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In 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented significant changes to its fee structure, affecting asylum seekers, work permit renewals, and employment-based visa petitions. Here's an overview of the key updates:
Asylum Program Fee
USCIS introduced a new Asylum Program Fee aimed at funding the asylum adjudication process. This fee applies to employers filing certain immigration petitions:Amount:
o $600 for employers with more than 25 full-time employees.
o $300 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time employees).
o Nonprofit organizations are exempt from this fee.
• Applicability:
o The fee is required for each Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) and Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) filed.
o It does not replace other existing fees and is separate from them.
Work Permit Renewals (Form I-765)
USCIS increased the fees for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications:
• New Fees:
o $470 for online applications.
o $520 for paper applications.
• Previous Fee:
o $410 for both online and paper applications. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made permanent a rule allowing certain immigrants with expired work authorization to continue working for up to 540 days while awaiting renewal. This extension, up from the previous 180 days, aims to address processing backlogs and applies to refugees, asylum seekers, temporary protected status holders, and spouses of work visa holders.
Impact on Employers and Applicants
The fee increases and new charges have several implications:Employers:
o May face higher costs when sponsoring foreign workers, potentially affecting hiring decisions, especially for small businesses.
o Need to account for the additional Asylum Program Fee in their budgeting for immigration-related expenses.
• Applicants:
o Individuals seeking work permit renewals will incur higher application fees.
o The extended automatic work authorization period provides relief amid processing delays.
These changes reflect USCIS's efforts to balance funding needs with the goal of maintaining efficient processing of immigration benefits. Applicants and employers should stay informed about these updates to navigate the immigration process effectively
