U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major update to its fee structure, effective July 22, 2025, following the passage of the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill. This change affects thousands of immigrants, asylum seekers, and other applicants across the United States 🇺🇸, introducing new fees and stricter payment rules. The update aims to support agency operations and ensure continued funding for immigration services, but it also raises concerns about affordability and access for vulnerable groups.
Applicants must pay the new fees for benefit requests postmarked on or after July 22, 2025. If forms are sent without the correct fees after August 21, 2025, USCIS will reject them outright. This strict enforcement means applicants need to be careful and well-prepared to avoid costly delays or denials.
Key New Fees and Changes Under H.R. 1
The H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, signed into law on July 4, 2025, brings several important changes to immigration fees. Here are the most critical updates:
- Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal):
- New $100 filing fee for all applicants.
- Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) of $100, paid online, for each year the application remains pending after 365 days from the filing date. This fee applies to asylum applications filed on or after October 1, 2024. USCIS will send personal notices when the AAF is due, so applicants do not need to track the timing themselves.
- Form I-589 official page
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) for certain categories:
- Initial EAD application fee: $550.
- Renewal or extension EAD application fee: $275.
- Exception: If applying for an EAD after approval of a new parole period (re-parole) using Form I-131, the fee is $275.
- Validity for EADs in these categories is limited to one year or the duration of parole or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), whichever is shorter.
- Form I-765 official page
- Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant) for Special Immigrant Juveniles:
- New $250 fee for any alien filing as a special immigrant juvenile. This fee cannot be waived or reduced.
- Form I-360 official page
- Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status):
- Maximum registration fee increased from $50 to $500.
- Form I-821 official page
These changes mean that many applicants will face higher costs when applying for or renewing important immigration benefits. The new fees are in addition to existing USCIS fees under 8 CFR part 106. They do not replace or cancel out current fees, so applicants must pay both the old and new fees where required.
Fee Payment and Waiver Details
USCIS requires that each fee be submitted separately with the application or petition. If an applicant is eligible for a fee waiver for the existing fees under 8 CFR 106.3(a), they may submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, or a written fee waiver request. However, the new H.R. 1 fees cannot be waived or reduced under any circumstances. This rule applies even to those facing financial hardship, making it essential for applicants to plan ahead and budget for these costs.
Implementation and Enforcement Timeline
The new fees apply to all benefit requests postmarked on or after July 22, 2025. USCIS will reject any form postmarked on or after August 21, 2025, that does not include the proper fees. Between July 22 and August 21, 2025, USCIS may issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for missing H.R. 1 fees, but after August 21, applications without the correct fees will be rejected immediately. This tight timeline means applicants must act quickly and carefully to avoid problems.
| Country/Type | Visa Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Form I-589 (Asylum) | pending after 365 days |
| USA | Form I-765 (Employment Authorization) | validity limited to one year or duration of parole/TPS |
| USA | Form I-821 (Temporary Protected Status) | maximum registration fee applies |
| USA | Visa Integrity Fee | effective October 1, 2025 |
Revenue Allocation: Where Do the Fees Go?
A portion of the revenue from these new fees will be deposited and retained by USCIS in the Immigration Examinations Fee Account (IEFA). This account helps fund immigration services and supports the agency’s operations. The rest of the revenue will go to the general fund of the U.S. Treasury. This split is designed to make USCIS less dependent on congressional funding and more self-sustaining.
Additional Notes and Pending Fee Changes
Not all the new fees required by H.R. 1 are covered in the current Federal Register Notice (FRN). Fees for Form I-131 (Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records) and Form I-102 (Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document) will be announced in a future action by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
H.R. 1 also introduces a Visa Integrity Fee of $250 for foreign nationals applying for non-immigrant visas at U.S. embassies or consulates, effective October 1, 2025. This fee is refundable, but details on how refunds will be processed are not yet clear.
Practical Implications for Applicants
The new fee structure will have a direct impact on many groups:
- Asylum Seekers: Must now pay a $100 filing fee and a $100 annual fee if their application is pending for more than a year. This recurring cost could be a burden for those waiting long periods for a decision.
- Applicants for Employment Authorization (EAD): Face higher fees for initial and renewal applications, especially in asylum, parolee, and TPS categories.
- Special Immigrant Juveniles: Must pay a $250 fee when filing Form I-360, with no option for a waiver.
- TPS Applicants: The registration fee for Form I-821 has increased tenfold, from $50 to $500.
Applicants who fail to include the new fees with their applications after August 21, 2025, will see their forms rejected, leading to delays and possible loss of status or benefits. Since the new H.R. 1 fees cannot be waived, even those with limited financial resources must pay the full amount.
Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives
Immigration lawyers and advocates have voiced concerns about the added complexity and financial strain these changes bring. As reported by VisaVerge.com, legal experts warn that the new fees, being “in addition” to existing ones, can easily confuse applicants and lead to mistakes. They recommend that applicants and practitioners carefully review the updated fee schedules before submitting any forms.
Advocacy groups highlight the impact on vulnerable populations, especially asylum seekers and TPS holders, who may struggle to pay the new non-waivable fees. Some groups argue that these changes could discourage people from seeking protection or legal status, especially those already facing hardship.
USCIS and DHS officials, on the other hand, say that the fee increases are necessary to keep the agency running smoothly and to reduce its reliance on congressional funding. They also point out that H.R. 1 requires fees to be adjusted each year based on inflation, so applicants should expect regular increases.
Background and Legislative Context
H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21), was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The bill allocates over $140 billion to border security and immigration enforcement, while also reforming how immigration services are funded. The new fees are part of a broader effort to make the immigration system more sustainable and to ensure that those using the system help pay for its costs.
The changes reflect a shift in how the United States 🇺🇸 funds its immigration services. Instead of relying mainly on congressional appropriations, USCIS will now collect more revenue directly from applicants. This approach is meant to provide more stable funding but may also make it harder for some people to afford the process.
Case Example: Asylum Seeker Facing New Fees
Consider Maria, an asylum seeker who filed her Form I-589 on October 2, 2024. Her application is still pending as of July 2026. Under the new rules, Maria must pay the $100 annual asylum fee for each year her application remains pending after the first year. She will receive a personal notice from USCIS when the fee is due, explaining how to pay and what happens if she does not. If Maria cannot pay, her application could be delayed or even denied, putting her at risk.
Tips for Applicants and Practitioners
- Check the latest fee schedule on the USCIS official website before filing any application or petition.
- Submit each fee separately as required. Do not combine payments for different forms or requests.
- Apply for a fee waiver for existing fees if eligible, using Form I-912, but remember that H.R. 1 fees cannot be waived.
- Watch for personal notices from USCIS regarding annual asylum fees and other payments.
- Consult an immigration attorney or accredited representative if you have questions about the new fees or your eligibility for a waiver.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
USCIS will continue to update its fee structure as required by H.R. 1 and will announce additional fee changes for other forms in the future. Applicants should stay informed by checking official announcements and consulting trusted sources.
H.R. 1 signed into law
New fees effective for applications
Forms without correct fees will be rejected
New annual asylum fee applies for applications
Visa Integrity Fee becomes effective
The agency will also provide more guidance on how to pay annual fees and what to do if you receive a notice about a required payment. Since the new rules require annual inflation adjustments, fees are likely to rise each year.
Conclusion: Preparing for the New Fee Landscape
The new USCIS fees based on H.R. 1 mark a significant change for immigrants, asylum seekers, and others seeking benefits in the United States 🇺🇸. With higher costs, stricter payment rules, and limited options for fee waivers, applicants must be proactive and careful to avoid delays or denials. By staying informed, budgeting for new fees, and seeking help when needed, individuals can better manage the challenges of the updated system.
For the most current information, always refer to the USCIS official fee schedule and updates. If you have questions or need help, contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center or speak with a qualified immigration attorney. These steps can help ensure that your application process goes as smoothly as possible under the new rules.
Learn Today
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, responsible for managing immigration benefits and enforcement.
H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill → A 2025 law reforming immigration fees and funding, including new mandatory fees and enforcement rules.
Form I-589 → Application used to request asylum or withholding of removal from the U.S. government.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → An official permit allowing certain immigrants to work legally in the U.S.
Immigration Examinations Fee Account (IEFA) → A USCIS account used to collect fees that fund immigration services and operations.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS will implement significant fee increases July 22, 2025, under H.R. 1. New fees impact asylum seekers, work authorizations, and juvenile immigrants. Strict enforcement begins August 21, with form rejections for insufficient payment. These changes aim to sustain immigration services but raise affordability concerns for vulnerable applicants across the U.S.
— By VisaVerge.com
