Immigrants in the US need to be fully aware of the new rules introduced by the government. There is a new fee structure for immigrants, with increased fees for some forms, while others remain unchanged.
The new fee structure has been in place since January 1, 2026. Further, the US has not only increased certain immigration-related fees for the fiscal year 2026 but also stopped accepting paper checks and money orders for these fees. If one is not paying the correct fee amount or paying fees through a paper check or money order, the forms will not be accepted.
The New Fee Structure
The new inflation-adjusted fees are effective from January 1, 2026. If immigrants submit a benefit request postmarked on or after January 1, 2026, that requires one of these HR-1 fees, they must include the new fee for the specific benefit they are requesting. These fee adjustments reflect the amount of inflation from July 2024 through July 2025.
The inflationary adjustments for Fiscal Year 2026 to specific immigration-related fees are mandated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR-1), which requires annual adjustments for inflation.
New Fees Starting January 1
The Annual Asylum Application Fee will be $102, raised from $100. However, it is currently stayed via court order.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Initial Asylum Applicant Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Previous fee was $550 but now the new fee is $560.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Initial Parole EAD: Previous fee was $550 but now the new fee is $560.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Renewal or Extension of Parole EAD: Previous fee was $275 but now the new fee is $280.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Initial Temporary Protected Status (TPS) EAD: Previous fee was $550 but now the new fee is $560.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Renewal or Extension of TPS EAD: Previous fee was $275 but now the new fee is $280.
Form I-131, Part 9 – EAD requested upon authorization of a new period of Parole (Re-parole): Previous fee was $275 but now the new fee is $280.
Form I-821, Application for TPS: Previous fee was $500 but now the new fee is $510 .
No Change in Fees
I-589 Asylum Fee (Initial fee for foreigners filing an application for asylum): Fees remain at $100
I-765 Renewal or Extension of Asylum Applicant EAD: Fees remain at $275
I-360 Special Immigrant Juvenile Fee: Fees remain at $250
Compulsory ACH debit transaction
All USCIS fees must be paid via an ACH debit transaction from a U.S. bank using Form G-1650, or a credit/debit card using Form G-1450. This new ACH debit payment option is in addition to the existing option of paying by credit card using Form G-1450, giving individuals multiple options to pay required fees. Any failure to use accepted payment methods will result in rejection.