USCIS Announces Fee Hike for Many Immigration Forms Starting 2026

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Thursday, November 20, 2025, announced minor fee increases for a few immigration forms starting January 1, 2026.

 This update is part of an annual inflation adjustment required by law (under H.R. 1). If you plan to file any of these forms on or after January 1, 2026, be ready to pay the new fees.

Updated USCIS Immigration Form Fees

According to a press release shared by the USCIS, the new rates will apply to any application postmarked on or after January 1, 2026. USCIS will continue adjusting these fees each year based on inflation.

Let’s go through each form that’s affected.

Annual Asylum Application Fee

This Asylum Application fee applies to individuals filing for asylum in the United States. However, amid the recent court order, the fees for asylum applications are currently on hold.

• Old Fee: $100
• New Fee: $102

That means asylum seekers are not required to pay this fee at the moment.

Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization

Asylum applicants use Form I-765 to apply for their first Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which lets them work legally in the U.S.

• Old Fee: $550
• New Fee: $560

Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization

People who have been granted parole, a temporary entry into the U.S. for urgent reasons, can use the Form I-765 to apply for their first work permit.

• Old Fee: $550
• New Fee: $560

Form I-765: Renewal or Extension of Parole EAD

The Form I-765 is for individuals who already hold a Parole EAD and need to renew or extend it. The fee increase is minimal, just $5.

• Old Fee: $275
• New Fee: $280

Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization (Initial TPS EAD)

The Form I-765 is for people under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) who are applying for their first work permit in the United States.

• Old Fee: $550
• New Fee: $560

Form I-765: Renewal or Extension of TPS EAD

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders renewing or extending their existing work authorization have to fill out the Form I-765 and will have to pay the new $280 fee starting next year.

• Old Fee: $275
• New Fee: $280

Form I-131, Part 9 – EAD Requested for New Period of Parole (Re-Parole)

People requesting an EAD when their parole period is renewed or extended must submit Form I-131 and Part 9.

• Old Fee: $275
• New Fee: $280

Form I-821: Application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Applicants use Form I-821 to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The fee will increase by $10. The U.S. grants TPS to nationals from countries experiencing conflict, natural disasters, or other crises.

• Old Fee: $500
• New Fee: $510

Forms with No Fee Changes

Some fees will remain unchanged under the new rule. These include:

I-589: Asylum Application (Initial Fee)

This is the initial application fee for people filing for asylum. The amount stays the same.

• Old Fee: $100
• New Fee: $100

I-765: Renewal or Extension of Asylum Applicant EA

Asylum applicants renewing their work permit won’t see any fee change.

• Old Fee: $275
• New Fee: $275

I-360: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (Juvenile Fee)

This form helps certain special immigrants, including juveniles and widows or widowers of U.S. citizens, apply for immigration benefits. Its fee remains unchanged.

• Old Fee: $250
• New Fee: $250

Summary of USCIS Fee Changes for 2026

Here’s a quick look at all the updated and unchanged USCIS immigration form fees effective January 1, 2026. All applicants are advised to double-check these rates before submitting their forms to avoid delays or rejections.

Form Type	Old Fee (USD)	New Fee (USD)	Status
Annual Asylum Application Fee	$100	$102	Increased
Form I-765 (Initial Asylum Applicant EAD)	$550	$560	Increased
Form I-765 (Initial Parole EAD)	$550	$560	Increased
Form I-765 (Renewal/Extension of Parole EAD)	$275	$280	Increased
Form I-765 (Initial TPS EAD)	$550	$560	Increased
Form I-765 (Renewal/Extension of TPS EAD)	$275	$280	Increased
Form I-131 (Part 9 – EAD for Re-Parole)	$275	$280	Increased
Form I-821 (Application for TPS)	$500	$510	Increased
I-589 (Initial Asylum Application)	$100	$100	Unchanged
I-765 (Renewal/Extension of Asylum EAD)	$275	$275	Unchanged
I-360 (Special Immigrant Juvenile Fee)	$250	$250	Unchanged

What This Means for Applicants

The changes are small, mostly between $5 and $10 per form, but it’s still important to check the correct fee before submitting your application. USCIS will not process forms sent with the wrong payment amount after January 1, 2026.