Starting July 22, 2025, the United States has rolled out new fees for certain foreign nationals applying for work permits. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made it clear: if your application is postmarked on or after August 21, 2025 without the correct payment, it will be rejected.

This change is particularly important for individuals applying for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) under asylum, parole, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), who were previously exempt from fees.

What Is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?

An EAD, also known as a work permit (Form I-766), is proof that a foreign national can legally work in the United States for a set period of time.

But not everyone needs an EAD:

• Green Card holders (Lawful Permanent Residents) do not need one, as their Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card already serves as proof.
• Non-immigrants with employer-specific visas — such as H-1B, L-1B, O, or P categories — are also exempt because their status itself authorizes them to work for their sponsoring employer.

For everyone else, especially asylum seekers, TPS holders, and parolees, an EAD is essential.

The New USCIS Fee Structure

Here’s a breakdown of the updated filing fees under H.R. 1:

• Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
  • Filing online: $470
  • Filing by paper: $520
• For Asylum, Parole, and TPS applicants (categories a(4), a(12), c(8), c(11), c(19), c(34)):
  • Initial EAD application: $550
  • Renewal or extension: $275
• For those filing Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal):
  • One-time filing fee: $100
  • Annual Asylum Fee (AAF): $100, payable online for each year the asylum application remains pending.

Important: If someone files for a new period of parole using Form I-131, they will only pay $275 for their EAD.

Key Deadlines

• July 22, 2025: Applicants can begin submitting forms with the new fees.
• August 21, 2025: Any application without the proper fee will be automatically rejected by USCIS.

Changes to EAD Validity

Along with the new fees, the validity period for certain immigrants has also changed:

• Parolees: Work permits valid for up to 1 year or until the parole period ends (whichever comes first).
• TPS Holders: Work permits valid for up to 1 year or the length of TPS status (whichever is shorter).

Do These New Fees Replace Existing USCIS Fees?

No. These additional charges under H.R. 1 do not replace current USCIS fees. Instead, they will be applied on top of existing ones.

What This Means for Immigrants and Employers

For immigrants: If you’re under asylum, parole, or TPS, budgeting for your work permit just got more expensive. Be prepared for both the initial fee and potential annual asylum fees while your case is pending.

For U.S. employers: It’s crucial to verify that foreign employees have valid work authorization. Without an EAD (or another valid status like a Green Card or H-1B), employees cannot legally work.

Final Thoughts

These new USCIS filing fees represent a major shift for asylum seekers, parolees, and TPS applicants who previously didn’t have to pay to apply for work authorization. With deadlines fast approaching, it’s more important than ever for applicants to file on time, pay the correct fees, and stay updated with USCIS requirements.

If you’re planning to file an EAD application, make sure you review the updated fee schedule and submit everything before August 21, 2025 to avoid delays or rejection.