USCIS is implementing new mandatory fees for asylum, work authorization, and TPS starting July 22, 2025. Find out how much it now costs to file, who it affects, and what happens if you don't pay on time.

Starting July 22, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduces mandatory, non-waivable fees for asylum, work permits (EAD), and TPS applications. These changes affect almost every immigrant or applicant for protection in the U.S. – and if you submit a form without the right payment, your case will be rejected.

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Why These Fees Are Changing

The new fees are part of H.R. 1 – a U.S. law aimed at modernizing the immigration system and reducing application backlogs. While USCIS previously waived some fees for low-income applicants, the new fees are mandatory for everyone. You cannot apply for a waiver.

New USCIS Fees: What You’ll Pay

1. Asylum Application (Form I-589)

New fee: $100.

Plus an additional $100 every year while your case is pending.

USCIS will send payment reminders annually.

2. Work Permit / Employment Authorization (Form I-765)

First-time applicants must pay $550.

Renewals and extensions cost $275.

If you're applying after receiving humanitarian parole, the cost is also $275.

3. TPS Registration (Form I-821)

The new fee is $500 (increased from $50).

This fee covers only TPS registration – you must still pay separately for a work permit.

4. Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status (Form I-360)

Now costs $250. Previously, this application was free or offered more fee protections.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

Starting August 22, 2025, USCIS will reject your application if you don’t include the correct new fee. There are no second chances or grace periods. If you underpay, your case will be delayed — possibly by months or longer.

If your asylum application was filed after October 1, 2024, you’ll be required to pay an annual $100 fee. USCIS will notify you when the payment is due.

Changes to Work Permit Duration

The validity of your work permit now depends on your immigration status:

- If you are in the U.S. on parole, your work permit will be valid for one year or until your parole expires — whichever happens first.

- If you applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), your EAD will be valid for one year or until your country’s TPS designation ends.

Even if approved, some permits may last less than a year.

Existing Fees Still Apply

These new fees do not replace the original USCIS filing fees. You may still file Form I-912 to request a waiver for existing charges, but you cannot waive the fees introduced under H.R. 1. Everyone must pay them in full.

More Fee Hikes Coming

USCIS plans to update more application costs soon. Expected increases include:

- Form I-131 (for travel or reentry documents).

- Form I-102 (to correct I-94 travel records).

Be sure to verify the current fee amounts before submitting any application.

What should foreigners do?

If you’re planning to apply for asylum, TPS, or a work permit:

- Always check the latest fees before you file.

- Set reminders for annual asylum payments.

- Don’t rely on fee waivers – they won’t cover these new costs

Be extra careful: an underpaid or unpaid form will be rejected

Need Help Navigating These Changes?

We recommend speaking to a licensed immigration attorney to avoid mistakes and delays. Legal experts can review your case, help you prepare forms, and ensure your application meets all updated requirements.

Need immigration advice, help with USCIS forms, or fee payment guidance? Contact our legal partners today.

Let's remind! We have already talked about the most popular work visas in 2025, the requirements, the registration procedure and how to legally move to America.

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