The application period has begun! What should you know about the new annual fee for asylum in the United States?
- Santiago Legal
- Oct 3
- 4 min read

Beginning October 1, 2025, all asylum seekers in the United States will be required to comply with a new requirement: paying an annual fee of $100 USD if their application has been pending for more than one year. This measure, established by HR1 – the “ One Big Beautiful Bill Act ,” has generated confusion and concern among thousands of applicants. At Santiago Legal LLC , your immigration attorneys in Minnesota, we clearly explain what this rule means, who it affects, how to pay, and what to do to protect your case.
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What is the new annual asylum fee?
Starting in October 2025, anyone with a pending asylum application will be required to pay a mandatory annual fee of $100 USD while their case remains open.
There are no exemptions or reductions for this payment.
Form I-912 (fee waiver) does not apply in this case.
The fee applies to both those who have their case in USCIS and in the Immigration Court (EOIR).
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Asylum fee: initial and annual payment
In addition to the annual fee, beginning July 22, 2025, first-time asylum applicants will be required to pay an initial $100 fee when they file their asylum application:
USCIS: Fee required upon application.
EOIR (Immigration Court): Payment when the case is filed with the judge.
All payments are made online, following the official instructions in the notice received.
If your case is with USCIS: Who should pay and when?
Submission period | Down payment | Annual payment | Procedure |
Before 10/1/2024 | Not applicable | Yes, from 2025 and every September 30th while it is pending. | USCIS will send a notice with the amount, deadline, and payment link. Keep your receipt. |
10/1/2024 → 7/21/2025 | Not applicable | Yes, after 12 months from the presentation and each anniversary | You will receive a notification with the date and procedure. Keep your receipt. |
Since 7/22/2025 | Yes, $100 USD upon presentation | Yes, every 12 months while the case is pending. | Payment is made online according to the USCIS notification. |
Tip: Check your email and mail regularly, as USCIS will notify you of deadlines and how to make your payment. Keep all receipts, as they are proof of compliance.
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If your case is in Immigration Court (EOIR)
Unlike USCIS, the EOIR will not send automatic notifications. It is the applicant's responsibility to pay each year on the same date they filed their asylum application with the judge.
Submission period | Down payment | Annual payment | Procedure |
Before 10/1/2024 | Yes, $100 USD upon presentation | Yes, every year while the case is pending. | Pay through the EOIR ePay portal. Keep your receipt. |
10/1/2024 → 7/21/2025 | Yes, $100 USD upon presentation | Yes, once a year as long as it is pending. | Pay with EOIR ePay and keep receipts. |
Since 7/22/2025 | Yes, $100 USD upon presentation | Yes, once a year as long as it is pending. | Payment through the EOIR ePay portal. Keep your receipts. |
Tip: Don't leave payment to the last minute. Judges usually verify at the hearing whether you've fulfilled this obligation. Arriving without a receipt can seriously affect your case.
Consequences of not paying
At USCIS
If you do not pay on time, your application may be considered abandoned.
Your case could be closed or denied, and you could lose your asylum-related immigration rights.
In EOIR
Failure to pay can cause the judge to declare your case in default, increasing your risk of receiving a deportation order.
Payments are verified in the ePay system, and the judge may request evidence during the hearing.
Recommendations from Santiago Legal LLC
Don't ignore payment notices.
Keep all physical and electronic receipts.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact an immigration attorney immediately before the deadline.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Asylum Fee
Who must pay the annual fee of $100 USD?
All individuals with pending asylum applications, whether with USCIS or EOIR.
Where is payment made?
USCIS: Online, following the instructions in the notice.
EOIR: Through the Immigration Court's ePay portal.
What happens if I don't pay on time?
USCIS: Your application may be considered abandoned or rejected.
EOIR: The judge may find you in violation and order you deported.
Do I have to pay for each member of my family?
Yes. Each applicant with their own case must pay individually.
Are there any exemptions if I can't pay?
No. Currently, there are no exemptions or reductions available. If you have trouble paying, seek legal advice.
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What should I do if I have questions?
If you need:
Verify your case number.
Confirm the exact date of your payment.
Understand how this requirement affects your process.
Legal advice for asylum seekers in Minnesota
At Santiago Legal LLC , we are committed to protecting those seeking a secure future in the United States.
We help you to:
Review your current asylum status and your obligations under the new annual fee.
Guide you on how to make the payment correctly.
Evaluate legal options if your case faces difficulties due to the new requirement.
We didn't come to ask for permission. We came to build a future with dignity and purpose.
We are Santiago Legal LLC, immigration attorneys in Minnesota committed to our community.
Immigration in Minnesota: Cities We Serve
We offer legal advice throughout the state, including:

Santiago Legal LLC Practice Areas
At Santiago Legal , we offer specialized advice in various areas of immigration law to help you make informed decisions and protect your legal status in the United States. Our practice areas include:
Residency and Citizenship
Permits and Status
Temporary and Permanent Visas
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