If you’re filing immigration paperwork in the United States, big changes are coming starting August 21, 2025. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will strictly enforce fee requirements for all immigration forms beginning next week.
This means that if your application, petition, or request does not include the correct filing fee, it will be automatically rejected—no exceptions unless you qualify for a specific fee waiver.
What’s Changing?
On July 18, 2025, USCIS introduced a new fee structure under the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, which adds additional charges for specific immigration benefit requests.
- Forms postmarked on or after July 22, 2025 → Required new fees must be included.
- Forms postmarked on or after August 21, 2025 → Any application without the correct fee will be rejected.
To help applicants navigate these changes, USCIS has published a new edition of the Form G-1055 (Fee Schedule) on July 31, 2025. This updated form includes:
- A Biometric Services Fee added to several applications.
- Additional fees for Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), especially for cases filed under the Family Reunification Task Force (FRTF).
Why This Matters
Every application, petition, or request must now include the proper filing fee unless:
- You are exempt from paying the fee, or
- You are eligible for a fee waiver.
If your payment is incorrect—or missing—USCIS will not process your application.
Additionally, some immigration forms now come with extra mandatory fees that cannot be waived. These must be included as separate payments at the same time you file your main application.
New Immigration Fees Under H.R. 1
The H.R. 1 immigration fees are:
- In addition to any other filing fees already required by law.
- Must be paid separately from DHS filing fees.
- Not eligible for fee waivers (in most cases).
If you qualify for a DHS fee waiver, you may still submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) or a written waiver request for the regular USCIS fee. However, you must still pay the new H.R. 1 fees, as waivers do not apply to those.
📌 The annual pending asylum application fee is now required to be submitted online.
Who Is Eligible for a Fee Waiver?
Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver on certain forms. To check, review the eligibility guidelines on Form I-912.
Important notes:
- For most forms, you cannot request a fee waiver online. You must file a paper version of Form I-912 or submit a written request.
- Additional fees introduced under H.R. 1 are not waiver-eligible.
- You may still apply for a waiver of the main USCIS filing fee, if eligible, while paying the new mandatory fees separately.
Key Takeaways for Applicants
- August 21, 2025 is the final date USCIS will accept forms without the correct filing fee.
- Always check the latest Fee Schedule (Form G-1055 – Edition 07/31/25) before submitting.
- If you qualify for a fee waiver, submit Form I-912 or a written waiver request with your application.
- Be aware that new H.R. 1 fees cannot be waived—they must be paid regardless of fee waiver eligibility for standard USCIS filing fees.
- Apply early to prevent delays and avoid rejection due to incorrect or missing payments.
Final Thoughts
These updates mark an important shift in the U.S. immigration system’s move toward stricter fee compliance. For applicants, the message is clear: make sure you include the correct filing fees—or risk rejection of your immigration petition.
If you’re filing any immigration form after August 21, 2025, double-check your payment details, confirm your eligibility for waivers, and use the updated Fee Schedule to avoid costly delays.
