USCIS Announces Inflationary Fee Increases for 2026
Update, December 30: USCIS fees are set to increase beginning January 1, 2026, and submissions postmarked January 1 or later are expected to include any new fees.
Applicants should know that a new U.S. Postal Service rule took effect on December 24 that changes when mail is considered postmarked. Previously, mail was considered postmarked on the date it was dropped off at any local post office or in a local postal box. Under the updated rule, which is already in effect, mail is not considered postmarked until it reaches a regional sorting facility. In some instances, it could be a few days before mail moves from local post offices to a regional sorting facility.
Manifest Law immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar said that anyone concerned about postmark timing can request that a postmark be added to mail dropped off in person at a post office counter.
“This change means anything mailed through USPS should be sent earlier in order to meet strict deadlines,” Urizar said. “Because USPS has clarified that an automated postmark date may reflect the date of processing, not necessarily the date USPS first accepted your mail, do not rely on a machine postmark alone to prove timely filing near a deadline. For time-sensitive filings, hand-deliver the envelope to the retail counter and request a free manual (local) postmark, and if you need independent proof of tender or acceptance, purchase a Certificate of Mailing (and always mail early when possible).”
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Many common immigration forms will see higher filing fees next year, according to a recent Federal Register notice published by USCIS.
On November 21, the federal agency announced that it would adjust the price of several petitions, including Form I-765 and Form I-589. According to the notice, the new fees will apply to any petition filed on or after January 1, 2026.
The chart below outlines all the fee hikes USCIS plans to implement in January 2026:
| Form Category | Current Fee | FY 2026 Fee | Percent Increase |
| I-589 Asylum Fee (Initial) | $100 | $100 | No change |
| I-589 Annual Pending Asylum Fee | $100 | $102 | 2% |
| I-765 Initial Asylum Applicant Employment Authorization Document(EAD) | $550 | $560 | ~1.8% |
| I-765 Renewal or Extension of Asylum Applicant EAD | $275 | $275 | No change |
| I-765 Initial Parole EAD – Valid for 1 year | $550 | $560 | ~1.8% |
| I-765 Renewal or Extension ofParole EAD – Valid for 1 year | $275 | $280 | ~3.6% |
| I-765 Initial Temporary Protected Status (TPS) EAD – Valid for 1 year or the duration of the TPS designation | $550 | $560 | ~1.8% |
| I-765 Renewal or Extension of TPS EAD – Valid for 1 year | $275 | $280 | ~1.8% |
| I-131 EAD upon new period of Parole (Re-parole) | $275 | $280 | ~1.8% |
| I-821 TPS Fee | $500 | $510 | 2% |
| I-360 Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Fee | $250 | $250 | No change |
Manifest Law immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar says the fee increase will most affect people under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and asylum seekers. While the price changes are relatively minor, Urizar recommends that “it’s crucial to pay the correct fees from the start — mistakes can delay your case or cause USCIS to reject your application entirely.”
Next steps for those affected by the fee increases
While fiscal year 2026 has already started, the new prices won’t take effect until January 1, 2026. Until then, those who file before then will pay the current fee amount — not the increased one.
Once the fees take effect, applicants must make sure they are paying the right fee to USCIS. According to the Federal Register notice, the federal agency will reject any applications sent with the wrong payment amounts.
| 💵 Tip: Remember that as of October 28, USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders. If you’re filing by mail, you must submit either Form G-1650 or G-1450 to authorize electronic payments. |
Questions about filing fees? Our immigration attorneys can answer any questions you may have about the price of filing. Request a consultation with Manifest Law today to learn more.
