To regularize their personal status in a foreign country, citizens must comply with the regulations of the country they arrive in. In this case, the United States recently passed a law updating the fees required to apply for asylum or work permits. Specifically, to apply for a work permit through an asylum application and an employment authorization document (EAD), an individual must file Form I-765 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
As of July 22, 2025, it costs $550 to apply for the first work permit as an asylum seeker
Asylum applications must meet a series of requirements to be granted. Generally, a person is eligible for authorization when the asylum application has been pending for 180 days. Through asylum, foreign nationals present or arriving in the United States can seek protection from past or future persecution for various reasons. With the new update, as of July 22, 2025, it costs $550 to apply for the first work permit as an asylum seeker. Previously, there was no fee.
Once the benefit is approved, the foreigner is immediately authorized to work, as this grants a work permit
For this reason, among others, it is important to stay constantly informed about any new developments in immigration procedures. Once the benefit is approved, the foreigner is immediately authorized to work, as this grants a work permit, as we mentioned. It is also true that some asylum seekers choose to obtain an EAD card for identification purposes, as it represents a form of regularization, even if it does not allow entry into the country.
Costs: renewing a work permit by mail now costs a total of $795 and renewing a work permit as an asylum seeker increased by $275
For many affected individuals, the costs are high, considering they are in the country with an irregular status. With the new update, the cost of renewing a work permit as an asylum seeker increased by $275. Renewing a work permit online now costs a total of $745. Renewing a work permit by mail now costs a total of $795. USCIS warns that if the asylum request is denied, employment authorization will end when the EAD expires or 60 days after the application was denied. However, it is important to be informed about each case, as the process or progress varies depending on each individual’s situation.
The agency’s provisions follow the provisions of the reconciliation bill (HR1), signed by President Donald Trump
Once asylum is granted, there are maintenance costs, so to speak. It will now cost $100 per year to continue your asylum case. This applies whether you file your asylum application in immigration court or with USCIS. The agency’s provisions follow the provisions of the reconciliation bill (HR1), signed by President Donald Trump. “Applicants must submit the new fees with benefit applications postmarked on or after July 22, 2025. USCIS will reject any form postmarked on or after August 21, 2025, that does not include the appropriate fees,” the agency states.
If you pay the incorrect fee on or after August 21, the USCIS it will reject your work permit application and return it to you
We urge you to read all the information regarding the requirements carefully, because, for example, if you pay the wrong fee by mistake, it may be irrevocable. That is, if you pay the incorrect fee on or after August 21, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) says it will reject your work permit application and return it to you. Regarding deadlines, the agency will offer a grace period depending on the case and the state, so it’s important to stay up to date with all changes to state law.
