USCIS Fees Went Up October 16: What You Pay Now for Asylum, TPS and Parole

If you have an asylum case, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or a parole request, some of your USCIS fees changed on October 16, 2026. The increases are small, between $3 and $30 per fee. But USCIS has said it will reject any filing that does not include the correct amount.

There is one more detail many people miss: these fees are charged on top of the regular filing fee for the form, in most cases. Below, we explain what changed, what you may pay in total, and how to avoid a rejection.

What changed on October 16?

USCIS made its yearly inflation adjustment to certain fees created by H.R. 1. According to the notice published in the Federal Register, the new amounts apply to filings postmarked on or after October 16, 2026.

Fee	Form	Until Oct 15	Since Oct 16
Annual asylum fee (while your case is pending)	I-589	$102	$105
First work permit for asylum, parole or TPS	I-765	$560	$570
Temporary Protected Status	I-821	$510	$520
Parole fee (charged only if parole is approved)	I-131	$1,020	$1,050

Some fees did not change. The initial asylum application fee is still $100, and work permit renewals for asylum ($275), parole ($280) and TPS ($280) stay the same. Renewals no longer get an automatic extension, so file early: see EAD automatic extensions: what changed and who still qualifies.

What will I pay in total?

The amounts above are added to the form's regular filing fee wherever one applies. A few examples:

• First work permit based on asylum: the regular I-765 fee is $0, so you pay $570.

• First work permit based on parole or TPS: $570 plus the regular I-765 fee, which is $520 on paper or $470 online. That is about $1,090 by mail or $1,040 online.

• TPS registration: $520 plus the regular Form I-821 fee and the $30 biometrics fee, where they apply.

• Parole: the $1,050 is not paid when you file. It is charged only if parole is approved, in addition to the Form I-131 filing fee ($630 by mail or $580 online for most parole requests from outside the U.S.). If you are outside the United States, you pay it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry, each time you seek parole there.

Fees change often, so check the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055) the day you file.

Video (in Spanish): Attorney Cabrera explains why the parole fee is charged only if parole is approved. It was recorded in 2025, when the fee was $1,000.

Can I get a fee waiver?

In general, no. The H.R. 1 fees cannot be waived or reduced, even for applicants who qualify for other fee waivers. The $30 TPS biometrics fee can still be waived, and the law lists limited exceptions to the parole fee, such as certain medical emergencies.

What happens if I send the wrong fee?

USCIS has stated that filings without the proper fee will be rejected. A rejected application is returned to you and is treated as if it was never filed. That can cost you weeks, and in some cases it can make you miss a deadline.

If you mail your application, the postmark date decides which fee applies. If you file online, the date you submit counts.

Video (in Spanish): how to pay USCIS fees, and why the wrong payment method can also get your application rejected.

Before you file

• Check the fee on the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055) the same day you file.

• Add the regular form fee and the H.R. 1 fee together when both apply.

• Keep proof of your mailing date, such as a tracking receipt.

• If you are unsure, ask an immigration attorney to review your package first.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new USCIS fees start?

On October 16, 2026. They apply to filings postmarked or submitted online on or after that date.

How much is the annual asylum fee now?

$105, up from $102. It is due for each year your asylum application stays pending. For the latest on pending cases, see USCIS resumes asylum processing for certain countries.

Did the fee to renew my work permit go up?

No. Renewal fees for asylum, parole and TPS work permits did not change.

I mailed my application before October 16 with the old fee. Is that a problem?

No. If the package was postmarked on or before October 15, 2026, the old fee was correct.

Can I ask for a fee waiver for these fees?

No. The H.R. 1 fees cannot be waived, with limited exceptions for the parole fee.

What if USCIS rejects my application for the wrong fee?

You will need to send it again with the correct fee. Your filing date will be the date USCIS receives the corrected package.

Conclusion

These increases are small, but a wrong amount can delay your case. If you plan to file for asylum, TPS, parole or a first work permit, check the total carefully, or let us review your filing before it goes out. USCIS has also proposed a much larger increase for citizenship: read Citizenship fee increase: USCIS proposes raising the cost to $1,330.

Contact Denise P. Cabrera – Immigration Attorney in Santa Ana

Schedule a consultation to review your immigration file, understand the status of your case, and receive guidance on your available options.

Contact Information

📍 Office: 3000 W. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 305, Santa Ana, CA 92704

📞 Phone: (714) 855-6741

🌐 Website: www.attorneydpc.com

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. USCIS fees can change and every immigration case is different. Please consult a licensed immigration attorney about your specific situation.