New Asylum Fees and I-94 Costs: What Changes in 2026
Filing for asylum in the US just got more expensive — and more complicated. The federal government has quietly locked in a set of new fees and rules that affect asylum seekers, work permit holders, and anyone who needs a Form I-94. If you are in the middle of an asylum application process or waiting on a work permit, this rule could cost you money you did not plan for.
What the New Rule Changes
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an interim final rule (IFR) — a regulation that takes effect quickly, without a full public comment period first. The rule puts into law several new immigration fees and requirements created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). These changes directly affect people going through the asylum application process, anyone who needs a Form I-94 (the official record of your entry and legal status in the US), and people applying for a work permit (also called an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD).
Under the new rule, there is now a fee to file Form I-589 (the asylum application). DHS is also adding an annual asylum fee, meaning some asylum seekers may need to pay a recurring charge while their case is pending. If you do not pay these fees, there are consequences — the rule spells out what happens if you miss a payment. On top of that, anyone who needs a Form I-94 will now face a new fee to get that document.
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The rule also sets rules about how long certain types of work permits stay valid. This matters for people on Temporary Protected Status (TPS), those in removal proceedings (the legal process where the government tries to deport someone), and others whose work authorization depends on their immigration case status. The length of time your EAD stays valid can affect your job, your income, and your ability to stay in the US legally.
What to Do
- If you are planning to file Form I-589 (the asylum application), check the current filing fee before you submit — sending the wrong amount can delay or reject your case.
- If you already have an asylum case pending, ask your immigration lawyer whether the new annual asylum fee applies to you and when your first payment would be due.
- If you need a Form I-94 or are renewing your work permit (EAD), budget for the new I-94 fee in addition to the EAD filing fee of $520.
- If your work permit validity period is changing under this rule, talk to an immigration lawyer right away — a gap in work authorization can put your job and your status at risk.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
This rule creates real traps for people who file without legal help — missing the asylum fee or the new I-94 fee can result in rejection or a gap in status. If you have a pending I-589 or your work permit is tied to your asylum case, you need to confirm right now whether the annual fee applies to you and when it is due. I strongly recommend consulting an immigration attorney before your next filing deadline to avoid an unintentional lapse in your work authorization or legal status.