- The USCIS will implement new immigration application fees starting on January 1, 2026.
- Fee adjustments are consistent with annual inflation requirements under HR 1.
- The revised fees will reflect inflation data collected between July 2024 and July 2025.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new set of immigration application fees that will take effect on January 1, 2026. These changes follow the annual inflation adjustments required by HR 1.
The revised fees are based on inflation measured between July 2024 and July 2025, according to HR 1, which requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to update certain immigration fees at the beginning of each fiscal year.
According to USCIS, these automatic adjustments will continue annually starting in fiscal year 2026. All applications mailed on or after January 1, 2026 must include the updated fee. Increases only apply to specific categories listed in the announcement.
Fee increase details
The new rates affect multiple areas, including Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), parole-related applications, and fees related to asylum applications. However, the asylum application fee itself will remain suspended due to existing court orders.
Asylum related costs
- The annual asylum application fee increased from $100 to $102, but the court ruling remains on hold.
- The Form I-765 EAD fee for first-time asylum seekers increases from $550 to $560.
EAD Fees Related to Parole
- Initial parole EAD ranges from $550 to $560.
- Renewal or extension of parole EAD increased from $275 to $280.
- Form I-131 (Part 9) EAD increases from $275 to $280 for new parole period (reparole).
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Fees
- Form I-765 EAD for new TPS applicants increased from $550 to $560.
- TPS EAD renewal or extension increases from $275 to $280.
- The I-821 TPS application form increases from $500 to $510.
Fees will not change
Despite the inflation update, some costs will remain the same in 2026:
- $100 initial Form I-589 asylum fee
- Asylum-based EAD renewal or extension fee is $275
- $250 Form I-360 Special Immigrant Juvenile Fee
USCIS added that the Department of Homeland Security will issue an additional notice detailing the next inflation update for immigration parole fees.
The agency warns that any forms submitted after January 1, 2026 with an incorrect fee amount will be rejected. This could slow down processing for thousands of people seeking work permits, TPS renewals or asylum-related services. USCIS urges applicants and their representatives to review the new fee schedule in advance to avoid delays once the changes take effect.
