New BBB Immigration Fees: What You Need to Know
On July 4, 2025, President Biden signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), also known as H.R. 1. This sweeping budget reconciliation bill brings with it a host of changes for the immigration system, most notably a new set of fees for a wide range of applications. If you’re an immigration practitioner or applicant, it’s crucial to understand these new costs, how they’re implemented, and what waivers (if any) are available.
What’s New?
The OBBBA introduces additional fees for many immigration-related applications. These are minimum fees—expect them to increase annually for inflation, by regulation. In most cases, the statute specifically states that these fees are not waivable (whereas historically many USCIS fees have been waivable for poor people). The fees are supposed to take effect immediately, but there is some lag as agencies set up payment systems and issue guidance.
On July 22, 2025, the Federal Register published a notice outlining how some of these fees will be collected, particularly for asylum, employment authorization, and TPS applications. If you’re filing any of these forms after August 21, 2025, make sure to include the new fees, or your application will be rejected.
Annual Asylum Fee
A particularly notable change is the Annual Asylum Fee. This $100 fee applies for each calendar year that an asylum application is pending before any federal agency, court, or entity with jurisdiction. For cases pending with USCIS for more than one year as of September 30, 2025, the FY 2025 Annual Asylum Fee must be paid. If your case was filed after October 1, 2024, and remains pending for 365 days, the Annual Asylum Fee will be due on each anniversary of the filing. USCIS will notify applicants individually about the amount due, payment process, and consequences for non-payment.
The New Fee Table
Below is a summary of the new minimum fees under Pub. L. 119-21, as well as whether they are waivable under the statute or current policy. This table is recreated for clarity and ease of reference.
New Immigration Fees Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)
| Fee Type | Minimum Fee Amount | Fee Waivable per H.R. 1 | Fee Waivable According to PM/FRN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asylum Application | $100 | NO | NO |
| • Annual Fee for Pending Application | $100 | NO | NO |
| • Initial EAD for Asylum Applicants | $550 | NO | NO |
| • Renewal/Extension EAD for Asylum Applicants | $275 | NO | NO |
| Parole Applications | $1,000 | NO | TBD |
| • Initial EAD for Parolees (limited to 1 year) | $550 | NO | NO |
| • Renewal/Reparole/Extension EAD for Parolees (1 year) | $275 | NO | NO |
| Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Application | $500 | NO | NO |
| • Initial EAD for TPS applicants (1 year) | $550 | NO | NO |
| • Renewal/Extension for TPS Holders (1 year) | $275 | NO | NO |
| Special Immigrant Juvenile Application | $250 | YES | NO |
| Visa Integrity Fee for Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance | $250 | NO | TBD |
| Form I-94 Application | $24 | NO | TBD |
| Immigration Court Filings | |||
| • Adjustment of Status | $1,500 | YES | NO |
| • Asylum Application | $100 | NO | NO |
| • Annual Asylum Fee | $100 | NO | NO |
| • Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility | $1,050 | YES | NO |
| • TPS Application | $500 | YES | NO |
| • Application for Suspension of Deportation/Cancellation | $600 | YES | NO |
| • Cancellation of Removal/Adjustment for Certain Non-perms | $1,500 | YES | NO |
| • Individuals Removed in Absentia | $5,000 | NO | TBD |
| Appeals | |||
| • Immigration Judge Decision (to BIA) | $900 | YES | NO |
| • DHS Officer | $900 | YES | NO |
| • Practitioner Disciplinary Decision | $1,325 | YES | NO |
| • Motion to Reopen/Reconsider IJ or BIA Decision | $900 | YES | NO |
| ESTA Fee for Visa Waiver Applicants | $40 | YES | TBD |
| EVUS Fee for Chinese B-1/B-2 Visa Holders | $30 | NO | TBD |
| Inadmissible Individuals Arrested between Ports of Entry | $5,000 | YES | TBD |
What Should You Do?
- Check the effective dates for each fee and ensure your applications include the correct payment. File paper applications well in advance so you allow time for rejection and refiling.
- Watch for agency guidance—especially from USCIS and EOIR—on how to pay and what to do if you receive a fee request.
- Don’t assume you can get a waiver—most of these new fees are not waivable, even if the underlying application fee still is.
The OBBBA marks a significant increase in the cost of immigration processes. Stay informed, plan ahead, and consult with a qualified immigration attorney if you have questions about your specific situation.
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