Can my attorney attend an asylum interview remotely?
Last reviewed: August 31, 2026
High-volatility procedure. This USCIS policy changed in 2026. Recheck the asylum-office notice and current USCIS instructions before the interview.
Usually not under the current USCIS policy. USCIS announced that, effective May 18, 2026, attorneys and accredited representatives generally may no longer participate remotely in affirmative asylum interviews at asylum offices, except in limited circumstances identified by USCIS. Representatives should ordinarily plan to attend in person.
Because this is a recent procedural change, do not rely on older articles, videos, or prior office practices. Check the current USCIS asylum-office information and the interview notice shortly before the appointment. If you believe a limited exception applies, contact the appropriate asylum office or have the representative confirm the procedure.
Keep a copy of any written USCIS communication about an approved exception or special arrangement. Also make sure the representative's appearance paperwork is properly filed.
This rule concerns how the representative attends. It does not remove the applicant's general right to representation at no expense to the U.S. government.
For the broader representation question, see Can I bring an attorney to an asylum interview?.
Official sources
- USCIS — Asylum Offices and current alerts: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-a-uscis-office/asylum-offices
- USCIS — Preparing for Your Affirmative Asylum Interview: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/preparing-for-your-affirmative-asylum-interview