The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled new immigration fee rules under the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Act of 2025, warning that asylum seekers who fail to pay the newly introduced annual fee could face dismissal of their cases, loss of work permits and possible deportation from the country.The interim final rule is intended to implement funding measures under what is officially called the “Big Beautiful Bill Act.” It introduces a range of new fees and more stringent requirements for immigration applications, with a focus on asylum applications and related services.The main change is the Annual Asylum Fee (AAF), which must be paid every year while your asylum application is pending. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will notify applicants when payment is due.
If the fee is not paid within 30 days of notification, the asylum application will be rejected.
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According to the rule, applicants who do not have legal status in the United States could also be placed in removal proceedings if they fail to pay. Further consequences follow if the asylum application is rejected. USCIS will deny any pending Form I-765 applications for work authorization related to an asylum application, and any work authorization previously approved based on that application will be immediately terminated.
The changes stem from a Federal Register notice published on July 22, 2025, which introduced asylum filing and annual fees.The rule also brings additional changes to other immigration processes. USCIS will now retain the filing fee for Form I-589, Asylum Application, and Withholding of Removal, even if the application is denied because it was improperly filed. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders will receive a work permit limited to one year or the remainder of their appointment, whichever is shorter.Another change introduces a minimum filing fee of $24 for Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival and Departure Document, in addition to any other applicable fees.The new framework goes into effect on May 29, 2026. Beginning on that date, USCIS will deny Form I-102 applications submitted without the correct fees. It will also reject pending asylum applications if the annual asylum fee is not paid.DHS confirmed that it will accept public comments on the rule until June 29, 2026, as the implementation process progresses.
