Concluded
DHS adds penalties for unpaid asylum fees and shortens TPS work permits
If you have an pending asylum claim or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), unpaid annual filing fees may lead to penalties and your work permit (EAD) may be issued for a shorter timeframe.
AsylumTPS Temporary Protected StatusHumanitarian ParoleF-1 Academic StudentH-1B Specialty OccupationIR1 / CR1 Spouse of a U.S. CitizenL-1 Intracompany TransfereeO-1 Extraordinary AbilityTN/TD USMCA ProfessionalAdjustment of StatusDACA
Who this applies to & what you could do
Asylum
- USCIS will reject pending asylum applications if the Annual Asylum Fee is not paid within 30 days of notification.
- Work permits tied to rejected asylum applications will be revoked immediately, and pending work authorization requests will be denied.
- USCIS will initiate removal proceedings for applicants without other legal status if their asylum application is rejected.
- USCIS will retain Form I-589 filing fees even if an application is rejected for improper filing.
- Make sure your mailing address is up to date with USCIS so you do not miss any fee notices. Watch your mail closely for Annual Asylum Fee payment requests, and consult an immigration attorney or a legal representative accredited by the Department of Justice immediately if you receive a fee notice.
- Check the amount on the USCIS fee page the day you pay rather than relying on an older guide. The wrong amount may lead to a rejection.
TPS Temporary Protected Status
- Work permit validity for TPS beneficiaries will be capped at one year or the remaining duration of the country's TPS designation, whichever is shorter.
- A minimum $24 fee will be required for Form I-102 (replacement arrival-departure documents) postmarked on or after May 29, 2026.
- Annual inflation adjustment
- USCIS will stop accepting money orders and paper checks starting October 28, 2025.
- Check the expiration dates on your current TPS approval notice and work permit card. Plan ahead for shorter renewal cycles, and speak with a legal aid provider or a qualified immigration lawyer to ensure your applications are submitted on time.
- Verify the current amount before each filing.
Humanitarian Parole
- USCIS is introducing a new immigration parole fee under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
- A mandatory immigration parole fee is now in effect for humanitarian parole requests.
- Applications filed without the correct fee amount or an approved fee waiver request may be rejected by USCIS.
- Updated policy guidance has been added to the official USCIS Policy Manual.
- Check the official USCIS website for the latest fee requirements before submitting your paperwork, collect your filing materials early, and speak with a qualified legal representative or an accredited legal aid organization for guidance.
- Check the current USCIS Fee Schedule and form instructions before submitting your application to confirm the exact fee required. If you cannot afford the fee, gather documentation of your financial situation to see if you qualify to request a fee waiver, and speak with a qualified legal representative or accredited legal assistance organization for guidance on your submission.
F-1 Academic Student
- Annual inflation adjustment to I-765 fees
- USCIS will discontinue accepting paper checks and money orders starting October 28, 2025.
- Fees must be paid using a credit card, debit card, or an ACH bank transfer authorization via Form G-1650.
- Increased Form I-765 fees
- Confirm the amount on the form fee page before you file.
- Gather your payment details early. Your Designated School Official (DSO) or international student advisor can review your application packet to help ensure your fee payment form is filled out correctly before mailing.
H-1B Specialty Occupation
- Paper payment methods will be eliminated for USCIS filings on October 28, 2025.
- All fees must be submitted electronically using cards or Form G-1650 for ACH transfers.
- Coordinate with your employer's HR or legal team to ensure that corporate payment procedures are updated to support electronic card payments or ACH authorizations prior to the October 28, 2025 effective date.
IR1 / CR1 Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
- Paper checks and money orders will no longer be accepted for filings starting October 28, 2025.
- Filing fees must be paid via credit card, debit card, or Form G-1650 ACH direct transfer.
- Verify that your payment option matches the new requirements before mailing any forms. Review the official USCIS website or consult a qualified immigration attorney for assistance with application preparation.
L-1 Intracompany Transferee
- USCIS will reject paper checks and money orders beginning October 28, 2025.
- Filing fees must be paid via debit card, credit card, or Form G-1650 for ACH transactions.
- Work with your company's mobility or immigration team to verify that payment arrangements for Form I-129 filings are set up using supported electronic payment methods.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability
- USCIS will discontinue accepting paper checks and money orders on October 28, 2025.
- Payments must be submitted electronically using cards or Form G-1650 ACH bank authorization.
- Ensure your petitioning sponsor or legal team is aware of the payment policy update and prepares electronic authorization forms well ahead of your filing date.
TN/TD USMCA Professional
- Paper checks and money orders will no longer be accepted by USCIS starting October 28, 2025.
- Fees must be paid electronically using debit/credit cards or Form G-1650 ACH transfer.
- Check your filing package before mailing to ensure payment is included via a valid electronic card form or Form G-1650. Consult with your legal counsel for specific submission guidelines.
Adjustment of Status
- USCIS will stop accepting paper checks, cashier's checks, and money orders on October 28, 2025.
- Filing fees must be paid electronically using a credit card, debit card, or Form G-1650 for ACH direct bank transfers.
- Higher fees for work permits and travel documents
- Before submitting your application, ensure you have a valid credit card, debit card, or a completed Form G-1650 for direct bank payment. Check the USCIS website or consult with a legal representative or legal aid organization to confirm fee structures prior to mailing.
- Include the correct fee. An incorrect amount gets the whole package rejected.
DACA
- Paper checks and money orders will no longer be accepted for DACA filings starting October 28, 2025.
- Payments must be submitted electronically via debit card, credit card, or Form G-1650 ACH bank authorization.
- Higher work permit fees
- Confirm that your payment method is ready before submitting your renewal. If you rely on money orders, set up a debit card, credit card, or bank account, and seek guidance from a legal professional or community advocate if you need assistance with electronic forms.
- Confirm the current amount on the USCIS fee page the day you send your renewal. An outdated amount can get the whole packet returned.
Timeline — newest first
DHS sets penalties for unpaid asylum fees and shortens work permits for TPS holders
USCIS implements new fee for immigration parole requests
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating its policy guidance to implement a new immigration parole fee created by recent federal legislation. This story is still developing as the official policy guidance takes effect. If you are applying for parole, your request may now require paying an additional fee.
USCIS implements new fee for humanitarian parole applications
USCIS introduces a new fee for immigration parole requests
Fees for asylum, work permits and TPS now rise a little every year with inflation
USCIS will end paper payments and require credit card or bank transfers starting October 2025
New fees added for asylum, work permits, TPS and parole
Summaries are AI-generated from public government sources and news coverage. This is not legal advice.