Important Updates on Immigration Fees for 2026
- Immigration Help
- Nov 22, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
USCIS recently issued an alert announcing that, starting January 1, 2026, certain immigration-related fees will increase due to inflation. This change is part of the law passed as H.R. 1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” (USCIS)
Key Background Information
Here’s what you need to know:
The law mandates that specific fees for immigration benefit requests be adjusted each fiscal year. This adjustment is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). (Federal Register)
From July 2024 to July 2025, the CPI-U rose by about 2.70 percent. (Federal Register)
Consequently, some existing fees will see modest increases. These increases are often rounded down to the next lowest $10. This applies to applications postmarked on or after January 1, 2026. (Federal Register)
Examples of Fee Changes
Here are a few examples of the changes you may encounter:
The fee for an initial EAD (employment authorization) for asylum, parolee, or TPS-category applicants (Form I-765) will rise from $550 to $560. (Federal Register)
The renewal/extension EAD fee in that category will increase from $275 to $280. (Federal Register)
The TPS filing fee (Form I-821) will go up 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. This is because the inflation adjustment, once rounded, equals the current fee. (Federal Register)
Different adjustments apply to other fees (e.g., for parole, EVUS, or ESTA). (Federal Register)
USCIS states that 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 plans to file certain immigration applications (such as for EAD, TPS, asylum, or parole) in 2026 or later, these fee increases mean:
You’ll need to budget for a slightly higher filing cost.
Filing right at the end of 2025 (before January 1, 2026) may allow you to use the existing fee amount.
Submitting an application with the old fee amount after the new effective date may lead to rejection or a need to resubmit with the corrected fee. (Gozell Law)
Keep track of fee schedules and announcements, as these annual inflation adjustments will continue.
Tips & Practical Suggestions
Here are some tips to help you navigate these changes smoothly:
Check the form and fee schedule before filing — Even small changes matter. If you pay the wrong fee, you could delay your case.
File before the change if possible — If you have your materials ready and can mail something before January 1, 2026, you may lock in the older fee amount. However, don’t rush to the point of making mistakes.
Budget for the increase — While the increases are modest, they can 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 the risk of rejections or Requests for Evidence (RFE).
Consider timing in a broader strategy — If you’re planning multiple filings (e.g., one form now, another later), think about 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). 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 essential. The update for FY 2026 from USCIS is not dramatic, but it’s real. 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 ensure you 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.
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