U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced new fee adjustments for several immigration applications starting in Fiscal Year 2026. These changes are required under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR-1) and are based on inflation. If you are planning to apply for an immigration benefit next year, it is important to understand what is changing, when the changes start, and how they might affect your application process.
When Will the New Fees Apply?
The updated fees will apply to any immigration benefit request that is postmarked on or after January 1, 2026.
If an application is sent on or after this date without the correct updated fee, USCIS will reject it immediately. This means even a small mistake in the payment amount can delay your case.
USCIS and DHS shared that this advance notice is meant to give applicants, attorneys, and employers enough time to prepare and adjust their filings before the changes go into effect.
Why Are Immigration Fees Increasing?
These fee increases are not random. Under HR-1, DHS is required to adjust certain immigration-related fees every year based on inflation.
Starting in 2026, and continuing each year after that, fees will be reviewed and adjusted to reflect the rising cost of processing immigration benefits. This is meant to help fund USCIS operations and keep the system running.
In the future, these adjustments may officially become part of the federal regulations, but for now, USCIS is announcing the updated rates through the official notice.
Updated USCIS Fees for Fiscal Year 2026
Below are some of the key immigration forms affected by the new fee structure:
| Form Type | Current Fee | New Fee (From Jan 1, 2026) |
| Annual Asylum Application Fee | $100 | $102 |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Initial Asylum Applicant Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | $550 | $560 |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Initial Parole EAD | $550 | $560 |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Renewal or Extension of Parole EAD | $275 | $280 |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Initial Temporary Protected Status (TPS) EAD | $550 | $560 |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Renewal or Extension of TPS EAD | $275 | $280 |
| Form I-131, Part 9 – EAD requested upon authorization of a new period of Parole (Re-parole) | $275 | $280 |
| Form I-821, Application for TPS | $500 | $510 |
What Does This Mean for Applicants, Employers, and Attorneys?
These changes affect everyone involved in the immigration process from individuals submitting applications to businesses sponsoring talent and attorneys managing multiple immigration cases. Here is what each group needs to know:
For Applicants
If you plan to apply for asylum, TPS, work authorization, or parole in 2026, these fee changes will directly affect you. To stay on track:
- Check the latest USCIS fees before you submit your application
- Make sure your payment method is updated and correct
- Consider speaking with an immigration attorney if you are uncertain about the new requirements
- If possible, file before January 1, 2026, to avoid the increased fees
Being prepared ahead of time can help you avoid delays or rejected applications.
For Employers
If your company files immigration petitions for employees, these changes mean you will need to adjust your processes:
- Update internal checklists and filing guidelines
- Review and revise payment procedures
- Inform sponsored employees about upcoming fee changes
- Plan your immigration budget to reflect the higher costs for 2026 filing
Missing these updates could result in rejected petitions and delays in employee onboarding or extension processes.
For Attorneys
- For immigration attorneys handling multiple cases, the impact is even more significant.
- Update your firm’s templates, checklists, and filing instructions
- Provide clear guidance to clients on the new fees and deadlines
- Double-check payment details before submission
Use case management tools like Imagility to track USCIS updates in real time. Staying organized and using technology that monitors USCIS policy changes can save time, reduce errors, and protect your client’s applications.
Final Thoughts
USCIS fee updates are becoming a yearly change under the new law, so staying informed is more important than ever. Even small fee differences can cause big delays if an application is rejected due to incorrect payment.
To stay ahead of these changes, immigration attorneys, employers, and applicants can rely on Imagility’s AI-powered immigration case management software. The platform continuously tracks USCIS policy updates, fee changes, and form revisions, helping users stay compliant and file easily. Being prepared today can save you time, stress, and costly errors tomorrow.
