USCIS 2026 Fee Increases: What You’ll Pay If You Wait

On November 20, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security dropped a small but impactful update: several immigration-related fees will rise starting January 1, 2026. The USCIS quietly posted this in the Federal Register, citing inflation between July 2024 and July 2025 as the driver for the change. While the hikes aren’t massive on paper, they matter when your timeline or budget is tight.

If you’re a foreign national, visa holder, or investor in the U.S., here’s the update you didn’t know you needed.

The Updated Fees, Line by Line

Here’s what’s changing, straight from the source:

Application	Current Fee	New Fee (2026)
I-765 (Initial EAD for Asylum, Parole, TPS)	$550	$560
I-765 (EAD Renewal for TPS or Parole)	$275	$280
I-821 (TPS Application)	$500	$510
I-131 (Parole/Re-parole, Part 9 EAD)	$275	$280
Annual Asylum App. Fee (still paused by court)	$100	$102

Some forms stay flat. If you’re filing an I-589 or renewing an EAD under asylum, the price remains unchanged.

But that’s only half the picture. The timing of your submission matters more than you might think.

Who Should Pay Close Attention?

• Asylum seekers with pending initial EADs
  
• Foreign nationals under parole looking to renew work authorization
  
• TPS applicants planning first-time or renewal filings in 2026
  
• Employers or investors preparing filings for employees on humanitarian status
  

If you’re in one of these groups, and your timeline intersects with January 1, now is the moment to act. USCIS uses the postmark date to determine which fee applies. Applications postmarked on or after the deadline must include the higher amount. No exceptions.

What To Do Now

Here’s how to stay ahead:

1. Check your eligibility and renewal dates now. Don’t assume you have time just because your EAD card hasn’t expired yet.
   
2. Mail your application by December 31, 2025, if possible. That date is not flexible.
   
3. Book a legal consultation to confirm whether you’re eligible for early renewal or reapplication.
   

If your immigration status is tethered to EAD renewals or humanitarian filings, these price changes are a trigger—not just for budgeting, but for action. Don’t wait for January to find out you’re out of sync.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is intended solely for general informational and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between the reader & Ahluwalia Law Offices, P.C. The legal information provided herein may not apply to your individual circumstances & is subject to change based on evolving immigration laws and policies.

Readers are strongly encouraged to consult directly with a qualified immigration attorney for guidance tailored to their specific situation. Our front desk staff is not authorized to interpret legal information or provide legal advice beyond what is explicitly stated in this blog. They are also not permitted to assess eligibility, review case details, or respond to case-specific inquiries.

Please note: Due to the high volume of inquiries and the sensitive nature of immigration matters, we cannot respond to questions or requests for legal analysis via phone or email unless a formal consultation has been scheduled. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to book an appointment with one of our attorneys if you require personalized legal assistance.