2025 Asylum Application Fee & EAD Cost Changes in the U.S.

The U.S. government has announced major changes to asylum application fees, asylum program fees, and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) costs, all set to take effect in mid-2025. These updates impact both affirmative asylum applicants (who apply directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – USCIS) and defensive asylum applicants (who apply in Immigration Court under the Executive Office for Immigration Review – EOIR).

Because these changes introduce new asylum fees and increased EAD costs, applicants should prepare financially and be aware of the strict deadlines to avoid case rejections.

New Asylum Application Fee for USCIS Filings

Beginning July 22, 2025, all new affirmative asylum applications (Form I-589) filed with USCIS must include a $100 asylum application fee.

In addition, USCIS will begin charging for work permits under category C(8):

• $550 – Initial EAD application
  
  
• $520 – Paper-filed renewals or extensions
  
  
• $470 – Online renewals or extensions
  
  
• $275 – Annual EAD renewal fee
  
  

Starting October 1, 2025, USCIS will also introduce a $100 annual asylum program fee for any asylum case that has been pending one year or longer since October 1, 2024. This annual asylum fee will continue until the case is resolved.

⚠️ Important: As of August 21, 2025, any asylum or EAD application submitted without the correct payment will be automatically rejected. Fee waivers will not be available in most situations.

Defensive Asylum Fee Changes in Immigration Court (EOIR)

For applicants defending their cases in Immigration Court, EOIR will implement similar but slightly earlier changes.

• July 4, 2025 – New $100 defensive asylum application fee for Form I-589 filings.
  
  
• July 7, 2025 – Introduction of the $100 annual asylum fee for all defensive asylum cases pending one year or longer since July 7, 2024.
  
  
• July 22, 2025 – New EAD costs identical to USCIS: $550 initial, $520 paper renewal, $470 online renewal, plus $275 annual renewal fee.
  
  
• September 23, 2025 – Launch of the EOIR ePay Portal for online asylum fee and EAD payments.
  
  

As with USCIS, any defensive asylum application or EAD request filed without payment after August 21, 2025 will be rejected.

What These Asylum Fee Updates Mean for Applicants

The introduction of the asylum application fee and the annual asylum program fee marks a significant change in U.S. immigration policy. For decades, asylum applications were free of charge, but now both USCIS and EOIR will require payments for new and pending cases.

Key takeaways for applicants:

• A $100 asylum application fee applies to all new cases.
  
  
• A $100 annual asylum fee applies to pending asylum cases after one year.
  
  
• EAD fees are increasing significantly, with additional annual renewal costs.
  
  
• No fee waivers will be available in most cases, so applicants must prepare financially.
  
  
• Applications submitted without the required asylum program fee or EAD payment will be rejected after August 21, 2025.
  
  

Preparing for the New Asylum Program Fee Rules

If you are considering filing for asylum or currently have a pending case, you should plan ahead now:

• Budget for both the asylum fee and annual program fee.
  
  
• Stay updated on official USCIS and EOIR notices regarding deadlines and payment instructions.
  
  
• Ensure that all EAD applications include the correct fee to avoid rejection or delay.
  
  
• Consult with an experienced U.S. immigration attorney to understand how these changes may affect your case strategy.
  

Final Thoughts

The introduction of the asylum program fee and higher EAD costs is a major shift for asylum seekers in the United States. Whether you are filing affirmatively with USCIS or defensively in Immigration Court, it is essential to stay compliant with the new asylum application fee rules and prepare financially.

Because fee waivers will rarely be available, proactive planning will help you avoid unnecessary delays, denials, or case rejections under the new system.