As part of the Trump administration’s visa crackdown, certain US immigration fees will increase after an inflation-adjusted update starting January 1, 2026, according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
USCIS said the updated fees apply to certain immigration benefits listed in HR 1 and the increases reflect inflation measured between July 2024 and July 2025. “NOTE: Effective January 1, 2026, certain immigration-related fees will increase. We will reject any application postmarked on or after the proper fee,” XCIS said on January 1, 2026, after filing.
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“The new inflation-adjusted fees are effective January 1, 2026. If you submit a benefit application postmarked on or after January 1, 2026 that requires one of these HR-1 fees, you must include the new fee for the specific benefit you are requesting. The fees that are increasing due to this Federal Register notice are listed in the table below,” according to the official USCIS website.
The form typePrevious chargeNew feeAnnual asylum application fee $100 ~ approx. ₹$8,900 102 ~ approx. ₹9,165 Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – First Time Applicant for Asylum (EAD) Employment Authorization Document $550 ~ Approx. ₹$49,400 560 ~ approx. ₹50,300 Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Initial Parole EAD $550 ~ Approx. ₹$49,400 560 ~ approx. ₹50,300 Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Renewal or Extension of Parole $275 EAD ~ Approx. ₹$24,700 280 ~ approx. ₹25,100 Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Initial Temporary Protected Status (TPS) EAD$550 ~ Approx. ₹$49,400 560 ~ approx. ₹50,300 Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – Renewal or Extension of TPS EAD $275 ~ approx. ₹$24,700 280 ~ approx. ₹25,100 Form I-131 Part 9 – EAD Requested After Approval of Re-parole $275 ~ Approx. ₹$24,700 280 ~ approx. ₹25,100 Form I-821, TPS Application $500~approx ₹$44,900 510~approx ₹45,800
The Department of Homeland Security will adjust these fees each year for inflation in future fiscal years, as required by law, USCIS noted.
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The table below lists the fees that will remain unchanged under this Federal Register notice. In the future, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will issue a Federal Register notice detailing any adjustment to the parole fee based on inflation.
The form typePrevious chargeNew Fee I-589 Asylum Fee (Initial Fee for Alien Applicant) $100 ~ Approx. ₹$8,900 100I-765 Asylum Seeker EAD Renewal or Extension $275 ~ Approx. ₹$24,712 275I-360 Young Immigrant Special Fee $250 ~ Approx. ₹$22,465 250
Who is eligible for asylum in the US?
To be eligible for US asylum, you must be present in that country and demonstrate that you fear persecution in your home country based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group (PSG).
You must show that you have either already faced persecution or have a “well-founded fear” of being persecuted in the future for one of these reasons.
How long can you stay in the US with asylum?
Asylum status does not expire and can only be terminated by USCIS under certain conditions. Asylees are considered an ORR-eligible group and are entitled to the same benefits and services as refugees, with the exception of the Reception and Placement Programme.
Can I get a green card if I applied for asylum?
Asylees who are physically present in the United States can apply for a green card by submitting Form I-485, Application for Registration of Permanent Resident or Adjustment of Status.
Crackdown on Green Card Applicants in 2026
Applicants and green card holders from 19 countries designated by the US government as posing security concerns will face increased scrutiny.
USCIS Chief Joseph Edlow previously said the president had ordered him to conduct a comprehensive and rigorous review of every green card issued to foreign nationals from countries deemed of concern.
AP’s digital inset map shows countries subject to travel restrictions to the United States as imposed by the Trump administration. See here:
Starting January 1, 2026, the US will impose a complete ban on entry for citizens of 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
In addition, partial entry restrictions will apply to nationals of seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
Jobs are in the spotlight as Trump plans to expand crackdowns on immigration
In 2026, the Trump administration’s planned emphasis on workplace law enforcement could lead to a potential increase in arrests and have broader economic consequences, including impacts on businesses that typically support Republicans, according to Reuters.
Filling jobs left vacant by immigrants apprehended in workplace raids could raise labor costs and potentially complicate Trump’s efforts to curb inflation, an issue analysts say will be central to the closely watched November election that will decide control of Congress, the report said.
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In July of this year, under a sweeping spending bill passed by the Republican-led Congress, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol are slated to receive an additional $170 billion through September 2029, a significant increase from their current combined annual budgets of about $19 billion.
Trump’s overall approval rating on immigration policy fell from 50% in March, before he launched the crackdowns in several major US cities, to 41% in mid-December, his strongest issue, Reuters reported.
Effective January 1, 2026, certain immigration-related fees will increase. We will reject any application postmarked on or after January 1, 2026 without the proper filing fee.
Trump, a Republican, recaptured the White House and promised a record number of deportations, saying it was needed after years of high levels of illegal immigration under his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden.
(With input from agencies)
Key things
- USCIS will increase immigration fees in 2026 to adjust for inflation.
- Some countries will face a complete ban on entry, which will affect asylum seekers.
- Changes can have economic impacts, affecting businesses and labor costs.
