US Tightens Asylum Rules: New Fees and Strict Deadlines From May 2026

The United States is making some big changes to its immigration system. If you’re planning to apply for asylum or already have a case pending, here’s what’s changing and why it matters.

At the centre of this update is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has introduced new rules based on a 2025 law called the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Act of 2025.

A New Annual Fee for Asylum Seekers

This is the biggest shift. If you apply for asylum in the US using Form I-589, you’ll now need to pay an Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) every year while your case is still pending.

Here’s the key part most people need to pay attention to:

• You must pay the fee within 30 days of being notified
• If you don’t pay on time, your application can be rejected

That’s not just a delay. It can completely end your case.

What Happens If You Miss the Payment?

Missing this fee triggers serious consequences. If your asylum application is rejected:

• Your case is closed
• If you don’t have legal status, you may face removal from the US
• Any work permit tied to your asylum case is affected

In simple terms, not paying this fee can undo everything you’ve built so far.

Work Permits Will Also Be Affected

Many asylum seekers apply for a work permit using Form I-765 while their case is under review. Under the new rule:

• If your asylum case is rejected, your work permit application will be denied
• If you already have approval, your work authorization ends immediately

This means losing the legal right to work overnight.

Filing Fee Now Applies to Asylum Applications

Until recently, applying for asylum was free. That’s changing. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now requires a filing fee for Form I-589.

There’s another detail many people miss: If your application is submitted incorrectly, you won’t get a refund. So accuracy matters more than ever.

Changes for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

There’s also an update for people under Temporary Protected Status.

• Work permits will now be valid for only one year
• Or for the remaining TPS period, whichever is shorter

This could mean more frequent renewals for some applicants.

New Fee for Travel Document Replacement

If you need to replace your arrival-departure record using Form I-102, there’s now a minimum fee of $24. Earlier, this fee wasn’t always applied in the same way.

When Do These Changes Start?

Mark the date.

• New rules take effect on May 29, 2026
• Applications without the correct fees after this date will be rejected
• Pending asylum cases can also be rejected if the annual fee isn’t paid

The government is accepting public comments on these rules until June 29, 2026, but the changes will still go live as planned.

What This Means for Travellers and Migrants

The US is shifting more of the cost of immigration processing onto applicants. At the same time, it’s tightening deadlines and reducing flexibility.

For asylum seekers, this adds financial pressure and raises the stakes. Missing a payment or making a small filing mistake can now lead to serious consequences.

If you’re planning to apply or already have a case in progress, staying organised and keeping track of deadlines is no longer optional. It’s essential.