USCIS increases immigration fees for fiscal year 2026

On 22 November 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued an important announcement regarding the adjustment of immigration fees for fiscal year (FY) 2026.

According to the announcement, certain fees will be increased based on inflation from July 2024 to July 2025, in order to comply with provisions in the H.R. 1 bill. This adjustment is part of measures being implemented on an ongoing basis, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for updating fees annually based on inflation.

Rationale and scope of adjustments

The primary purpose of this notice is to ensure that immigration fees accurately reflect the rate of economic inflation.

According to USCIS, this fee increase will apply to specific application categories, primarily concerning temporary employment applications, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and certain asylum-related fees.

Increases generally range from 2% to approximately 2%, for example, from US$100 to US$102 for certain fees. However, not all fees are affected; some remain at their previous levels.

The notice emphasises that these changes will take effect from 1 January 2026. Any immigration benefit application submitted (postmarked) on or after this date must include the new fee amount.

If an application is submitted before 1 January 2026, the applicant may still use the old fee amount. This allows applicants time to prepare and avoid unnecessary errors.

Impacted costs

Below is a detailed list of the fees that will increase, along with the old and new amounts:

• Annual Asylum Application Fee: From US$100 to US$102. Note that this fee is currently suspended by court order, so applicants should check for updated status.
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization:
  • Initial Asylum Applicant EAD: From US$550 to US$560.
  • Initial Parole EAD: From US$550 to US$560.
  • Renewal or Extension of Parole EAD: From US$275 to US$280.
  • Initial TPS EAD: From US$550 to US$560.
  • Renewal or Extension of TPS EAD: From US$275 to US$280.
• Form I-131, Part 9 – EAD requested upon authorisation of a new period of Parole: From US$275 to US$280.
• Form I-821, Application for TPS: From US$500 to US$510.

These increases directly reflect inflation, and USCIS has published detailed information in the Federal Register.

Fees remaining unchanged

Not all fees are increasing. Some remain unchanged to support more vulnerable groups:

• I-589 Asylum Fee: Remains US$100.
• I-765 Renewal or Extension of Asylum Applicant EAD: Remains US$275.
• I-360 Special Immigrant Juvenile Fee: Remains US$250.

Additionally, the DHS will publish a separate notice in the future regarding adjustments to the immigration parole fee due to inflation.

Advice for applicants

USCIS recommends that applicants thoroughly check forms and fees before submission. If an application is submitted after 1 January 2026 using the old fee, it may be rejected or require additional evidence, leading to delays. Applicants should also monitor updates from USCIS, particularly regarding court orders concerning the annual asylum fee.

For further details, refer to the Federal Register notice on inflation adjustments, the H.R. 1 implementation notice, and other relevant links on the USCIS website. This fee adjustment is part of an effort to maintain a sustainable immigration system, though it presents challenges for many individuals and families seeking opportunities in the United States.

In summary, this notice highlights the necessity of updating fees in line with inflation to help USCIS maintain efficient operations. Applicants should plan early to avoid unwanted issues.