The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced sweeping changes to immigration-related fees that will take effect from July 22, 2025, under a new U.S. law known as H.R. 1.
Detailed in a Federal Register notice dated July 18, the fee changes will impact various application categories, including asylum, parole, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and more.
These changes apply globally, affecting applicants from Nigeria and other countries seeking immigration benefits in the U.S.
Key Changes and Deadlines
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The new fees are mandatory and non-waivable, even for low-income or humanitarian applicants.
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All forms submitted on or after July 22 must include the correct payment.
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Any form postmarked on or after August 21, 2025, without the appropriate fee, will be rejected.
New Fee Structure Highlights
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Form I-589 (Asylum and Withholding of Removal):
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Now requires a $100 application fee – the first time asylum seekers must pay to file.
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Introduces an Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) of $100, due each year until the case is resolved. This must be paid online, and personalized notices will be sent to applicants.
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Employment Authorization Documents (EAD):
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$550 for initial applications.
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$275 for renewal or extension for specific categories:
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Asylum (c)(8), Withholding of Removal (a)(10), Parole (c)(11), TPS (a)(12), and others.
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$275 for EADs linked to Form I-131 (re-parole).
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Form I-360 (Special Immigrant Juvenile):
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New fee of $250.
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Form I-821 (TPS Registration):
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Fee raised from $50 to $500 — a tenfold increase.
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No Fee Waivers Allowed
Unlike other immigration-related costs, the USCIS clarified that these new fees cannot be waived or reduced, even with Form I-912 or any hardship request. They are in addition to existing fees outlined in 8 CFR part 106.
What’s Next?
USCIS noted that future updates will address fee adjustments for other forms, including Form I-131 (Travel Document) and Form I-102 (Replacement I-94).