Asylum

The United States does not grant asylum in its diplomatic premises abroad. Under US law, the United States grants asylum only to aliens who are physically present in the United States.

Asylum is available if the foreign national has suffered past persecution in his home country or country of last habitual residence, or because the foreign national has a well founded fear of future persecution in his home country or country of last habitual residence and such persecution is based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.

You cannot apply for permission to work (employment authorization) in the United States at the same time you apply for asylum. You may apply for employment authorization if 150 days have passed since you filed your complete asylum application, excluding any delays caused by you (such as a request to reschedule your interview) AND no decision has been made on your application.

If you are granted asylum you may work immediately. Some asylees choose to obtain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for convenience or identification purposes, but an EAD is not necessary to work if you are an asylee. You cannot apply for permission to work (employment authorization) in the United States at the same time you apply for asylum.

If you are granted asylum you may petition to bring your spouse and children to the United States and also apply for a green card by filing separate applications thereafter.