New BBBA Immigration Fees: What You Need to Know

On July 4, 2025, President Trump 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 by the government, how adjustments may occur based on the fiscal year, and what waivers (if any) are available.

The implementation of the new fees will be managed by specific government departments, such as USCIS, under the oversight of the federal government.

Introduction to the Big Beautiful Bill Act

The Big Beautiful Bill Act (BBBA) represents one of the most sweeping overhauls of the U.S. immigration system in recent history. This landmark legislation introduces a host of changes designed to strengthen immigration enforcement, enhance border security, and modernize immigration courts. Among its most significant provisions are the introduction of new fees for a wide range of immigration applications, including those for temporary protected status (TPS), asylum, and employment authorization. These new fees are set to increase annually to keep pace with inflation, making it essential for applicants to stay up to date on the latest costs.

The BBBA also prioritizes funding for customs enforcement and other federal agencies tasked with managing the nation’s borders and immigration processes. By allocating substantial resources to border security and immigration enforcement, the bill aims to streamline the handling of cases and improve the efficiency of immigration services. However, these changes also mean that asylum applicants and those seeking temporary protected status TPS will face new financial obligations, such as the annual asylum fee and additional charges for employment authorization. As the BBBA reshapes the landscape of immigration legislation, applicants, legal professionals, and advocates must pay close attention to the evolving requirements and costs associated with maintaining or obtaining immigration status in the United States.

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.

The funds collected from these fees are allocated to support immigration services and reduce backlogs. The new fees are designed to help fund USCIS operations and cover the expenses associated with processing applications.

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 not be accepted.

Immigration Enforcement and Border Security

The BBBA brings a renewed focus on immigration enforcement and border security, allocating increased funding to expand detention capacity and strengthen border protection measures. Under this legislation, federal agencies such as Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement receive additional resources to detain and deport individuals, including asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants. The bill also grants these agencies broader authority to enforce immigration laws, which has significant implications for those navigating the immigration system.

One of the most notable aspects of the BBBA is the introduction of higher fees for many immigration applications. While these new fees are intended to support the costs of enforcement and border security, they may also create financial barriers for low-income immigrant families. Recognizing this, the legislation includes provisions for fee waivers and exemptions for certain applicants, particularly those seeking humanitarian protections such as asylum or temporary protected status. Despite these waivers, legal experts have raised concerns that the emphasis on enforcement and border security could come at the expense of family unity and community support. As the BBBA is implemented, it will be important for applicants and their advocates to understand both the new financial requirements and the available protections to ensure continued access to immigration benefits and services.

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.

There are currently no country-specific exemptions or differences in how the Annual Asylum Fee is applied; applicants from any country are subject to the same fee requirements.

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.

Note: Some fees may vary for applicants from certain countries, and country-specific exemptions or waivers may apply depending on the applicant's country of origin.

Unlike other agencies that receive more congressional appropriations, USCIS is almost entirely funded by application fees, which impacts its operational independence and funding structure.

For EAD (Employment Authorization Document) applications, the listed fees apply to work authorization documents for eligible applicants.

New Immigration Fees Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)

¹ EAD (Employment Authorization Document) fees are for work authorization.

Immigration Courts and Proceedings

The Big Beautiful Bill Act also brings significant changes to immigration courts and proceedings. The legislation increases funding for immigration courts, aiming to reduce backlogs and improve case processing times. However, it also introduces new fees for various court filings and applications, which could impact the ability of some immigrants to access the legal system. In addition, the BBBA imposes limits on the availability of legal services for immigrants, raising concerns among advocates about the potential for reduced access to fair hearings and due process.

Federal agencies, including the Executive Office for Immigration Review, will play a key role in implementing these changes and ensuring that the new procedures are followed. The impact of the BBBA on immigration courts will depend largely on how these agencies interpret and enforce the new rules. Immigrants and their families are strongly encouraged to stay informed about the evolving requirements and to seek legal advice when navigating the complex landscape of immigration review. As the BBBA continues to shape the future of immigration proceedings, understanding the new fees, limits on legal services, and the role of federal agencies will be essential for anyone involved in the immigration process.

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.

These new fees may impact citizens in mixed-status households and individuals pursuing citizenship, as changes in fee structures and eligibility can affect both non-citizens and the citizens within their families.

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. Community support and access to legal resources are especially important for affected communities navigating these changes.

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