If you plan to file any immigration forms with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must pay attention to new rules taking effect soon. Starting August 21, 2025, USCIS will refuse any application that does not include the correct filing fees. This update is part of broader changes introduced under the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill.
What Is Changing?
On July 18, 2025, USCIS announced revised charges for several immigration applications. These changes apply to widely used forms, including those for work permits, asylum applications, temporary protected status (TPS), and family reunification. The key takeaway is simple: without the exact required payment, your application will not be processed.
Major Deadline: August 21, 2025
Any application sent on or after this date must include the updated fees, without exception. Even if your application was prepared earlier, if the postmark is after July 22, 2025, the new fee schedule applies. USCIS will not process requests missing full payment.
New USCIS Fee Schedule
On July 31, 2025, USCIS released an updated fee schedule (Form G-1055). Highlights include:
- Asylum Applications (Form I-589): New annual fee of $100 (previously free).
- Work Permits (Form I-765): First-time applicants must pay $550; renewals and extensions cost $275.
- Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821): Increased to $500 from $50, excluding related forms such as EAD.
- Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status (Form I-360): New fee of $250 (previously free).
Additional Payment Rules
- Some forms now require additional non-waivable fees in addition to standard filing charges.
- These must be submitted at the same time as your application.
- Even if you qualify for a fee waiver for the primary cost, added charges under the new law cannot be waived.
Fee Waiver Policies
Applicants may still request fee waivers for certain charges by filing Form I-912. However:
- Not all forms are eligible for online waiver requests—some require mail submission.
- Additional charges introduced under the H.R. 1 Bill cannot be waived.
- Always verify the latest Form G-1055 fee schedule before submission.
Why This Matters
Missing or inaccurate fees will result in automatic rejection of your immigration request. With USCIS strictly enforcing these rules, applicants should carefully review fee requirements before filing to avoid costly delays.
Conclusion
The USCIS policy changes reflect a stronger emphasis on compliance and fee accuracy. Applicants must ensure they provide the exact updated fees starting August 21, 2025. Staying informed and double-checking payment requirements can save applicants from unnecessary denials or delays in immigration processing.
FAQ
When do the new USCIS fees take effect?
Beginning August 21, 2025, USCIS will reject applications that do not include the updated fees.
Which forms are most affected?
Asylum applications (I-589), work permits (I-765), TPS applications (I-821), and Special Immigrant Juvenile (I-360) requests are most impacted by the new charges.
Can I apply for a fee waiver?
Yes, but only for certain filing fees. Additional charges under the new H.R. 1 law cannot be waived.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
USCIS will automatically refuse your application, and you will need to resubmit with the correct payment.