US Introduces New Fees for Asylum Seekers Under 2026 Immigration Rule

The US Department of Homeland Security has issued a new rule introducing additional fees and stricter requirements for asylum seekers and certain immigration applicants, with implementation set for 29 May 2026.

The interim final rule, published by US Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Federal Register on 22 July 2025, establishes new charges under the Reconciliation Act of 2025, formally known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The legislation requires applicants to contribute more directly to the cost of immigration services and enforcement.

A central feature of the rule is the introduction of an Annual Asylum Fee (AAF). Individuals seeking asylum must pay this fee each year while their application remains under review. If the payment is not made within 30 days of notification, the application will be rejected. 

For applicants without lawful status, such a rejection will lead to the initiation of removal proceedings. Any related applications for employment authorisation will also be denied, and existing work permits linked to a pending asylum claim will be cancelled.

The rule also imposes a filing fee for Form I-589, used to apply for asylum or withholding of removal. This fee will not be refunded, even if the application is rejected due to errors or incomplete submission. 

In addition, changes have been made to employment authorisation for individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Work permits will now be limited to one year or the remaining duration of TPS designation, whichever is shorter.

Another provision affects Form I-102, which is used to request a replacement or initial nonimmigrant arrival-departure document. A minimum fee of $24 will now apply, and applications submitted without the correct payment will be rejected from the effective date.

These measures will take effect on 29 May 2026. From that point, the new fee requirements will apply to relevant applications, including pending asylum cases subject to the AAF.