USCIS Announces Small Fee Increases for Some Forms Starting October 2026
The government will make some immigration application fees a little bit higher starting in October 2026 to keep up with rising costs.
Affects: Asylum seekers, Green Card applicants, All immigrants · Source: USCIS · Action may be needed
What happened
USCIS announced that some immigration application fees will increase. These changes will start on October 16, 2026.
The fee increases are small and are happening because of inflation. Inflation means that the cost of things goes up over time.
If you send in certain forms on or after October 16, 2026, you will need to pay the new, slightly higher fee. If you send the wrong amount, your application might be sent back.
By the numbers
- $102 — Previous Annual Asylum Application Fee
- $105 — New Annual Asylum Application Fee
- $1,020 — Previous Form I-131 Immigration Parole Fee
- $1,050 — New Form I-131 Immigration Parole Fee
- $560 — Previous Form I-765 (certain EADs) Fee
- $570 — New Form I-765 (certain EADs) Fee
- $510 — Previous Form I-821 (TPS) Fee
- $520 — New Form I-821 (TPS) Fee
The bigger picture
Before this announcement, USCIS had set certain fees. These fees help USCIS pay for its services, like processing applications. The government passed a law called H.R. 1 that said some of these fees should be adjusted each year for inflation.
The government says it is doing this to make sure the fees keep up with the cost of living and running the agency. This helps USCIS continue to process applications fairly and efficiently.
What this means for you
Asylum seekers
If you apply for asylum, your annual application fee will go up from $102 to $105. If you apply for a work permit (Form I-765) as an asylum applicant, that fee will increase from $560 to $570.
Green card applicants
If you need a travel document (Form I-131) for certain reasons, its fee will increase from $1,020 to $1,050. This form is sometimes used by people waiting for a Green Card.
All immigrants
Anyone applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will see the fee for Form I-821 go from $510 to $520. If you need a work permit (Form I-765) based on parole or TPS, that fee will also go up from $560 to $570.
Employers
This announcement does not directly change fees for forms usually filed by employers, like those for H1B visas. No direct change for you based on this specific update.
What you should do
- If you plan to file any of the affected forms, make sure to check the USCIS website for the most current fee before you mail your application, especially if you are filing close to or after October 16, 2026.
Key dates
- 2026-10-16: New inflation-adjusted fees become effective. You must pay the new fees for applications postmarked on or after this date.
Words explained
- USCIS
- This stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is the government agency that handles immigration benefits.
- Federal Register notice
- This is an official public announcement from the U.S. government about new rules, changes, or information.
- Inflation
- This is when the cost of goods and services goes up over time, meaning your money buys a little less than it used to.
- Fiscal Year (FY)
- This is the government's budget year, which runs from October 1 to September 30. FY 2027 starts on October 1, 2026.
- Postmarked
- This means the date stamped on an envelope by the post office when you mail something.
Common questions
Will all USCIS fees go up?
No, this announcement says only 'certain' immigration-related fees will increase. The notice lists specific forms that will have new fees, such as the Annual Asylum Application Fee and fees for some work permits and travel documents.
When do I need to start paying the new fees?
You need to pay the new fees if you mail your application on or after October 16, 2026. The date on the postmark of your envelope is what USCIS will check.
What happens if I send the old fee amount after October 16, 2026?
If your application is postmarked on or after October 16, 2026, and you do not include the correct new fee, USCIS will reject your request. This means they will send it back to you, and you will have to resubmit it with the right payment.
Why are these fees going up?
USCIS says these fees are going up to account for inflation. This means they are adjusting the prices to keep up with the general increase in costs for goods and services from July 2025 through July 2026.
This is a plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration attorney.