Cite as “AILA Doc 16011207” (Posted 01/12/16)
This Bulletin explains how the Asylum Division has prioritized the adjudication of affirmative applications for asylum. On December 26, 2014, we began prioritizing asylum applications for interview scheduling as follows:
1.) Applications that were scheduled for an interview, but the interview had to be rescheduled at the applicant’s request or the needs
of USCIS;
2.) Applications filed by children; and
3.) All other pending affirmative asylum applications in the order they were received, with oldest cases scheduled first.
Generally, applicants in the first and second categories are scheduled promptly.
The table below lists how the asylum offices are currently scheduling asylum interviews for applications pending in the third category.
It provides the filing dates (month and year) of most asylum applications scheduled for local interviews during that particular month. We have created this system to provide applicants in the third category an estimate for when they might expect their interview to be scheduled. The approximations provided in the table are based on interviews scheduled during the listed month and future movement will be determined by each office’s caseload and resources. For example, in June 2015, the Arlington Asylum Office conducted interviews for applications filed in August 2013. It currently does not include asylum interviews occurring outside of the eight asylum offices or the Boston suboffice (e.g. interviews occurring on circuit rides). Asylum offices schedule circuit ride interviews as resources permit. Please contact the asylum office with jurisdiction over your case for more detailed information.
Asylum Office Directors have the discretion to consider applicants’ requests for urgent interview scheduling outside of the above prioritization categories on a case by case basis. Please submit any urgent interview scheduling requests in writing to the asylum office with jurisdiction over your case. Go to the USCIS Service and Office locator page for contact information.
Please Note: The table does not include interviews for Form I881, Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105100 (NACARA).
Interview Schedule for Affirmative Asylum Applicants in Category 3
This chart will be updated monthly. Please check back for updated information.
If you live under the jurisdiction of…
We scheduled interviews in…
For people who filed in…
Arlington, VA
December 2015 September 2013
November 2015 September 2013
October 2015 August 2013
Chicago, IL*
December 2015 May 2013
November 2015 May 2013
October 2015 May 2013
Houston, TX*
December 2015 April – May 2014
November 2015 April – May 2014
October 2015 April – May 2014
Los Angeles, CA*
December 2015 August 2011
November 2015 August 2011
October 2015 August 2011
Miami, FL*
December 2015 April 2013
November 2015 February 2013
October 2015 February 2013
Newark, NJ
December 2015 June 2013
November 2015 June 2013
October 2015 May June 2013
New York, NY
December 2015 June 2014
November 2015 May 2014
October 2015 Feb. – March 2014
San Francisco, CA
December 2015 November 2013
November 2015 October 2013
October 2015 September 2013
* Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami have been scheduling interviews in the first two categories due to high volumes in those categories as well as in the credible and reasonable fear caseloads.
Last Reviewed/Updated: 01/11/2016
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