SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

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Glendale, home to one of the largest Armenian communities outside Armenia and a significant Middle Eastern population, sees many asylum seekers navigating the complex rules around work authorization. Understanding the asylum clock is critical for determining when you become eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while your case is pending. This comprehensive guide explains how the asylum clock works, what can stop or reset it, and how to protect your right to work legally in the United States.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

What Is the Asylum Clock?

The asylum clock is a tracking mechanism used by USCIS and the immigration courts to calculate how long your asylum case has been pending. This clock determines when you become eligible to apply for work authorization. The concept originated from a 1996 law requiring asylum applicants to wait before obtaining work permits, designed to prevent frivolous claims filed solely for employment purposes.

The asylum clock runs independently for each applicant and starts on a specific date based on when you filed your application. Understanding exactly when your clock starts, stops, and potentially resets is essential for Glendale asylum seekers who need to support themselves and their families while waiting for a decision on their case.

The clock serves two primary purposes: first, it determines when you reach the 150-day threshold to file your EAD application (Form I-765), and second, it determines when you reach the 180-day threshold when USCIS must adjudicate that application. These distinctions matter because filing too early results in automatic denial, while delays beyond 180 days may entitle you to automatic approval in certain circumstances.

When Does the Asylum Clock Start?

For affirmative asylum cases (applications filed with USCIS while not in removal proceedings), the asylum clock starts on the date USCIS receives your complete Form I-589 asylum application. A complete application includes:

- A properly completed Form I-589 with all required sections filled out
- Your signature on the application
- Any required photographs
- All supporting documentation you choose to submit initially

For defensive asylum cases (applications filed with immigration court while in removal proceedings), the clock starts on the date you file Form I-589 with the immigration court or the date the case is referred from USCIS to the court, whichever is later.

It is critical to keep your receipt notice showing the date USCIS or the court received your application. This document serves as proof of when your clock began running and will be essential for calculating your EAD eligibility date.

•Affirmative asylum: Clock starts when USCIS receives complete I-589
•Defensive asylum: Clock starts when I-589 filed with immigration court
•Referred cases: Clock starts on referral date if later than filing date
•Keep receipt notices as proof of clock start date
•Incomplete applications may not start the clock properly

The 150-Day Rule: When You Can Apply for EAD

Once your asylum clock reaches 150 days, you become eligible to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. This is not automatic work authorization but rather permission to submit your application. You cannot file your I-765 before the 150-day mark; doing so results in automatic rejection of your application.

The 150-day calculation excludes any days when the clock was stopped due to applicant-caused delays. This means if your clock was stopped for 30 days at some point, you would need to wait 180 calendar days from filing (150 days plus the 30-day stoppage) before becoming eligible to file.

For Glendale asylum seekers, timing your I-765 filing correctly requires careful tracking of your clock. You should maintain a personal log of all hearing dates, continuance requests, and any other events that might affect your clock. Many applicants use spreadsheets or calendar applications to track the days precisely.

Milestone	Days Required	What It Means
File I-765 EAD Application	150 days	You become eligible to submit work permit application
EAD Adjudication Deadline	180 days	USCIS should decide on your EAD application
Clock Calculation	Excludes stopped time	Applicant-caused delays are subtracted from total

The 180-Day Rule: EAD Adjudication Timeline

When your asylum clock reaches 180 days, and your EAD application has been pending for at least 30 days, USCIS is required to adjudicate your work permit application. The 180-day rule creates an important protection for asylum seekers, ensuring that eligible applicants receive timely decisions on their work authorization requests.

If USCIS fails to adjudicate your EAD application within 30 days after your clock reaches 180 days (assuming you filed at the 150-day mark), you may have grounds to request expedited processing or, in some cases, seek a mandamus action in federal court to compel a decision.

The 180-day threshold is significant because it represents the point at which the government has had sufficient time to identify frivolous claims. Asylum applicants who have maintained a bona fide case for 180 days have demonstrated their commitment to the process and deserve the opportunity to work while waiting for a decision.

Recent processing improvements have reduced EAD wait times for many asylum applicants, but delays still occur. Glendale applicants should monitor their case status online through USCIS's case tracker and be prepared to follow up if processing extends beyond normal timeframes.

What Stops the Asylum Clock

The asylum clock stops running when delays in your case are caused by you, the applicant, rather than by the government. Understanding what triggers a clock stoppage helps you avoid inadvertent delays that extend your wait for work authorization. The following actions and circumstances stop the asylum clock:

•Requesting a continuance or postponement of a hearing or interview
•Failing to appear at a scheduled hearing or interview without good cause
•Requesting additional time to submit evidence or documents
•Filing a motion to change venue or transfer your case
•Failing to provide required documentation within specified deadlines
•Requesting to reschedule biometrics appointments
•Withdrawing and refiling your asylum application
•Failing to appear for fingerprinting appointments

What Does NOT Stop the Asylum Clock

Equally important is understanding what actions and circumstances do NOT stop your asylum clock. Government-caused delays and certain procedural matters should not affect your clock calculation:

•USCIS or court delays in scheduling your interview or hearing
•Government requests for additional evidence (unless you caused the need)
•Administrative processing by USCIS or the court
•Background check delays
•Court backlogs and calendar congestion
•Judge reassignments or court administrative changes
•Government continuance requests
•Holidays and court closures
•Natural disasters affecting government operations
•Global events causing government operational delays

Asylum Clock Reset Scenarios

A clock reset is more severe than a clock stoppage. While a stoppage pauses the clock temporarily, a reset returns your clock to zero days, requiring you to start the 150-day countdown all over again. Understanding reset scenarios helps Glendale asylum seekers avoid devastating delays in their work authorization eligibility.

The most common reset scenario occurs when an applicant fails to appear for a hearing without good cause and the case is ordered closed or the applicant is ordered removed in absentia. If the case is later reopened, the clock resets to zero from the date of reopening.

Another reset scenario involves withdrawing your asylum application and filing a new one. The new application starts a completely new clock, regardless of how much time had accumulated on your previous application.

Appeal situations can also trigger clock considerations. If your asylum case is denied and you appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), the clock continues running during the appeal if you remain in valid status. However, if your case is remanded back to the immigration court for new proceedings, different rules may apply depending on the circumstances of the remand.

Reset Scenario	Effect on Clock	How to Avoid
In absentia removal order	Clock resets to zero if case reopened	Never miss hearings; communicate emergencies immediately
Withdrawn and refiled application	New clock starts from new filing date	Think carefully before withdrawing; amend instead
Case dismissed then refiled	New clock from new filing	Avoid actions leading to dismissal
Frivolous finding	May lose EAD eligibility entirely	File only genuine asylum claims

How to Check Your Asylum Clock Status

Monitoring your asylum clock status requires proactive effort because neither USCIS nor the immigration court provides automatic clock updates. Several methods exist for tracking your clock:

For affirmative asylum cases pending with USCIS, the Asylum Office does not maintain a real-time clock tracker accessible to applicants. You must calculate your clock manually based on your filing date and any stoppages. Keep a detailed log of all correspondence and any delays that might affect your calculation.

For defensive asylum cases in immigration court, the court system has implemented the Asylum Clock feature in certain jurisdictions. You or your representative can request clock information from the court administrator. Some immigration courts provide this information during master calendar hearings.

The EOIR Automated Information System (1-800-898-7180) provides some case information but typically does not include detailed clock calculations. For the most accurate information, you may need to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request or have your attorney contact the court directly.

Glendale asylum seekers should maintain their own records regardless of what information the government provides. Create a timeline document that includes:

•Date you filed Form I-589 (clock start date)
•All hearing dates and what occurred at each hearing
•Any continuance requests and who made them
•Dates of all correspondence from USCIS or the court
•Biometrics appointment dates
•Any requests you made for additional time
•Calculation of total stopped days
•Running total of clock days

Appeals and Clock Calculations

When an asylum case involves appeals, the clock calculation becomes more complex. Different scenarios produce different results:

If USCIS denies your affirmative asylum case and refers it to immigration court, your clock continues from where it left off. The referral does not reset your clock, and any days accumulated with USCIS count toward your 150-day threshold.

If the immigration judge denies your asylum case and you appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), your clock status depends on whether you have a pending EAD application and your removal order status. Generally, a pending appeal keeps your case open, and the clock continues to run.

If the BIA denies your appeal and you file a petition for review with a federal circuit court, the situation becomes more nuanced. The circuit court stay of removal, if granted, maintains your ability to remain in the United States but may affect EAD eligibility depending on the specific circumstances.

If the BIA or a federal court remands your case back to the immigration court for further proceedings, the clock treatment depends on whether the remand is for a de novo hearing (potentially resetting the clock) or for specific limited proceedings (potentially continuing the existing clock).

Glendale asylum seekers involved in appeals should work closely with legal counsel to understand how their specific appeal affects their clock and EAD eligibility. The rules in this area are complex and fact-specific.

Recent Policy Changes Affecting the Asylum Clock

Immigration policy changes in recent years have significantly affected asylum clock calculations and EAD eligibility. Staying current with these changes helps Glendale asylum seekers understand their rights and options.

The 2020 asylum EAD rule attempted to extend the waiting period from 150 days to 365 days before filing for work authorization. This rule faced legal challenges and was ultimately vacated by federal courts. The current rule returns to the 150-day standard, but future policy changes remain possible.

USCIS has implemented processing improvements aimed at reducing asylum case backlogs. The Last In, First Out (LIFO) scheduling approach prioritizes recently filed cases for interviews, which can affect clock timing for newer applicants. However, this approach has been criticized for leaving older cases pending indefinitely.

Recent regulatory changes have also addressed the types of delays that stop the clock. USCIS has clarified that certain administrative delays, such as background check processing, should not be attributed to applicants and should not stop the clock.

The asylum office has expanded interview locations and increased staffing in some regions, potentially reducing wait times for initial interviews. Glendale applicants may have their interviews scheduled at the Los Angeles Asylum Office or, in some cases, at circuit ride locations.

Policy changes can occur through regulations, policy memoranda, court decisions, or administrative directives. Asylum seekers should work with knowledgeable immigration service providers or attorneys who stay current with these developments.

•150-day waiting period remains in effect after legal challenges to longer periods
•LIFO scheduling affects when newer vs. older cases receive interviews
•Processing improvements aim to reduce overall wait times
•Clarifications on what constitutes applicant-caused delay
•Expanded interview locations in some regions
•Ongoing policy discussions about asylum processing reforms

Filing Your EAD Application: Step-by-Step Process

Once your asylum clock reaches 150 days, you can file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Follow these steps for Glendale applicants:

1
Verify Your Clock Has Reached 150 Days
Calculate your asylum clock carefully, subtracting any stopped time. Do not file before reaching 150 days or your application will be rejected.
2
Gather Required Documentation
Collect your I-589 receipt notice, two passport-style photos, copies of identification documents, and any prior EAD cards if this is a renewal.
3
Complete Form I-765 Accurately
Use eligibility category (c)(8) for pending asylum applicants. Ensure all information matches your I-589 exactly, including name spelling and date of birth.
4
Submit Application to Correct Location
File according to current USCIS instructions. Most asylum-based EAD applications go to a specific USCIS lockbox facility.
5
Attend Biometrics Appointment
USCIS will schedule you for fingerprinting and photos at an Application Support Center, likely in Los Angeles or nearby.
6
Monitor Your Case Status
Track your application online using your receipt number. Processing should complete within 30 days after your clock reaches 180 days.
7
Receive EAD Card
Your Employment Authorization Document will arrive by mail. Keep it in a safe place and note the expiration date for timely renewal.

EAD Renewal and Maintaining Work Authorization

Initial asylum-based EAD cards are typically valid for two years. To maintain continuous work authorization, you must file for renewal before your current card expires. Understanding the renewal process helps Glendale asylum seekers avoid gaps in employment eligibility.

You can file your renewal application up to 180 days before your current EAD expires. Filing early provides a buffer against processing delays. If your EAD expires while your renewal is pending, automatic extensions may apply, allowing you to continue working with your expired card and receipt notice.

The automatic extension provision for asylum-based EAD cards allows continued work authorization for up to 180 days while your renewal application is pending, provided you filed before your card expired and the renewal application is for the same eligibility category.

Glendale employers should understand that an expired EAD card combined with a valid I-797C receipt notice for a pending renewal constitutes valid work authorization documentation for Form I-9 purposes during the automatic extension period.

If your asylum case is granted during the EAD period, you become eligible for a different EAD category as an asylee. If your case is denied and all appeals exhausted, your EAD eligibility ends, and you must stop working unless you have another basis for employment authorization.

•Renewal applications can be filed up to 180 days before expiration
•Automatic 180-day extension while renewal is pending
•Must file renewal before expiration to receive automatic extension
•Keep receipt notice with expired card as proof of valid work authorization
•Asylum grant changes EAD category but continues work eligibility
•Asylum denial ends EAD eligibility when all appeals exhausted

Common Mistakes That Delay Work Authorization

Glendale asylum seekers can avoid unnecessary delays in obtaining work authorization by steering clear of these common mistakes:

•Filing I-765 before reaching 150 days on the asylum clock, resulting in automatic rejection
•Requesting unnecessary continuances that stop the clock
•Failing to appear at hearings without proper notification, potentially causing clock reset
•Using incorrect eligibility category on Form I-765
•Submitting incomplete applications that are rejected and must be refiled
•Missing biometrics appointments, which delays processing
•Failing to renew EAD before expiration, causing work authorization gaps
•Not tracking clock carefully and miscalculating eligibility date
•Providing inconsistent information between I-589 and I-765 applications
•Failing to notify USCIS of address changes, causing missed notices

Special Circumstances for Glendale Residents

Glendale's diverse immigrant community includes many asylum seekers from Armenia, the Middle East, and other regions facing persecution. Local resources and considerations include:

The Los Angeles Asylum Office handles cases for Glendale residents. Interview locations may include the main asylum office or local circuit ride venues. Understanding where your interview will occur helps with preparation and logistics.

Glendale has a robust network of community organizations serving immigrants. Armenian community organizations, Middle Eastern community centers, and legal aid societies provide support ranging from translation services to legal referrals.

Local immigration courts in Los Angeles and Van Nuys handle defensive asylum cases for Glendale residents. Each court has its own procedures and calendaring practices that may affect your clock.

Glendale employers are generally familiar with EAD cards and asylum-based work authorization. However, you may need to educate smaller employers about your work eligibility documentation, particularly during automatic extension periods.

Cultural considerations in asylum cases involving Armenian or Middle Eastern persecution often require specialized country conditions evidence and expert witnesses. Building a strong asylum case supports both your protection claim and your continued EAD eligibility throughout the process.

•Los Angeles Asylum Office serves Glendale residents
•Strong Armenian and Middle Eastern community support networks
•Multiple local immigration courts with varying procedures
•Employers generally familiar with EAD documentation
•Specialized country conditions resources for regional persecution claims

Working With Immigration Service Providers

Navigating the asylum clock and EAD process benefits from professional assistance. Immigration service providers and attorneys can help Glendale asylum seekers in several ways:

Case evaluation services assess your asylum claim strength and timeline, helping you understand realistic expectations for your clock progression and EAD eligibility.

Document preparation ensures your I-765 application is complete and accurate, reducing the risk of rejection or delays. Providers familiar with asylum-based EAD applications know the specific requirements and common pitfalls.

Clock tracking assistance helps maintain accurate records of your asylum clock status, including properly documenting any stoppages and calculating your current day count.

Communication with USCIS and the immigration court through proper channels can resolve disputes about clock calculations or processing delays.

SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance for asylum seekers in Glendale and throughout Southern California. We understand the unique circumstances facing Armenian, Middle Eastern, and other immigrant communities in our service area.

While we are not attorneys and do not provide legal representation, we can assist with document preparation, form completion, and navigating the EAD application process. For complex legal matters, we provide referrals to experienced immigration attorneys.

Protecting Your Rights During the Asylum Process

While waiting for your asylum decision and work authorization, protecting your legal rights requires vigilance:

Maintain valid status documentation at all times. Keep copies of your I-589 receipt notice, any EAD cards, hearing notices, and all correspondence from USCIS or the court.

Attend all scheduled appointments. Missing a hearing or interview can have devastating consequences for both your asylum case and your work authorization eligibility.

Report address changes promptly. File Form AR-11 with USCIS and notify the immigration court separately if you have a pending case. Missed notices due to old addresses can result in in absentia orders.

Understand your workplace rights. With a valid EAD, you have the same workplace protections as other authorized workers, including minimum wage, overtime, and anti-discrimination protections.

Know what to do if approached by immigration enforcement. You have constitutional rights regardless of your immigration status. Carry your documentation and know how to respond to questioning.

Seek help promptly if problems arise. Delays in addressing issues with your asylum case or EAD application often make problems worse. Contact a qualified service provider or attorney as soon as you encounter difficulties.

•Keep all immigration documentation in a safe, accessible location
•Never miss scheduled hearings, interviews, or appointments
•Update your address with both USCIS and the immigration court
•Understand your workplace rights with valid EAD
•Know your constitutional rights if approached by enforcement
•Seek professional help promptly when issues arise

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the asylum clock and why does it matter for work authorization in Glendale?

A: The asylum clock is a tracking mechanism that counts the days your asylum case has been pending, excluding any applicant-caused delays. It matters because you must wait 150 days before filing for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The clock determines your eligibility date for work authorization while your case is pending.

Q:When does the asylum clock start running?

A: For affirmative asylum cases filed with USCIS, the clock starts when USCIS receives your complete Form I-589. For defensive asylum cases in immigration court, the clock starts when you file the I-589 with the court or when USCIS refers the case to court, whichever is later.

Q:What actions will stop my asylum clock?

A: Applicant-caused delays stop the clock, including: requesting continuances, failing to appear at hearings, requesting extra time to submit evidence, filing venue change motions, missing biometrics appointments, and failing to provide required documents by deadlines. Government-caused delays do not stop your clock.

Q:What is the difference between 150 days and 180 days for asylum EAD?

A: At 150 days on your asylum clock, you become eligible to file Form I-765 for work authorization. At 180 days, USCIS is required to adjudicate your pending EAD application. If you file at 150 days, USCIS should decide your case within 30 days of the 180-day mark.

Q:Can my asylum clock reset to zero?

A: Yes, certain events reset your clock to zero. The most common reset scenario is receiving an in absentia removal order for missing a hearing, then having the case reopened. Withdrawing and refiling your asylum application also starts a new clock. A clock reset requires starting the 150-day wait over.

Q:How can I check my current asylum clock status?

A: You must track your clock yourself by calculating from your filing date and subtracting any stopped time. For immigration court cases, you can request clock information from the court administrator. USCIS does not provide real-time clock tracking. Maintain detailed records of all hearing dates and continuances.

Q:What happens to my asylum clock if I appeal a denial?

A: If your case is denied and you appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), your clock generally continues running during the appeal. If the BIA remands your case for a new hearing, clock treatment depends on whether it is a de novo proceeding or limited remand. Consult with a legal professional for appeal-specific guidance.

Q:Can I work while my asylum case is pending in Glendale?

A: Yes, once your asylum clock reaches 150 days and you receive an approved EAD, you can work legally for any employer in the United States. The EAD card serves as proof of work authorization. You must renew your EAD before it expires to maintain continuous work eligibility.

Q:What happens if I file my EAD application before 150 days?

A: USCIS will automatically reject your I-765 application if filed before your asylum clock reaches 150 days. You will lose your filing fee and must refile after reaching the 150-day threshold. Calculate your clock carefully before filing to avoid this costly mistake.

Q:How do recent policy changes affect asylum clock calculations?

A: The 150-day waiting period remains in effect after courts struck down attempts to extend it to 365 days. USCIS has clarified that certain administrative delays, like background checks, should not stop the clock. Processing improvements aim to reduce overall wait times, and the Last In, First Out scheduling affects interview timing for newer cases.

Q:What should I do if I think my clock was stopped incorrectly?

A: Document your position with detailed records showing the delay was government-caused rather than applicant-caused. Request clock information from the immigration court if applicable. You may file a written dispute with USCIS or the court. Consider consulting an immigration attorney if the incorrect stoppage significantly affects your EAD eligibility.

Q:How long does asylum EAD processing take after I reach 180 days?

A: USCIS should adjudicate your EAD application within 30 days after your clock reaches 180 days, assuming you filed at the 150-day mark. Actual processing times vary based on workload and any issues with your application. If processing exceeds this timeframe significantly, you may have options to request expedited handling.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Glendale and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: January 30, 2026Last Updated: January 30, 2026

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