Immigration filing fees just went up again. As of October 16, 2026, USCIS raised fees for asylum-related applications, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), parole, and work permits. This comes right after the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) — the folks who run immigration court and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) — already bumped up their fees on October 1, 2026. Got a pending case? Planning to file soon? These increases can throw off your budget and your timeline fast. Our advice: confirm the current fee for your specific form before you file. If your case has any complexity to it, talk to an immigration attorney first. Protect your rights — we handle the rest.
Background: What This Means
Here’s the deal. Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), and it requires USCIS and EOIR to adjust certain immigration fees for inflation on a set schedule. That’s why both agencies rolled out new fee schedules for fiscal year 2027 (FY2027), starting October 1, 2026.
- The fee for parole requests (Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, used for advance parole and certain humanitarian parole requests) increased from $1,020 to $1,050.
- The fee for an initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also called a work permit, increased from $560 to $570.
- Fees tied to asylum applications and TPS registration also increased, though some applicants may still qualify for fee waivers in limited circumstances.
On the court side, EOIR raised its filing fees starting October 1, 2026. Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed in immigration court as part of removal proceedings, now carries a $1,590 fee. The fee to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) increased to $1,060. These are separate from the USCIS fees described above, because immigration court and the BIA operate under the Department of Justice, not USCIS.
Readers should always verify the current fee before filing, since USCIS and EOIR can adjust fees again. The official USCIS fee schedule is available at uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees, and EOIR’s fee information is posted at justice.gov/eoir.
How This Affects Asylum Seekers, TPS Holders, and Families in Court
These increases touch many different people. Asylum seekers who also need a work permit while their case is pending now pay more for that EAD. People from countries with active TPS designations must pay the new registration fee to keep or renew their status. Families with a loved one in removal proceedings who are eligible to adjust status in immigration court, such as through a family petition, now face a higher filing fee for Form I-485 in that setting.
People appealing a negative decision from an immigration judge to the BIA also pay more. For families already under financial strain, these increases can delay filing or force difficult choices about which family member’s application to pursue first. Readers dealing with these issues, including bond requests, asylum claims, or an appeal, may want to review how removal proceedings generally work before they file anything new.
Anyone with a pending family-based petition should also check current USCIS fees before submitting new forms, since fee amounts tied to green card applications and related work permits can shift together.
What You Should Do Now
- Check the current fee before you file. Confirm the exact amount on uscis.gov or justice.gov/eoir before sending a form, since outdated fees can cause a rejected filing.
- Budget ahead for renewals. If your TPS, work permit, or parole is set to expire, plan for the new, higher fee well before your deadline.
- Ask about fee waivers. Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee based on income. Form I-912 covers many of these requests, but eligibility rules vary by form.
- Keep proof of payment. Save your receipt notice and payment confirmation in case USCIS or the court questions the amount paid.
- Talk to an attorney about complex filings. If your case involves removal proceedings, a BIA appeal, or multiple family members, a small paperwork error combined with a new fee schedule can cause real delays.
How TEZ Law Firm Can Help
TEZ Law Firm reviews client immigration filings and advises on current USCIS and EOIR fee requirements before submission. The firm’s attorneys, including managing attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666), can help clients understand filing deadlines, fee waiver eligibility, and how a fee increase may affect a pending case in immigration court or on appeal to the BIA. Clients with asylum claims, TPS renewals, or removal proceedings can discuss their options directly with the firm’s immigration team through the removal proceedings and immigration court page or the firm’s general immigration law overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did USCIS and EOIR raise fees in 2026?
Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which requires both agencies to adjust certain immigration fees for inflation on a set schedule. USCIS updated its fees effective October 16, 2026, and EOIR updated court and BIA fees effective October 1, 2026, as part of the FY2027 fee schedule.
Does the new parole fee apply to all parole requests?
The $1,050 fee generally applies to Form I-131 filings tied to parole and advance parole, as of October 16, 2026. Some humanitarian parole categories may have different fee rules, so applicants should confirm the exact fee for their specific request on uscis.gov before filing.
Can I still get a fee waiver for asylum or TPS filings?
Fee waivers may still be available for some forms, depending on income and other factors, but not every form qualifies. Applicants should check the current USCIS fee waiver guidance before assuming they are exempt from the new fee amounts.
What happens if I file with the old, lower fee?
USCIS and EOIR can reject a filing submitted with an outdated fee amount, which may delay your case or cause you to miss a deadline. It is important to confirm the current fee listed on the official agency website before mailing or submitting any form.
Does the BIA appeal fee increase affect pending appeals?
The $1,060 BIA appeal fee generally applies to appeals filed on or after October 1, 2026. Appeals filed before that date under the prior fee schedule are typically not required to pay the difference, but applicants should confirm their specific filing date and fee with EOIR.
Immigration fee schedules can change again, and missing a deadline or paying an outdated fee can set a case back by months. If you have questions about a pending asylum claim, TPS renewal, parole request, or a matter before the immigration court or BIA, you can schedule a consultation with TEZ Law Firm through the firm’s contact page to discuss your options.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and agency practices change; contact TEZ Law Firm (West Covina, California) at 626-888-6856 or [email protected] about your situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.