If you’re planning to file any immigration forms with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), here’s the update you can’t ignore. From July 22, 2025, new non-waivable fees will apply to several immigration applications, including asylum, work permits, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Miss the payment or underpay after August 21, 2025, and your application will be rejected. No second chances.
Why Are These Fees Changing?
These changes are part of H.R. 1, a recently enacted US law that helps fund the country’s immigration system and aims to address the backlog of cases. These are in addition to existing USCIS filing fees, and they’re not optional, even if you’re a low-income applicant.
A Breakdown of the New Fees
The latest fee schedule specifically impacts several major categories for travellers, migrants, and those seeking protection in the United States. Let’s break down exactly what’s changing and how much more you’ll be paying.
1. Asylum Application Fee
Asylum seekers must now budget for recurring costs while waiting for their case to be resolved, which could take years.
- Form I-589
- New cost: $100 (approx. ₹8,300) for Form I-589 (was previously free)
- Annual fee: $100 every year while your asylum case is pending
- Payment notices: USCIS will send yearly payment reminders to applicants
2. Work Permit (EAD) Fees
This applies to Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs), which let you legally work while your case is still under review.
- Form I-765
- First-time applicants: $550 (approx. ₹45,800) for Form I-765
- Renewal/extension: $275
Special note: If applying after being granted extended parole (Form I-131), pay only $275
3. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Registration
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allows nationals from certain countries to live and work temporarily in the US if their home country is subject to conflict or natural disasters.
- Form I-821
- New fee: $500 (approx. ₹41,700) for Form I-821 (up from $50).
Important: This is just the registration fee. You’ll still need to pay for related forms like EADs separately.
4. Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Fee
This protection is aimed at children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected, and nd are applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status, allowing them to seek special immigrant status under US law.
- Form I-360
- New fee: $250 (approx. ₹20,800) for Form I-360.
This group previously had more protections, but now they’ll also be subject to fixed fees.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment?
- Late fees: If your asylum application (filed after October 1, 2024) is pending, USCIS will issue a direct notice for the Annual Asylum Fee.
- Ongoing fees: You must pay the fee each year on the anniversary of your application as long as your case is undecided.
How Long Do Work Permits Last Now
The length of your work permit’s validity is changing too:
| Category | New Validity |
|---|---|
| Parolees | 1 year or until parole ends, whichever is sooner |
| TPS Applicants | 1 year or until the TPS designation ends, whichever is sooner |
So even if you get approved, your work permit might last less than a year, depending on your status.
Old USCIS Charges Still Apply
Let’s be crystal clear: These new fees do not replace existing USCIS charges.
All prior filing fees under 8 CFR Part 106 are still in effect. If you’re eligible for a fee waiver, you can still file Form I-912 for those existing fees, but you can’t waive the new H.R. 1 fees.
Everyone has to pay. No exceptions.
More Fee Hikes Are Coming
USCIS has already hinted that this isn’t the end of the changes. More updated fees will soon be announced for:
- Form I-131 – Used to request re-entry or travel documents
- Form I-102 – Used to replace or fix errors in I-94 travel records
Stay alert. If you’re applying for any immigration benefit in the next few months, double-check the latest fee structure before you submit anything.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line: If you submit a form without including the new mandatory fee, USCIS will reject your application. That could delay your case by months or even years.
Whether you’re applying for asylum, TPS, or just trying to renew your work permit, make sure you factor in these new costs starting July 22, 2025.