USCIS Introduces New Fees for Asylum Applications and Work Permits

These changes affect both people who apply for asylum directly with USCIS (affirmative asylum) and those applying as part of a case in Immigration Court (EOIR) (defensive asylum).

Beginning July 22, 2025, anyone filing a new asylum application (Form I-589) with USCIS will need to pay a $100 filing fee, and those renewing or applying for a work permit under category C(8) will see higher costs — $550 for first-time applications and up to $520 for renewals, plus a new $275 annual renewal fee. Starting October 1, 2025, USCIS will also charge a $100 annual fee for asylum cases that have been pending for over a year.

For asylum seekers in Immigration Court, similar fees apply. Beginning July 4, 2025, a $100 filing fee will be required for new defensive asylum cases, with the same new EAD fees taking effect July 22, 2025. A $100 annual asylum fee will also begin July 7, 2025, for cases that have been pending longer than a year.

Applications submitted without the correct payment after August 21, 2025, will be rejected, and fee waivers will rarely be available. Because of these changes, asylum seekers should start preparing now for these new costs and make sure all future filings include the required payments to avoid delays or denials.

For more information, please see the following link USCIS Updates Fees Based on H.R. 1 | USCIS

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