News & Insights

1. What Is the A-Number and When Will You Receive It?

What Is an A-Number?

• Your Alien Number (A-number) is a unique, 9-digit identifier assigned to individuals involved in U.S. immigration processes.
• It is essential for tracking your case and completing related processes.

When Will You Receive It?

• After filing Form I-589, you should receive a receipt notice from USCIS within 2–3 weeks.
• This notice will confirm that your application was received and will include your A-number.

Delays:

• If you haven’t received your receipt notice after 30 days, contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or submit an inquiry via the USCIS Case Inquiry page.
• Ensure the address on your application was accurate.

2. Biometrics Appointment Timeline and Process

Biometrics Appointment Notice:

• Typically, USCIS schedules your biometrics appointment within 3–4 weeks after receiving your asylum application.
• You’ll receive a notice (Form I-797C) with the date, time, and location of your appointment.

What Happens at the Appointment?

• At the appointment, your fingerprints, photograph, and signature are collected for background checks.
• Bring the following:
  • Appointment notice.
  • Valid photo ID (e.g., passport or state ID).

Missed or Delayed Notice:

• If you don’t receive a biometrics appointment notice within 4 weeks, contact USCIS for assistance.
• Failing to attend your appointment without rescheduling can delay your case.

3. What Comes Next After Biometrics?

Asylum Interview:

• After biometrics, USCIS will schedule your asylum interview.
• The timeline varies greatly depending on:
  • The asylum office serving your region (e.g., New York has one of the busiest offices).
  • Current case backlog and priorities under the “Last In, First Out” (LIFO) policy, which prioritizes recent applications for interviews.
• In some cases, applicants wait months or even years for their interview.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD):

• If you are eligible, you can apply for a work permit (EAD) 150 days after submitting your asylum application, provided your asylum clock hasn’t stopped due to applicant-caused delays.

Decision on Your Case:

• After the interview, USCIS will notify you of its decision.
• This can take weeks to months, depending on case complexity and workload.

4. Steps to Follow If You Haven’t Received Updates

Verify Address Accuracy:

• Double-check that the address you provided on Form I-589 is correct.
• If you moved after submitting your application, update your address immediately using the USCIS Change of Address Tool.

Contact USCIS:

• If you haven’t received your receipt notice or biometrics appointment within 30 days, reach out to USCIS via:
  • USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283.
  • USCIS Case Inquiry Form.

Consult an Attorney or Accredited Representative:

• If delays persist or you encounter complications, consult an immigration attorney or an accredited representative for guidance.

5. Legal and Historical Context

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA):

• Form I-589 is authorized under the INA, which governs asylum processes, eligibility, and associated timelines.

USCIS Asylum Clock and Timelines:

• The “asylum clock” tracks time relevant to EAD eligibility and other milestones in the process.
• Delays caused by the applicant (e.g., rescheduling biometrics) may stop the clock and delay work authorization.

LIFO Policy:

• Reinstated in 2018, the “Last In, First Out” policy prioritizes new asylum applications for interviews to deter fraudulent filings.