Updated for 2025 (Nationwide)
As of July 22, 2025, significant changes have taken effect in the U.S. asylum process. For the first time in history, the U.S. government now requires asylum seekers to pay two separate fees:
- A $100 initial filing fee when submitting the asylum application (Form I-589), and
- A $100 annual fee for each year the application remains pending after the first year.
These asylum fees apply to cases filed with both USCIS and, in many situations, Immigration Court (EOIR).
Below is a clear, comprehensive breakdown of what applicants must know and how these changes may affect them.
1. The New $100 Initial Asylum Application Fee
Effective Date: July 22, 2025
Amount: $100
Applies To: Anyone filing Form I-589 with USCIS
When is this asylum fee paid?
The initial fee is due at the time the asylum application is filed.
How is the asylum fee paid?
- USCIS Portal (online filing)
- By mail (for paper filings with the correct asylum fee payment)
2. The New $100 Annual Fee for Pending Asylum Cases
Effective Date: September 30, 2025
Amount: $100 per year
Who Pays: Only the principal applicant, regardless of the number of family members included in the case.
When is it due?
This asylum fee must be paid every year after the application has been pending for 12 months.
Where is it paid?
- USCIS payment portal (for USCIS filings)
- EOIR payment portal (for cases in Immigration Court)
Note: EOIR activated its payment functionality in late September 2025.
3. Can the Asylum Fees Be Waived?
No.
Under the current rule, fee waivers are NOT available for either the initial fee or the annual fee.
4. What Happens If You Do NOT Pay the Asylum Fees?
- USCIS may reject or deny the asylum application.
- USCIS may treat the case as abandoned.
- This could affect employment authorization eligibility.
- Missing an annual payment may also cause delays or complications in the case.
5. Important Details Applicants Must Know
Keep Proof of Asylum Fees Payment
Always save a copy of:
- Confirmation number
- Receipt
- Email verification
Temporary Pauses May Occur for the Asylum Fees
There was a temporary pause due to litigation, but the rule is still in effect, and applicants should prepare to pay.
The Asylum Fee Applies Even if the Case Is Delayed
Applicants with cases pending for more than a year must be ready to pay the annual fee once required.
6. Why Were These Asylum Fees Implemented?
- Authorized under federal legislation (2025).
- Intended to help fund the U.S. asylum system.
- Applies nationwide and affects all asylum seekers, including those fleeing violence, persecution, and humanitarian crises.
This new requirement has generated concern among immigrant-rights advocates, particularly because asylum seekers often arrive with few financial resources.
7. How Ybarra Maldonado Law Group Can Help
At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, we understand the challenges asylum seekers face — especially now with new financial requirements.
We can assist with:
- Filing Form I-589 correctly
- Tracking asylum fee timelines
- Making sure payments are completed
- Preparing for interviews and hearings
- Protecting your rights throughout the asylum process
📞 For a confidential consultation with an experienced immigration attorney today.:
Call (602) 910-4040 or contact us online.
Conclusion
The $100 initial fee and $100 annual fee mark a major change in the asylum process for 2025. Understanding when the asylum fees apply, how to pay them, and the consequences of non-payment is essential for protecting your asylum rights.
If you or a loved one needs support navigating these new rules, our experienced immigration attorneys are ready to help guide you every step of the way.
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