/en/contact-us
- help.unhcr.org/turkiye/information-for-non-syrians/national-as…
- help.unhcr.org/turkiye/information-for-non-syrians/registratio…
- help.unhcr.org/georgia/applying-for-asylum
- help.unhcr.org/serbia/applying-for-asylum-in-serbia-2
- canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugee…
- home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/asylum…
- home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/asylum…
- ssd.eff.org/module/your-security-plan
- hrw.org/ru/news/2026/03/09/russia-declares-leading-lgbt-rights…
- hrw.org/ru/news/2025/12/01/russia-government-designates-human-…
- cpj.org/2024/02/russia-bans-radio-free-europe-radio-liberty-as…
- svoboda.org/a/rossiyskuyu-lgbt-set-obyavili-ekstremistskoy-org…
- svoboda.org/a/minyust-rf-priznal-radio-svoboda-nezhelatelnoy-o…
- federalregister.gov/d/2026-20187
- nycourts.gov
- ag.ny.gov/file-complaint/consumer
- uscis.gov/contactcenter
- avp.org/get-help
- en.goc.gov.tr/kurumlar/en.goc/Brosurler/8_acil_durumlar_ENG-2.…
- ailalawyer.com
- ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-1/section…
- uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-589instr.pdf
- ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-208/subpa…
- uscis.gov/about-us/asy/NY/New%20York
- uscis.gov/about-us/asy/NY/Newark%20-%20Manhattan%20Branch
- uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/notices/Applicant-Cause…
- uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees
- uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/other-resources/immigration-benefits…
- justice.gov/eoir/immigration-court-online-resource
- law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1158
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/preparing-fo…
- bronxdefenders.org/get-legal-help
- justice.gov/eoir/types-appeals-motions-and-required-fees
- uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/notices/Applicant-Cause…
- federalregister.gov/d/2026-03595
- govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-11/pdf/2026-11692.pdf
- uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/news/Asylee_travel_info…
- uscis.gov/i-131
- uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status
- rescue.org/article/who-decides-how-many-refugees-come-us
- rescue.org/press-release/us-allocates-refugee-resettlement-slo…
- globalrefuge.org/news/global-refuge-deeply-disappointed-by-the…
- americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/uscis-immigration-processi…
- aila.org/blog/think-immigration-when-visa-processing-moves-abr…
- americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/president-trump-expands-hi…
- cbsnews.com/news/trump-doubles-number-of-countries-facing-trav…
- aila.org/library/featured-issue-sweeping-immigration-restricti…
- npr.org/2026/08/22/nx-s1-5941765/trump-immigration-visa-ban-75…
- aila.org/library/dos-announces-compliance-with-court-order-hal…
- civil.ge/archives/746682
- 24.kg/english/383882_US_increases_visa_bond_requirement_for_Ky…
- federalregister.gov/d/2026-15726
- americanimmigrationcouncil.org/fact-sheet/expedited-removal
- npr.org/2026/06/25/nx-s1-5838860/supreme-court-asylum-policy
- aila.org/library/client-flyer-protect-yourself-from-immigratio…
- aila.org/library/think-immigration-immigration-scam-surge-thre…
- immigrationequality.org/legal/legal-help/couples-and-families/…
- immigrationequality.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Marriage-Ba…