The asylum interview is a critical step in the affirmative asylum process. During the interview, a USCIS asylum officer will evaluate your claim that you have suffered or fear persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Preparation is essential.
Key Facts
Interview location: your local USCIS asylum office. Duration: 1–4 hours. You may bring an attorney and interpreter. The officer will ask detailed questions about your claim. You must file within 1 year of arriving in the U.S. (with limited exceptions). As of March 2026, asylum adjudications have resumed for non-travel-ban countries.
What the Officer Will Ask
Why you left your home country, what happened to you (specific incidents of persecution), who persecuted you and why, whether you reported it to authorities, why you cannot return, and why you came to the United States. Be specific, consistent, and honest. Inconsistencies between your application and testimony can undermine your case.
2026 Considerations
The proposed asylum work permit restrictions and the partial lifting of the adjudication freeze mean the asylum landscape is shifting rapidly. Applicants from travel-ban countries still face a complete hold on decisions.