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New Asylum Application and Work Authorization Fees: What You Need to Know Effective July 22, 2025 , the federal government implemented significant changes to asylum-related immigration fees under H.R.1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” These changes affect both asylum applications and employment authorization requests tied to pending asylum cases. As of August 21, 2025 , U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began rejecting submissions that do not include the proper fees. ā ļø Important Note : Government guidance on these new fees remains incomplete and inconsistent. This page will be updated as new information becomes available. š Asylum Application Fees Initial Filing Fee for Form I-589: $100 Annual Fee for Pending Applications (1+ years): $100 Fee Waivers: Not available for either fee Defensive Filings in Immigration Court As of September 23, 2025 , the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) updated its payment portal to accept the $100 initial asylum fee: š EOIR Payment Portal Payment methods include ACH (bank account), debit, or credit card. However, the portal does not currently support payment of the annual fee , and EOIR has not provided guidance on how to pay it. Reports from immigration courts across the country show inconsistent handling of the annual fee: Some Immigration Judges (IJs) are threatening to pretermit applications without proof of payment. Others are issuing orders to show cause. The EOIR Practice Manual (Chapter 3.4(b)(2)) suggests the fee may apply to other forms of relief filed through Form I-589, including: Withholding of removal Protection under the Convention Against Torture However, 8 CFR § 1103.7(b)(ii) clearly states that no fee applies to Form I-589 when filed solely for withholding of removal or CAT protection. šļø USCIS Filings USCIS currently accepts the $100 asylum fee via: Paper check Money order Credit card ACH transaction ā ļø Starting October 28, 2025 , USCIS will no longer accept paper checks or money orders. š USCIS Fee Payment Modernization USCIS has also clarified that: Applications filed on or before October 1, 2024 will be subject to the $100 annual fee if still pending on September 30, 2025. Applicants will receive personal notices detailing when and how to pay, and the consequences of non-payment. š¼ Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Fees – Category (c)(8) Initial Applications New Fee: $550 Waivers: Not available Renewal Applications New Fee Structure: Online Submission: $745 Mail Submission: $795 Waivers: Only the base $520 fee may be waived (mail submission only); the $275 H.R.1 fee is non-waivable Automatic Termination of EAD Under H.R.1, (c)(8) EADs will automatically terminate upon final denial of the asylum application: Defensive Filings: Termination occurs after a final order of removal and expiration of the appeal period, or immediately if the BIA affirms the denial. Affirmative Filings: EAD remains valid if referred to EOIR, but terminates if USCIS denies the case without referral. š Final Thoughts These changes represent a major shift in asylum processing and work authorization. Applicants and attorneys must stay informed and proactive to avoid delays or denials due to fee-related issues. If you or someone you know is affected by these changes, contact ļ»æ Buenaventura Koss, PLLC ļ»æ for guidance and representation. We are closely monitoring updates and can help navigate this evolving landscape. š Call us at (813) 200-6103 š Visit us at www.thebklaw.com
Introduction On September 19, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the Gold Card visa program, a new pathway for certain foreign nationals to obtain US permanent residency through a substantial gift to the US government. This section outlines the key facts, who may qualify, and the main benefits and risks. What Is the Gold Card Individuals who make an unrestricted gift of 1 million dollars are eligible to apply for expedited permanent residency. Corporations may sponsor an individual by contributing 2 million dollars on their behalf. The gift is deposited with the US Treasury through the Department of Commerce to support American commerce and industry. Applicants must still meet all admissibility requirements under US immigration law, and visa numbers must be available within the EB1 or EB2 categories. The Departments of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security have been directed to implement processes for application, fees, and adjudication within 90 days. Benefits Potentially faster processing compared to traditional employment based green card routes. Corporate sponsorship option, allowing companies to sponsor employees by making the gift. Clear financial threshold rather than complex investment and job creation requirements seen in other programs. Risks and Concerns Legal uncertainty: The program may face challenges in the courts, since immigration law traditionally falls under Congress. Visa limits: Even with eligibility, applicants remain subject to per country and category visa caps, which could mean delays. Nonrefundable costs: The 1–2 million dollar gift cannot be recovered, and applicants should expect additional government and legal fees. Implementation delays: The Executive Order sets deadlines, but actual processing timelines may vary. Who Might Consider the Gold Card High net worth individuals seeking a direct path to US residency. Entrepreneurs or executives whose companies are prepared to act as sponsors. Applicants who prefer a clear financial contribution requirement over traditional investment visa obligations.