The United States is introducing new fees for asylum seekers and work permit applicants

New USCIS rules increase the financial burden on migrants seeking asylum or work in the United States. The fees are mandatory for everyone — both those who are just applying and those whose cases are already pending. Find out how the new rules will work

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On 22 July 2025, new immigration fees will come into effect in the United States, affecting applicants for asylum, work permits and other humanitarian categories. This was officially announced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in a notice published in the Federal Register on 18 July 2025.

If you are not sure about your situation or do not know where to start - contact the migration lawyers of Visit Ukraine. Our legal assistance for Ukrainians includes consulting, situation analysis and preparation of documents - we will help you stay in the USA legally.

What will change

The fees are being implemented as part of HR 1 and apply to immigrants from Nigeria and other countries who wish to apply for asylum, parole, temporary protected status (TPS) and other forms of protection.

All applications submitted on or after 22 July must include the appropriate fees. Those sent by post after 21 August without the required fees will be rejected.

Key new fees:

▪️ $100 — fee for filing Form I-589 (application for asylum or withholding of removal).

▪️ $100 per year — new annual asylum fee (AAF) for applications that remain pending for more than one year.

▪️ $550 — initial application for an employment authorisation document (EAD).

▪️ $275 — renewal or renewal of EAD for applicants with codes (a)(4), (a)(12), (c)(8), (c)(11), (c)(19), (c)(34), etc.

▪️ $275 — EAD fee for applicants for re-admission to the United States (Form I-131).

▪️ $250 — registration fee on Form I-360 for special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) applicants.

▪️ $500 — new increased fee for TPS registration on Form I-821 (instead of the previous $50).

Important: fees cannot be waived

Unlike some existing fees, which can be waived using Form I-912 or a separate application, the new fees are not waivable. They are added to the standard USCIS fees already provided for in 8 CFR Part 106.

‘USCIS will reject any applications submitted by mail after 21 August 2025 without payment of the applicable new fees,’ the agency emphasised.

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Validity of work permits

On 22 July, new validity periods for work permits (EAD) will also come into effect, depending on the applicant's category:

For conditionally released persons, the EAD will be valid for a maximum of one year or until the end of their status, whichever comes first.

For TPS holders — both initial and extended EADs will be issued for up to one year or until the end of TPS.

Some fees related to other forms (e.g., I-131, I-102) will be introduced later and announced in separate notices.

To enter the USA, you must have health insurance that covers the main risks during your stay. The lack of an insurance policy may result in refusal of entry.

Visit Ukraine offers a wide range of reliable insurance programs that meet US requirements and protect your health during your trip and stay.

Reminder! In 2025, many Ukrainians are asking: does the U4U programme work, how to apply for Uniting for Ukraine, are there any alternatives, and what support is available to Ukrainians in the United States? We explained what has what has changed in the migration programme for Ukrainians in the United States, what opportunities Ukrainians in America have to stay in the country in 2025, how TPS status works, what visas are available, and how to obtain legal assistance for Ukrainians.

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