Asylum One-Year Filing Rule: Exceptions and Evidence

Many asylum applicants worry about the one-year filing deadline. Missing it does not always end the case if legal exceptions apply.

The Basic Rule

Asylum applications are generally filed within one year of last arrival in the U.S.

Key Exceptions

• Changed circumstances in the home country.
• Personal circumstances materially affecting eligibility.
• Extraordinary circumstances causing filing delay.

Evidence to Prepare

• Entry records and travel timeline.
• News or country condition documentation.
• Medical, legal, or psychological records explaining delay.
• Detailed sworn declaration.

Strong legal framing of the exception is often the difference between denial and a full merits review.