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Additional Applicant Support Program Resources

The Applicant Support Program (ASP) is intended to make the New Generic Top-Level Domains (New gTLD) Program: 2026 Round accessible to applicants that want to apply for a new gTLD or operate a registry, but would otherwise be unable due to financial and resource constraints. The program is a result of ICANN community-developed policy. This page offers resources that may be useful in learning more about the program.

Quick Start Guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Access to Service Providers and Mentors

Supported Applicant Tools and Resources

  • ASP Supported Applicant Toolkit to onboard new supported applicants into the program providing an overview of what to expect and how to access available support.

Information for Service Providers and Mentors

ICANN has recruited and continues to seek pro bono (volunteer) professional service providers and mentors who want to offer their expertise to supported applicants that receive assistance as part of the ASP. In addition, ICANN has published information about Registry Service Providers that have voluntarily indicated their willingness to offer discounted services to supported applicants.

Providers and mentors who offer these services will be in a position to establish relationships across the globe while enhancing visibility and increasing influence within the Domain Name System industry. At the same time, these providers are helping to create opportunities for underserved communities that are making an impact in our world.

Please note that ICANN does not endorse or contract with service providers or mentors to provide services to applicants. ICANN's role is limited to making applicants aware of available resources. Service arrangements, including fees, discounts, and contractual terms, are determined directly between applicants and the service provider or mentor.

While anyone may contact a pro bono service provider or mentor for assistance, pro bono service providers will be asked to give priority to supported applicants that have qualified via the ASP.

Note: If you are interested in providing pro bono services or mentorship to supported ASP applicants, register here.

Successfully evaluated Registry Service Providers (RSPs) that choose to offer discounted services may make those discounts available to applicants who demonstrate their status as a supported applicant.

Note: RSPs interested in being listed as offering discounted services may send an inquiry in the RSP portal.

For more information, please refer to these resources:

ASP Office Hours

The office hours format is an informal opportunity for ASP applicants to ask questions about the Applicant Support Program, the ASP application process, or ASP application requirements. After each session, ICANN will post the recording and highlight topics or questions raised during the call.

  • 14 October 2025 | ASP Office Hours 02:00 UTC (Video recording, EN)
    • Navigating to the ASP Homepage, ASP Resources and FAQs
    • ASP application extension dates
    • Financial statements and requirement for applicants
    • Options available to applicants if they need to proceed to auction
    • What does a "completed application" mean?
    • What costs should an ASP applicant budget for?
  • 21 October 2025 | ASP Office Hours 14:30 UTC (Video recording, EN)
    • Financial viability / evaluation fees and milestones
    • Do applicants submit their gTLD string on the ASP application or the gTLD application?
    • ICANN84 Notable Sessions
  • 04 November 2025 | ASP Office Hours 03:00 UTC (No recording available as there were no attendees)
  • 12 November 2025 | ASP Office Hours 15:30 UTC (Video Recording, EN)
    • Where to submit financial narratives
    • What is the timeline, after submitting an application, that I can expect to be informed of the outcome?
    • When is the 2500 USD deposit required?
    • Address requirements for the entity and for individuals listed in the application
    • Clarification on the ASP deadline extension
    • Accepted formats for documents
    • What is a legal form?
  • 18 November 2025 | ASP Office Hours 01:30 UTC (No recording available as there were no attendees)
  • 25 November 2025 | ASP Office Hours 15:30 UTC (Video Recording, EN)
    • How long does it take for an organization to be confirmed?
    • Where can I find documentation requirements for submitting an application?
    • Are there any restrictions on the number of gTLDs I can apply for under the ASP program?
    • How is the Bid Credit determined?
    • What is the best way to reach out with questions on my application?
  • 03 December 2025 | ASP Office Hours 01:00 UTC (Video Recording, EN)
    • How many gTLDs can I apply to under the ASP?
    • How is the gTLD application fee reduction determined?
    • What considerations are evaluated to qualify for the ASP?
    • How and when are applicants informed of the outcome of their application?
    • Financial viability indicators
    • If approved, when is the deposit due?
    • Pointers and best practices to complete the application
  • 09 December 2025 | ASP Office Hours 14:30 UTC (Video Recording, EN)
    • Guidance for financial viability and documents needed
    • Can applicants get support from accounting professionals? (see Pro Bono Service Providers)
    • Who should I contact if I have questions about primary users?
    • What restrictions pertain to ASP applicants?
    • How does the Bid Credit work?
  • 16 December 2025 | ASP Office Hours 01:00 UTC (Video Recording, EN)
    • How do I submit a change request?
    • What are the requirements for financial viability?
    • What do I do if I need to update bank details?
    • What happens after 19 December 2025? Does the evaluation process continue?
    • What is the goal of the evaluation process?
    • How are the evaluations scored?
    • What are the criteria being evaluated in each phase?
    • How is the level of fee reduction determined?
    • Where can I see the status of applications?
    • Who can I reach out to to ask more questions?

Webinars and Presentations

Information on the Subsequent Procedures (SubPro) Implementation Review Team (IRT) ASP Sub-Track

Background on the Applicant Support Program

Relevant ICANN Meeting Recordings

Other Resources

In September 2025, ICANN developed a Comprehensive Report that outlines its efforts to raise global awareness about the ASP so that prospective applicants have an understanding of the opportunity to apply for and operate a gTLD.