Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Immigration Form I-589

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT (Form I-589)

Agreement Date:

Parties

Recitals

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal representation by Representative for preparation and filing of an Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal (commonly referred to as Form I-589) and related proceedings; and

WHEREAS, Representative is duly authorized and qualified to provide immigration legal services and agrees to provide representation under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth their respective rights and obligations in writing.

Scope of Work

Representative shall prepare, review, and file the Form I-589 application and any necessary supporting documents; advise Client on eligibility and burdens of proof; prepare Client for interview or hearing; and represent Client in communications with immigration authorities to the extent specified below.

Payment Terms

Client agrees to pay Representative the fees and expenses described below in consideration for the services rendered under this Agreement.

If any scheduled payment is not received within days of its due date, Client will owe a late fee equal to % per month on the overdue amount (or a flat fee of $ ), as selected in the written schedule.

Term and Termination

This Agreement shall commence on and shall continue until unless earlier terminated as provided herein.

Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon written notice delivered to the other party at least days prior to the effective termination date. Representative may withdraw earlier for good cause, including nonpayment, conflict of interest, or Client's failure to cooperate, subject to applicable rules of professional responsibility.

Confidentiality

Representative shall maintain in confidence all non-public information obtained from Client in the course of representation, except as authorized by Client or required by law. Confidential information shall not be disclosed without Client's prior written consent, except to staff, consultants, or experts engaged to perform services under this Agreement, or to comply with legal or ethical obligations.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of , without regard to principles of conflict of laws, except where federal immigration law preempts state law.

Representation, Warranties, and Disclaimers

Representative will exercise professional judgment and use reasonable efforts in preparing and prosecuting Client's Form I-589, but does not guarantee any particular result, outcome, or relief. Client warrants that all information and documentation provided to Representative will be complete and truthful.

Indemnification

Client agrees to indemnify and hold Representative harmless from and against any liabilities, claims, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from Client's breach of this Agreement, willful misconduct, or material misrepresentation of facts or documents.

Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, and representations, whether written or oral. Any amendment to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Notices

Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses listed in the Parties section, or such other address as a party may designate by written notice to the other, and shall be effective upon receipt.

Signatures

Client:

By:

Date:

Representative:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕
Prepare your document for signing right on this page
  • 01 Edit the text and complete the fields
  • 02 Click Sign Now and on the next screen add recipients and signature fields in SignNow
  • 03 Start your free trial to sign and send your doc
Sign Now

What the Immigration Form I-589 Is and who it serves

The Immigration Form I-589 is the Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal used to request asylum, withholding of removal, and related protection in the United States. Filed with U.S. immigration authorities, the form collects applicant biographical information, basis for persecution claims, family data, and supporting evidence. Submissions typically include narratives, country-condition documentation, and identity documents; applicants may also attend interviews and provide biometrics. The I-589 is a federal immigration filing and begins an adjudicative process that can lead to asylum, work authorization eligibility, or removal proceedings.

Why accurate I-589 preparation matters

Completing Immigration Form I-589 accurately preserves legal protections, supports eligibility for work authorization, and documents the factual basis for an asylum claim. Errors or missing evidence can delay processing or result in denial, while a complete, well-documented submission helps adjudicators evaluate protection needs.

Why accurate I-589 preparation matters

Who typically prepares and submits an I-589

The I-589 is most often completed by individuals seeking asylum, frequently with help from legal representatives or community support organizations.

  • Asylum seekers in the U.S., including those not in removal proceedings.
  • Immigration attorneys and accredited representatives guiding evidence and legal arguments.
  • Nonprofit advocates and pro bono clinics assisting with document assembly and translation.

Accurate completion reduces risks during screening and hearings; professional review is common when possible, especially for complex factual or legal issues.

Core sections included on Immigration Form I-589

The form and supporting packet are structured to gather identity, claim basis, household details, and evidence needed for adjudication.

Applicant Details

Full legal name, aliases, date and place of birth, citizenship, and A-Number if available; used to match records across agencies.

Basis of Claim

Narrative of persecution or fear, legal grounds (race, religion, nationality, political opinion, membership in particular social group), and key dates.

Family Information

Spouse and children data, relationships, and separate claims for dependents where applicable.

Supporting Evidence

Country condition reports, affidavits, medical or forensic records, police reports, and other corroborating documentation.

Signature & Oath

Signed certification of truthfulness by applicant or representative; original signature required on many submissions.

Notices & Biometrics

Biometric appointment notices, interview scheduling, and any agency-specific receipts or cover letters.

Essential data points to include

Full name: Given and family names
Date of birth: MM/DD/YYYY
Country of birth: Nation-state name
A-Number: If available
U.S. address: Street, city, state, ZIP
Signature date: MM/DD/YYYY

Step-by-step: preparing and filing your I-589

Follow a clear order to assemble evidence, complete the form, and submit to reduce administrative delays.

  • 01
    Gather documents: Collect IDs, affidavits, and country-condition materials.
  • 02
    Draft narrative: Write a detailed statement describing persecution.
  • 03
    Complete form: Enter fields carefully and check for consistency with IDs.
  • 04
    Submit packet: File per USCIS or immigration court instructions with all exhibits.

Where to submit the Immigration Form I-589

Submission destination depends on your immigration status; follow agency guidance to ensure proper routing and receipt.

  • USCIS asylum office: If not in removal proceedings, file with your local USCIS Asylum Office.
  • Immigration court (EOIR): If you are in removal proceedings, submit I-589 to the immigration court handling your case.
  • Mailing instructions: Follow address and covering letter guidance provided by the receiving office.
  • Retain copies: Keep complete copies of everything you submit and any receipts.

Configuring a digital workflow for I-589 packet assembly

Set up an e-filing or secure document workflow that preserves originals, supports attachments, and captures an audit trail.

Document upload PDF and DOCX uploads with clear file naming
Signature method Choose ESIGN-compliant signature or PKI if required
Authentication Use email plus SMS or stronger methods for identity
Notifications Enable delivery and completion alerts for all parties
Export format Save final packet as PDF/A for preservation

Technical considerations for eSubmission and eSigning

Ensure the platform you use supports required file types, strong authentication, and an unalterable audit trail before e-submitting the I-589 packet.

  • File formats: PDF, DOCX supported
  • Authentication types: Email, SMS, or two-factor
  • Audit records: IP, timestamp, and activity log

Choose a solution that preserves evidence, supports secure storage, and integrates with case management or cloud storage providers for redundancy and later retrieval.

Key timelines, deadlines, and processing expectations

Certain timing rules affect eligibility and next steps; track deadlines and respond promptly to agency notices.

One-year filing rule:

A one-year filing deadline often applies to asylum claims; exceptions may be available for changed or extraordinary circumstances.

Biometrics appointment:

Attend scheduled biometric collection dates to avoid delays.

Work authorization timing:

EAD eligibility and processing timelines depend on asylum filing status and agency rules.

Interview scheduling:

Interview dates vary by office workload; local backlogs can extend wait times.

Appeal timelines:

If denied, appeal or motion deadlines are time-sensitive; consult counsel immediately.

Milestones from filing to final decision

Track these core stages to monitor case progress and prepare required steps at each point.

01

Filing Received

Agency issues receipt notice with case number and next instructions.

02

Biometrics & Background

Biometrics appointment and security checks occur early in the process.

03

Interview or Hearing

Substantive interview before an asylum officer or hearing before EOIR.

04

Decision or Notice

Final decision, or referral to removal proceedings if applicable.

Consequences of errors or omissions on I-589

Late Filing: May limit eligibility
Incomplete Answers: Can trigger requests for evidence
False Statements: May result in denial and referral
Missing Signature: Forms returned or rejected
Insufficient Evidence: Claim may be dismissed
Improper Authentication: Electronic signature issues may delay acceptance

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Submitting unsigned or improperly dated forms and missing the required applicant signature leading to processing delays.
  • Providing inconsistent personal details across documents, which causes identity verification problems and increased scrutiny.
  • Failing to translate supporting documents into English or to provide certified translations where required by the receiving office.
  • Relying on incomplete witness statements or unsigned affidavits rather than detailed, corroborating evidence about events and dates.

eSignature vendor comparison for handling I-589 packets

Basic vendor capabilities and starting prices for eSignature plans commonly used to assemble and sign immigration packets. Choose a compliant provider that meets document-security and HIPAA requirements where applicable.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Available Available Available Available Not available
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Supporting documents and file handling for the I-589 packet

Organize exhibits and records clearly; label attachments and include translations or certificates where needed to assist adjudicators.

Identity Documents

Passport, national ID, birth certificate copies; include certified translations and photocopies that match the applicant details on the form.

Affidavits & Declarations

Signed, dated personal statements and witness affidavits that corroborate key events, dates, and relationships relevant to the asylum claim.

Corroborating Evidence

Police reports, medical records, country-condition reports, media clippings, or NGO documentation that substantiate risk claims.

Translations & Certifications

Certified English translations for foreign-language documents, with translator attestations when required by the receiving office.

Frequently asked questions about the Immigration Form I-589

Answers to common procedural and technical questions about completing, signing, and submitting the I-589 form and supporting materials.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users
Sign Now
Company
Forms
Pricing
Resources
Knowledge base
Other Products
© 2026 airSlate Inc. All rights reserved.