USCIS Is Increasing Certain Immigration Fees
USCIS has announced an inflation adjustment for certain immigration-related fees for fiscal year 2027.
For USCIS, most of the updated fees will take effect on October 16, 2026.
Changes include:
- Annual Asylum Fee for a pending Form I-589: $102 → $105
- Immigration Parole Fee: $1,020 → $1,050
- Initial Form I-765 for asylum applicants under category (c)(8): $560 → $570
- Initial Form I-765 based on parole: $560 → $570
- Initial Form I-765 based on TPS: $560 → $570
- Form I-821 for TPS: $510 → $520
Some fees are not changing. For example, the initial filing fee for Form I-589 remains $100, while the renewal fee for Form I-765 under category (c)(8) remains $275.
The Annual Asylum Fee requires a separate explanation.
Today, September 30, is the final day of fiscal year 2026. FY2027 begins on October 1.
If Form I-589 was filed before October 1, 2024 and is still pending, the Annual Asylum Fee obligation has already arisen twice:
- for FY2025 - $100;
- for FY2026 - $102.
This means today marks the end of the second fiscal year for which an annual fee applies.
On October 1, the third fiscal year - FY2027 begins. The Annual Asylum Fee for FY2027 increases to $105.
This does not mean another $105 must automatically be paid on October 1. If an older Form I-589 remains pending during FY2027, the next annual fee obligation will arise for that fiscal year.
If your Form I-589 is pending with USCIS:
Check the official USCIS website to see whether payment of the Annual Asylum Fee is available for your case.
USCIS should send a separate notice stating the amount due, the payment deadline, and how to pay.
If USCIS has not sent you a notice and has not provided a way to pay the fee, you do not need to take any additional action. This is not your fault. Do not try to send the payment through another method. Wait for the USCIS notice and for an official payment option to become available.
If payment is already available or you have received a notice, check the payment status and pay through the official USCIS website if necessary.
If your Form I-589 is pending in Immigration Court:
The process is different. EOIR allows the Annual Asylum Fee to be paid through the EOIR Payment Portal even before an immigration judge issues a separate written order.
Therefore, if your case is in Immigration Court, it is better to check whether payment is available and pay the Annual Asylum Fee even if you have not yet received a separate notice.
After payment, make sure to save the receipt and Tracking ID.
EOIR also states that consequences for nonpayment should not be imposed until the immigration judge issues a written order, establishes a payment deadline, and that deadline passes.
Important: for EOIR, FY2027 fee amounts take effect on October 1, 2026, while the corresponding USCIS fee increases take effect on October 16.
Before making any payment, always verify the current amount directly on the official USCIS or EOIR website.
Sources:
USCIS - FY2027 Fee Increase
USCIS - Annual Asylum Fee
EOIR - Payment Portal FAQ
I-GUIDE is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with USCIS, EOIR, or any other U.S. government agency. The information is based on official sources and is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice.
