The United States has introduced new fees for foreigners applying for work permits, affecting immigrants under asylum, parolee, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) categories.
The change took effect on August 21, 2025, with applications submitted without the proper fees automatically rejected by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
To work legally in the US, foreigners must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which proves their right to employment. Until now, certain categories of immigrants, including asylum seekers and TPS holders, were exempt from paying EAD application fees.
Under the new policy, these groups must now pay.
New Fee Structure for EAD Applications
According to USCIS, the updated fees are as follows:
Initial EAD application: $550
EAD renewal or extension: $275
Asylum application (Form I-589): $100 filing fee
Annual Asylum Fee (AAF): $100 per year while the case remains pending
The rules also specify an exception: if a foreigner applies for an EAD following USCIS approval of a new parole period (re-parole), the lower fee of $275 will apply.
Impact on Foreign Workers
Foreign workers filing Form I-765 after July 22, 2025, must include the new fees. Any forms postmarked on or after August 21, 2025, without payment will be rejected.
USCIS also clarified that these new fees, introduced under H.R. 1, do not replace existing USCIS fee rules but will be charged in addition to them.
The policy also alters the validity period of employment authorization:
For parolees, work authorization will last no longer than one year or the parole duration, whichever is shorter.
For TPS beneficiaries, initial and renewal EADs are valid for a maximum of one year or the TPS status duration.
Who Needs an EAD?
Foreigners who are Green Card holders (lawful permanent residents) or hold work-authorized visas such as H-1B, L-1B, O, or P visas do not need to apply for an EAD.
However, asylum seekers, TPS holders, and parolees must now comply with the new fee requirements.
The new policy is expected to place an additional financial burden on asylum seekers and other immigrants already facing legal and economic challenges.
Critics argue it could further delay the processing of work permits, while supporters say it will help USCIS cover operational costs and reduce backlogs.
