Understanding the FY 2026 Fee Increases at USCIS and Their Impact
- Immigration Help
- Nov 22
- 4 min read
USCIS recently issued an alert announcing that, starting January 1, 2026, certain immigration-related fees will be increased, based on inflation, under the law passed as H.R. 1 (also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”). (USCIS)
Here’s the key background:
The law requires that certain fees for immigration benefit requests be adjusted each fiscal year based on the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). (Federal Register)
For the period from July 2024 to July 2025, CPI-U rose about 2.70 percent. (Federal Register)
As a result, some of the existing fees will see modest increases (rounded down to the next lowest $10 in many cases) when your application is postmarked on or after January 1, 2026. (Federal Register)
Here are a few examples of the changes you may see:
The fee for an initial EAD (employment authorization) for asylum-, parolee- or TPS-category applicants (Form I-765) rises from $550 to $560. (Federal Register)
The renewal/extension EAD fee in that category goes from $275 to $280. (Federal Register)
The TPS filing fee (Form I-821) increases from $500 to $510. (Federal Register)
Some fees, like the initial asylum-application fee (Form I-589) at $100, will remain unchanged for FY 2026 because the inflation adjustment, once rounded, equals the current fee. (Federal Register)
For other fees (e.g., for parole, EVUS or ESTA) different adjustments apply. (Federal Register)
USCIS states the new fees will apply to benefit requests postmarked on or after January 1, 2026. (Federal Register)
Why This Matters
If you or someone you are sponsoring is planning to file certain immigration applications (such as for EAD, TPS, asylum, parole) in 2026 or later, these fee increases mean:
You’ll need to budget a slightly higher filing cost.
Filing right at the end of 2025 (before January 1, 2026) may allow use of the existing fee amount.
Submitting an application with the old fee amount after the new effective date may result in rejection or a need to resubmit with corrected fee. (Gozell Law)
Keep track of fee schedules and announcements, because these annual inflation adjustments will continue.
Tips & Practical Suggestions
Here are some tips you might share with your audience to help them navigate these changes smoothly:
Check the form and the fee schedule before filing — Even small changes matter. If you pay the wrong fee, you could delay your case.
File before the change if you can — If you already have your materials ready and you’re able to mail something before January 1, 2026, you may lock in the older fee amount. But don’t rush to the point of making mistakes.
Budget for the increase — While the increases are modest, they still add up, especially if you or others are filing multiple forms.
Keep proof of your payment and filing date — Date-stamped mail or tracking can help you show you filed before the fee change.
Stay updated — Fee announcements are published on the official USCIS website and in the Federal Register. For example, USCIS’s alert “USCIS Announces FY 2026 Inflation Increase for Certain Immigration-Related Fees” is the authoritative source. (USCIS)
Prepare your supporting documents — Fees aren’t the only thing that can cause delays. Having your forms correct, supporting evidence organized, and instructions followed will help reduce risk of rejections or Request for Evidence (RFE).
Consider timing in a broader strategy — If you’re planning multiple filings (e.g., one form now, another later), look at how the timing might align with fee changes.
What This Does Not Cover
These fee changes apply only to certain fees specifically tied to H.R. 1 and the inflation adjustment provisions. Not all USCIS fees are included. (Federal Register)
This does not constitute legal advice or guarantee any outcome on your application.
It doesn’t address visa issuance fees from the U.S. Department of State or consular processing fees handled by the National Visa Center (NVC). While NVC has its own fee requirements and FAQs (e.g., payment must be done online via CEAC). (Travel State)
Other regulations or policy changes may affect processing, timelines, or eligibility, which are separate from the fee changes.
Final Word
For anyone navigating the U.S. immigration system, staying aware of fee changes is a must. The update for FY 2026 from USCIS is not dramatic, but it’s real and paying the right fee at the right time is foundational to avoiding delays or unnecessary hurdles.
If you’re planning to file with USCIS in 2026 or beyond, review the form you’re using, check the fee schedule, budget accordingly, and be sure to file on time with the correct amount. Staying proactive now can help keep your immigration journey moving as smoothly as possible.
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and do not give legal advice. Everything I share is based on publicly available information and the real-life experiences of my clients.