In July 2025, the H.R.1 law, also called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, came into force. This law completely changed the asylum process in the U.S., establishing mandatory fees for the first time.

Now, applicants face two payments:

• Initial fee of $100 to file the asylum application (Form I-589).
• An annual fee of $100 must be paid each year while the case is pending.

This annual asylum fee in the United States 2025 is the one that has generated the most doubts and confusion, because it did not exist before and affects thousands of applicants whose cases have not been resolved for years.

What is the annual asylum fee?

The annual asylum fee is a $100 fee that the government requires for each calendar year that your application remains pending.

Example:

• If you applied for asylum in 2023 and by 2025 your case is still pending, you will now have to pay $100 in 2025, and then $100 each year until your case is decided.
• If you file in 2025, you’ll pay $100 when you submit your application (initial fee) and then $100 on your first anniversary if the case hasn’t been resolved.

Since when does the annual fee apply?

• USCIS (affirmative asylum): USCIS announced that it will begin charging the annual fee in the fall of 2025 to those who have a case pending for more than a year. You will receive a notice with instructions to pay online.
• Immigration Court (Defensive Asylum): The law applies from July 4, 2025. Although EOIR does not yet have a specific system, judges are expected to require this payment from those who have already been waiting a year or more.

How is the annual fee paid?

• At USCIS: Payment will be exclusively online. USCIS will send a notice when the time comes, with instructions and deadline.
• In immigration court: For now, there is no option to make this payment through the official portal. Stay in touch with your attorney to get the latest updates.

Who must pay?

The law did not create exemptions. That means that:

• All principal applicants must pay.
• Children, adults, vulnerable people – there are no exceptions.
• Families who file with each other pay only a fee for the application.

What happens if I don’t pay the annual fee?

The annual fee is not optional. If you don’t pay:

• USCIS may close your asylum case for abandonment.
• In court, the judge can order your deportation for breaking the law.

Tips for asylum seekers

1. Don’t ignore USCIS notices. If you receive a notification, pay within the indicated period.
2. In court, take the initiative. Even if they don’t remind you, you must be aware of paying every year.
3. Always keep your receipts. They are your proof of compliance.
4. Seek community help. There are organizations that can support you if you can’t afford to pay.

The 2025 annual U.S. asylum fee, along with the initial $100 fee, are part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1). This historic change transforms what was always a free procedure into a process with an annual cost.

Although it represents a burden for many immigrant families, complying with these fees is essential so as not to put your case at risk.

👉 If you have questions or need help with your asylum case, contact our legal team at (202) 709-6439. We’re here to guide you.

⚖️ This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.