New Asylum Application Fees

Last updated: October 1, 2025

We know this has been very confusing. Here is a clear breakdown of what you need to know, depending on whether your case is in Immigration Court (EOIR) or with USCIS.

Keep in mind that since 2025, there are two asylum fees: one is the initial fee (for new applications) and the other is the annual fee (to be paid every year your case is pending). Both cost $100.

Immigration Court (EOIR)

Filing a New Asylum Application

  • Since July 4, 2025, it costs $100 to file asylum in immigration court.

  • The system to pay became available on September 23, 2025 through the EOIR Payment System (new online platform).

If You Filed Between July 4 and September 22, 2025

  • If your application was rejected: You can now pay the $100 online and resubmit with the receipt.

  • If your application was accepted: It is unclear whether you need to pay. To be safe, you can pay now and send the receipt to the court and OPLA.

  • Always keep a copy of your payment receipt and bring it to your next hearing with the judge.

Annual Asylum Fee in Court

  • If your case has been pending for 1 year or more (as of July 4, 2025), you owe $100 per year.

  • Problem: The EOIR Payment System does not yet have an option for the annual fee.

  • Some judges are already asking people to pay, even though the process is not clearly established.

If a Judge Asks You to Pay

  • You can try paying $100 on the EOIR Payment System under:
    “Court – I-589, Application for Asylum (Initial Filing).”

  • Print the receipt and bring it to court.

  • Or show the judge the government document that says the annual fee cannot yet be paid.

  • Note: There is no guarantee these options will work in every case.

USCIS

Initial Asylum Fee

  • When you file online with USCIS, the $100 initial fee is already charged automatically.

Annual Asylum Fee

  • If your case has been pending for 1 year or more, you owe $100 this year.

  • After that, you must pay every year while your case is pending.

  • USCIS will send a notice with instructions for the first payment (expected in fall 2025).

  • At this time, there is no option to pay the annual fee on the USCIS website.

Final Note

This explanation reflects the most recent government updates, but things are still changing. RIF will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available

Need Help? Join Our Free Legal Consultations

Do you have questions about how to fill out these documents, or what to expect at your hearing?
We offer free online legal consultations every Thursday from 12–1 PM (New York time). You can speak directly with an immigration attorney. Interpreters are available in Spanish, French, and Russian.