As of 2025, significant new fees affect asylum seekers and those applying for related immigration benefits. These changes cover initial asylum filings, introduce annual fees for pending asylum cases, and update work permit application costs. Stay informed with this essential guide.
Annual Asylum Case Fees
For the first time, an annual fee of $100 is required to maintain an active asylum case. This applies to cases with both USCIS and EOIR (immigration court). The fee helps cover government processing costs as your claim progresses.
- USCIS: Applicants with asylum cases pending for one year or more as of September 30, 2025, owe the $100 fee for this year. For example, if your case has been pending for three years by that date, you pay $100 now and annually thereafter as long as your case remains open. USCIS will send detailed payment instructions via notice but has not finalized the timing or process. More details are available on the USCIS fee update page.
- Immigration Court: For cases pending at least one year as of July 4, 2025, the $100 fee applies though the deadline is unclear. Additionally, the court has yet to fully implement a payment system, but some judges are already requesting payment and may enforce consequences for nonpayment. You may pay early via the immigration court payment portal by selecting the initial asylum application fee, printing the receipt, and presenting it at hearings. For further guidance, see the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project explanation.
New Filing Fees for Asylum Applications
Beginning July 22, 2025, the fee for filing a new asylum application is $100, where previously it was free.
- USCIS: Pay the fee when filing online or include it with your mailed application. Applications submitted without the fee on or after August 21, 2025, will be rejected. See instructions on paying the filing fee here.
- Immigration Court: The fee applies from July 4, 2025, though payment options became available only on September 23, 2025. Applicants who filed between these dates without paying should now pay and resubmit the application with payment proof.
Work Permit Application Fees
There are new fees for work permits for asylum seekers:
- Initial Work Permit: Starting July 22, 2025, the first work permit application costs $550, with no fee waivers available.
- Renewals: Renewal fees increased by $275, making the total $745 online. Partial fee waivers can still be requested for renewals.
Additional fee changes apply to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and parole-based work permits with increased fees and shorter validity periods.
What You Should Do Next
- If your asylum case is pending, promptly pay the annual $100 fee upon receiving USCIS or court notice or email from your attorney
- Always include the $100 filing fee with any new asylum application submissions.
- Budget for the updated work permit fees for both initial applications and renewals.
- Stay updated with official USCIS/EOIR announcements on fee payment processes.
These changes require asylum seekers to contribute toward processing costs for their claims and work authorization. Being informed now will help navigate your case smoothly.
This post provides informational content reviewed by expert immigration attorneys and is not legal advice.