The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new hike in several fees related to immigration processes, which will take effect on October 16, 2026.
This adjustment, announced on September 30, will impact applications for asylum, work permits, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and certain travel documents and immigration parole.
USCIS explained that the new fees result from an inflation adjustment for the fiscal year 2027, as mandated by the federal law HR-1 (“One Big Beautiful Bill Act”). According to the agency, these increases account for the inflation rates observed between July 2025 and July 2026.
Details on USCIS Fee Increases
The annual fee for asylum applications will increase from $102 to $105.
The charge for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records, for cases subject to the immigration parole fee, will rise from $1,020 to $1,050.
The fee for Form I-765, applicable to certain initial employment authorization requests, will also go up, from $560 to $570.
According to USCIS, this fee applies to specific initial requests for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), including those linked to asylum seekers, emergency work permits, and individuals with Temporary Protected Status.
Moreover, the fee for Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, will increase from $510 to $520.
Consequences of Incorrect Fee Submissions
USCIS has stated that the new amounts will be mandatory for applications postmarked on or after October 16, 2026.
The agency warned that any application filed from that date, subject to one of the adjusted fees, must include the new corresponding amount.
Applications postmarked on or after October 16 that do not include the correct filing fee will be rejected, as confirmed by the agency.
This adjustment stems from the implementation of the immigration fees outlined in the HR-1 Act. USCIS had initially announced these fees in July 2025, and the legislation requires that certain amounts be updated for inflation starting in fiscal year 2026 and in subsequent fiscal years.
USCIS fee changes are just a part of the ever-evolving immigration landscape. Stay informed by checking our Immigration in the U.S. section for updates that might affect your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About USCIS Fee Changes
Why is USCIS increasing its fees?
The fee increase is due to an inflation adjustment for fiscal year 2027, as required by the federal law HR-1.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
If an application is submitted with the incorrect fee after October 16, 2026, it will be rejected by USCIS.
Which documents are affected by the fee increase?
The fee increases affect asylum applications, work permits, Temporary Protected Status, and certain travel documents and immigration parole.