US Work Permit: New Fee Structure Introduced for Asylum, TPS, and Parole Applicants

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new fee structure for work permits. This change affects asylum seekers, parolees, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. Starting August 21, 2025, applications without the correct fee will be rejected. Here’s what you need to know about the new costs, key changes, and deadlines.

Overview of New Fees

The introduction of these fees marks a significant shift for certain immigrant groups. Previously exempt categories, such as asylum seekers and TPS holders, must now pay for work authorization. USCIS has emphasized that any application sent without the appropriate payment after August 21, 2025, will not be accepted.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

To work legally in the U.S., most foreign nationals require an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), commonly known as a work permit. This document verifies your eligibility to work for a specific period. To obtain an EAD, you must file Form I-765. However, not everyone needs this document:

• Holders of a Green Card (Form I-551) are automatically authorized to work.
• If you hold a visa that permits employment with a specific employer (like H-1B or L-1B), an EAD is unnecessary.

Who Must Pay the New Fees?

If you belong to one of the following categories, you must now submit payment with your application:

• Asylum seekers
• Parolees
• TPS holders

These groups were previously exempt from fees, marking a significant change.

Updated EAD Fees

Here’s a breakdown of the new fees for the affected categories:

Note: The $100 annual fee for asylum applicants must be paid online starting the first year the application is pending, and every year thereafter until resolved.

Special Case: Re-Parole Applicants

If you are applying for a work permit after being re-paroled using Form I-131, you will only pay the reduced fee of 275, not the standard 550.

Important Dates

• July 22, 2025: You can begin submitting applications with the new fees.
• August 21, 2025: USCIS will reject forms postmarked on or after this date without the correct fee.

Ensure you check the dates and amounts to avoid complications.

Changes in EAD Validity

There are updates regarding the duration of the work permit:

• Parolees: Valid for up to 1 year or until parole ends, whichever comes first.
• TPS Holders: Also valid for up to 1 year or until TPS ends.

Additional Information

These new fees are additional charges and do not replace existing USCIS fees. In some cases, applicants may need to pay both the standard fee and the new fee.

Final Tips for Applicants

If you plan to apply for work authorization in the U.S. under the affected categories, keep these points in mind:

• Identify the correct form you need to complete.
• Ensure you pay the appropriate fee.
• Check your postmark date carefully.

A small oversight, like a missing payment, could force you to restart the application process. Stay informed and organized to navigate these changes successfully.