USCIS Raising EAD Fees in 2026: What Asylum Seekers and TPS Holders Need to Know
If you have a pending asylum case or you are planning to apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD) in the US, you need to know about this. USCIS officially announced that it is increasing certain immigration-related fees for fiscal year 2026. These increases are tied to inflation and were authorized under H.R. 1 — a major piece of legislation passed by Congress.
The changes are not huge in dollar amounts. But if you are already struggling to pay immigration fees, even a small increase matters. And understanding what is changing — and what is not — can help you plan ahead.
What Fees Are Going Up?
The fee increases affect a specific set of immigration applications. Here is a simple breakdown of what is changing:
- Form I-765 (Initial EAD) for Asylum Applicants: Going from $550 to $560
- Form I-765 (Initial EAD) for Parolees: Going from $550 to $560
- Form I-765 (Renewal EAD) for Parolees: Going from $275 to $280
- Form I-765 (Initial EAD) for TPS applicants: Going from $550 to $560
- Form I-765 (Renewal EAD) for TPS holders: Going from $275 to $280
- Annual Asylum Application Fee (I-589): Stays at $100 — but this fee is currently blocked by a court order, so you don't have to pay it right now
These increases come from a law called H.R. 1, which says DHS must adjust some fees for inflation each year starting in FY2026. USCIS published the official notice in the Federal Register to make this legal and final.
Who Does This Actually Affect?
Not everyone applying for immigration benefits will feel this change. These fee increases only affect specific categories of people. Let's break it down simply.
Asylum Seekers Filing for a Work Permit
If you have a pending asylum application and you are applying for your first EAD (work permit) using Form I-765 under the c(8) category (this is the asylum-based work permit category), you will now pay $560 instead of $550. That's a $10 difference — but it's still a big fee for many families.
And here is something many people don't know: before you can even apply for this work permit, you need to wait 150 days after filing your asylum application. Then USCIS has up to 30 more days to process it. That 150 + 30 = 180 days is called the asylum clock. If you want to track exactly where you stand, use the free AsyClock calculator to check your 180-day eligibility — it's a simple tool built just for asylum seekers.
TPS Holders
If you have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — a protection that lets people from certain countries stay in the US when it's not safe to return home — you are also affected. Both new TPS applicants and people renewing their TPS-based EADs will pay slightly more starting in FY2026.
This is especially important right now because USCIS has also been making big changes to TPS programs. For example, TPS for South Sudan was terminated, with EADs expiring on January 5, 2026. If you are from a country with TPS, you must stay on top of your status and renewal dates.
Parolees
If you entered the US through a parole program, you will also see higher EAD fees. Initial parole EAD applications go from $550 to $560, and renewal applications go from $275 to $280.
Why Is USCIS Raising These Fees Now?
The short answer: inflation and a new law. H.R. 1 — also called the "big bill" by some lawmakers — requires DHS to adjust certain fees every year based on inflation. This is the first year that adjustment is happening. USCIS is required to publish this in the Federal Register so it becomes official.
The fee increase is about 2%, which matches recent inflation rates. It is not a sudden policy decision — it is a built-in requirement from Congress.
But here is some important context. Just a couple of years ago, USCIS was actually trying to make work permits easier to get. They temporarily extended automatic EAD renewals from 180 days to 540 days to prevent work gaps. That rule helped nearly 800,000 renewal applicants avoid losing their work authorization while waiting for USCIS to process their paperwork. The fee increase feels like a step in the opposite direction for many people in the immigrant community.
Is the $100 Asylum Application Fee Still Blocked?
Yes — for now. When H.R. 1 first introduced a $100 fee for filing an asylum application (Form I-589), many people were shocked. Asylum seekers are often fleeing dangerous situations with little or no money. A court quickly issued an order to pause that fee. Right now, you do not have to pay $100 to file for asylum. The fee technically increased to $102 under the new inflation adjustment, but since the court order is still in place, neither amount is being collected.
This could change. Court orders don't last forever. So stay informed and check back regularly for updates on this. You can also keep an eye on news from AsyClock, which covers immigration changes that affect asylum seekers directly.
What Should You Do Now?
Here are three practical steps you can take today:
- 1. Check your 180-day asylum clock. If you have a pending asylum case and want to apply for a work permit, you need to have waited 150 days first. Track your 180-day asylum clock with the free AsyClock calculator to know exactly when you can file Form I-765.
- 2. Apply before the fee increase takes effect. If you are already eligible for a work permit and have been waiting, apply as soon as possible. Filing before the FY2026 fee change kicks in means you may pay the current lower fee. Check the Federal Register notice for the exact effective date.
- 3. Know your TPS status and deadlines. If you have TPS, find out when your country's designation expires and when you need to renew your EAD. Missing a deadline can mean losing your work authorization. Talk to a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will the EAD fee increase in 2026?
The initial EAD fee for asylum applicants, parolees, and TPS holders goes from $550 to $560 — a $10 increase. Renewal EADs for parolees and TPS holders go from $275 to $280. These increases are tied to inflation under H.R. 1.
Do asylum seekers have to pay to file for asylum in 2026?
Right now, no. A court order is blocking the $100 asylum application fee (Form I-589) from being collected. Even though the fee technically increased to $102 under the new inflation rule, it is not being charged because of the legal hold. This could change, so watch for updates.
What is the 180-day asylum clock and why does it matter?
The 180-day asylum clock tracks how long your asylum case has been pending. You must wait 150 days after filing for asylum before you can apply for a work permit (EAD). USCIS then has up to 30 days to process it, making the total wait 180 days. You can track your asylum clock for free at AsyClock.
Does the fee increase affect TPS holders?
Yes. If you have Temporary Protected Status and need to apply for or renew your EAD, you will pay slightly more starting in FY2026. Initial TPS EADs go from $550 to $560, and renewal EADs go from $275 to $280. Make sure you are aware of your TPS country's current designation status too.
Can I request a fee waiver for my EAD application?
Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver using Form I-912. USCIS grants fee waivers to people who show financial hardship. However, fee waivers are not guaranteed and are evaluated case by case. Talk to an immigration attorney or accredited representative to see if you qualify.