U.S. asylum fee 2025: payments, deadlines and consequences
What is the asylum fee in the United States?
Since 2025, there is a annual payment of 100 USD by each calendar year in which the application for asylum stay tuned (at the agency or in immigration court). No legal exemption of this payment. In addition, a 100 USD down payment at submit: en USCIS applies to applications shipped since July 22, 2025and in cut (EOIR) upon presentation of the case. Payments are made online according to official instructions.
From the July 22, 2025The asylum process in the United States has changed significantly with the introduction of new mandatory fees. These fees apply both to those who file their applications with the U.S. asylum authorities and to those who USCIS (the immigration office) as well as for those who do it at EOIR (immigration court before a judge).
With a new update, asylum seekers before October 1, 2024, are required to cancel the first asylum fee by September 30, the fiscal year-end closing date.
In this article we explain what payments are available, when they are due and what happens if they are not metso that you are prepared and do not put your case at risk.
If your Asylum case is in USCIS
If your asylum application is in the hands of USCISYou should know that the payment issue works as a calendar that they themselves will mark for you. I explain calmly:
Asylum fee if submitted before October 1, 2024:
- At that time there was no initial charge.
- But as of 2025USCIS began collecting the $100 annual payment.
- This means that even if your case has been pending for years, you will have to pay now and every year until you have a decision.
If filed between October 1, 2024 and July 21, 2025:
- You also did not pay anything at the beginning.
- Your first payment arrives when exactly one year has passed since you filed for asylum.
- Example: if you delivered it on May 15, 2025, your first payment will be on May 15, 2026.
If you filed from July 22, 2025 onwards:
- Here things change: you pay $100 at the time you submit your application.
- And then every 12 months thereafter as long as your case remains pending.
Tip: Always check your physical and electronic mail. USCIS will send you a notice with the exact term and how to pay online. Do not ignore these letters. And very important: keep the receipt of each payment, because that paper is your proof of compliance.
Asylum fee payment procedure by USCIS
| Submission period | Down payment | Annual payment | Procedure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before 1/Oct/2024 | Not applicable. The charge on presentation did not exist. | Yes. You owe 2025 if the case is still pending as of Sep 30-2025; then every Sep 30 as long as it remains pending. | The office sends individual notice with amount, deadline and how to pay online. Keep the voucher. |
| 1/oct/2024 → 21/jul/2025 | Not applicable. | Yes. On the 12th month after your filing date and every anniversary if the case is still pending. | You will receive a notice with instructions for online payment. Keep your receipt. |
| From 22/Jul/2025 | Yes, $100 upon submission. Forms without correct payment are rejected as of Aug 21, 2025. | Yes, after 12 months from filing and every anniversary if still pending. | Pay online according to the office notice. Verify amounts in the official fee schedule. |
If your case is in EOIR (immigration court)
When your case is in immigration courtThe payment issue also applies, but it works a little differently because here you decide in front of a judge.
Down payment:
$100 is always paid at the time you file your case in court. Without that receipt, your application is not considered complete.
Annual payment:
Every year that your case is still pending, you will have to pay another $100. And in court the judge can be very strict: if you don't have proof of payment up to date, your file may be in trouble.
Where to pay:
Payments are made through the online system of EOIRcalled ePay. It is simple, but you must be careful to print or save the receipt. You can show that paper to the judge if he asks for it.
Councilif your case is before a judge, don't leave payments to the last minute. Many times judges ask directly at the hearing if you complied with the obligation. Arriving without a receipt can put you in a difficult position.
Asylum fee payment procedure as per EOIR
| Submission period | Down payment | Annual payment | Procedure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before 1/Oct/2024 | Yes, $100 when submitting to EOIR. | Yes. The EOIR charges for each year the case is still pending (many older cases started paying in 2025 if they were already >1 year old). | Pay on the EOIR portal and keep the receipt (you may be asked for it in the file). |
| 1/oct/2024 → 21/jul/2025 | Yes, $100 when submitting to EOIR. | Yes, once a year while the case is pending. | EOIR payment portal; keep receipt. |
| From 22/Jul/2025 | Yes, $100 when submitting to EOIR. | Yes, once a year as long as it is still pending. | EOIR payment gateway (ePay). Save the voucher. |
What if I cannot pay the asylum fee?
Many immigrants are wondering what happens if they do not manage to pay on time for the annual asylum feeeither with USCIS or with the EOIR. This concern is valid, because the consequences are serious and can directly affect your immigration case.
In the case of USCIS (immigration office):
If you do not make the payment by the due date on your notice, USCIS can consider your application abandoned.
This means that they will no longer process your case and you will lose the right to have it reviewed.
In addition, if the system detects that you have not complied with the payment, you may not be issued receipts or you may be denied renewals related to your application.
In the case of EOIR (immigration judge):
Failure to pay the annual fee may lead the judge to consider your case in defaultwhich opens the door to a deportation order.
The EOIR uses its electronic portal (ePay) to verify payments. If your receipt does not appear, the judge can ask directly at the hearing.
In some cases, failure to pay may be interpreted as a lack of interest in your asylum process.
Practical recommendation
Do not ignore payment notices. Always keep your electronic receipts and, if you are having trouble covering the fee, seek advice before the deadline arrives. In some states and communities there are non-profit organizations that offer financial assistance or free legal advice for immigrants in this situation.
Frequently asked questions about the asylum fee
Who has to pay the $100 annual fee?
All persons with a pending asylum application, regardless of whether their case is in USCIS or EOIR.
When is the annual fee paid if my case is in EOIR?
Once a year as long as it is still pending. If your case was already more than a year old when the rules changed in 2025, you were asked to start paying that same year and then every year.
Where is the asylum fee paid?
- USCIS: online, following the instructions sent by the agency itself in a notice (mail or email).
- EOIR: on the court's online payment portal. Save the voucher.
What happens if I do not pay the asylum fee on time?
- USCIS: If you submit a new application without payment upon filing, it will be rejected. For the annual payment, the agency will indicate the deadline and the consequences in its notice (e.g., do not complete the process until the payment is made).
- EOIR: they may require proof of payment in your file. Failure to pay can hurt your case.
Is there any relief if I cannot pay the asylum fee?
Currently, neither USCIS nor EOIR has announced broad waivers for those unable to pay.
These applications require very strong evidence of extreme economic hardship and do not guarantee that the judge or the office will approve them.
If you cannot pay, it is essential that immediately contact an attorney or accredited representative.. They can help you present a legal argument to prevent your case from being closed for non-payment.
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