To apply for asylum, you need to file Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal). This form must be filed within one year of your arrival in the United States. When you apply for asylum, you must be prepared to offer evidence in support of your application: a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country due to your race, nationality, religion, membership in certain social groups, or your political opinions. An experienced immigration attorney can help you complete your application and advocate for you in the asylum process. If you wait more than a year to file Form I-589, you will be denied asylum. There may be an exception if there has been a major change of circumstances that materially affects your asylum request, or if extraordinary circumstances prevented you from applying for asylum sooner.