If you are planning to file any immigration forms with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this update is critical. Beginning July 22, 2025, new non-waivable fees will apply to many immigration applications, including asylum, work permits, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
If you underpay or skip these fees after August 21, 2025, your application will be automatically rejected—with no second chance.
Why Are These New Fees Being Introduced?
These changes are part of H.R. 1, a new U.S. law designed to fund the immigration system and reduce processing backlogs. The fees are in addition to existing USCIS charges and cannot be waived, even for low-income applicants.
A Breakdown of the New Fees
These charges affect key visa and protection categories for immigrants, asylum seekers, and other applicants. Here is what’s changing:
Asylum Application (Form I-589)
- New Fee: $100 (was previously free)
- Annual Maintenance Fee: $100 per year while your asylum case remains pending
- Reminders: USCIS will issue annual billing notices
Work Permit – Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765)
- First-Time Applicants: $550
- Renewal or Extension: $275
- For Parolees (after Form I-131 approval): $275
Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821)
- New Enrollment Fee: $500 (previously $50)
- Note: The EAD (work permit) cost is not included and must be paid separately
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (Form I-360)
- New Fee: $250
- Previously, this application was more flexible; it is now subject to a fixed charge
What Happens if You Miss a Payment
- Late Payment: For asylum requests filed after October 1, 2024, USCIS will send a direct notification when the annual fee is due
- Ongoing Responsibility: You must pay the annual asylum fee each year until your case is resolved
New Validity Periods for Work Permits
Work permits issued under certain conditions now come with updated validity limits:
| Applicant Type | New Validity Period |
|---|---|
| Parolees | 12 months or until parole ends (whichever is first) |
| TPS Applicants | 12 months or until TPS designation ends |
This means your work permit could be valid for less than a year, depending on your legal status.
Old USCIS Fees Still Apply
These new charges do not replace the existing USCIS filing fees under 8 CFR Part 106. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you may still submit Form I-912—but only for the original USCIS fees, not for these new H.R. 1 charges.
There are no exceptions for the new fees. If your form lacks the correct payment, it will be automatically rejected, potentially delaying your case by months or even years.
Takeaway
Whether you are applying for asylum, TPS, or renewing a work permit, be sure to factor in these additional costs starting July 22, 2025. Missing or underpaying these mandatory fees could result in denied applications and significant delays.