New inflation-linked charges will affect selected immigration services, including asylum applications, employment authorisation, parole and Temporary Protected Status
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to introduce higher fees for several immigration applications and services beginning October 16, 2026.
The adjustment will affect selected applications involving asylum, immigration parole, employment authorisation and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
USCIS said the new charges are part of annual inflation-based adjustments required under H.R. 1, which directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review and adjust specified immigration-related fees each year.
The latest adjustment is based on inflation recorded between July 2025 and July 2026 and will apply to qualifying applications and requests postmarked on or after October 16.
New USCIS Immigration Fees
Under the revised fee structure, the Annual Asylum Application Fee will increase from $102 to $105.
The fee for immigration parole associated with Form I-131, which covers applications for travel documents, parole documents and arrival/departure records, will rise from $1,020 to $1,050.
Applicants seeking an initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD) through Form I-765 under categories covering asylum applicants, parolees or TPS applicants will also face a higher charge. The fee will move from $560 to $570.
For Form I-821, the application for Temporary Protected Status, the fee will increase from $510 to $520.
USCIS Warns Applicants About Correct Payments
USCIS has advised applicants and petitioners affected by the new charges to ensure that the appropriate fees accompany their submissions.
The agency warned that applications subject to the revised fees could be rejected if they are submitted without the required payment.
The new charges will apply based on the postmark date of qualifying applications beginning October 16, 2026.
Annual Inflation Adjustment Under H.R. 1
The fee changes form part of a broader annual adjustment mechanism established under H.R. 1.
USCIS initially announced the implementation of immigration-related fees under the legislation through a Federal Register notice published on July 22, 2025.
The latest increases represent the inflation adjustment required under the law for fiscal year 2027.
Applicants planning to submit asylum, employment authorisation, parole or TPS-related applications are therefore expected to review the applicable USCIS fee requirements before submitting their documents.
