New fees for asylum applications and work permits: what you need to know

In October 2025, ASAP (Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project) published a summary of the significant regulatory change from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR / Immigration Court) regarding the fees that affect asylum seekers, individuals under TPS (Temporary Protected Status), and those applying for work permits based on asylum or parole, among others. These changes bring important implications for those who assist in immigration processes.

You can also read: “The U.S. intensifies social media screening of immigration applicants“

What are the key changes?

• Annual asylum fee (USCIS): US $100 for applications pending more than one year.
• Annual asylum fee (immigration court): US $100 for cases pending more than one year.
• Initial asylum application: US $100 starting July 22, 2025.
• Work permits for asylum applicants (EADs): US $550 initial; renewals between US $745 and US $795.
• TPS and TPS-based work permits: initial registration US $530; work permits US $1,020 (online) or US $1,070 (by mail).
• Work permits based on parole: US $1,020 online / US $1,070 by mail; renewals US $745 / US $795.

Why does this matter?

The changes have significant effects on access to asylum and legal employment. Among the main impacts:

• Increased financial cost for applicants.
• Greater administrative burden and risk of rejection due to payment errors.
• Fee differences depending on the method (online or by mail).
• Shorter validity for certain work permits.
• Creation of a precedent with annual fees that did not previously exist.

Suggestions:

1. Update your clients’ fee sheet.
2. Verify deadlines and eligibility, especially for annual fees.
3. Check accepted payment methods and keep receipts.
4. Prepare the client for expirations or early renewals.
5. Document the payment receipt and keep the Payment Tracking ID.
6. Check the possibility of fee waivers.
7. Stay informed about ongoing litigation or lawsuits (ASAP filed one on October 3, 2025).

Finally, the changes in immigration fees reflect a major shift in the policy regarding access to asylum and legal employment in the U.S. In an environment of rising costs and new requirements, information and preparation are key to avoiding rejections and maintaining immigration stability.

From: ASAP – Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (https://asaptogether.org/es/nuevas-tarifas/)

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