The Annual Asylum Fee under the “One Big Beautiful Bill”

Date of Information: 09/22/2025

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Overview of the Annual Asylum Fee (AAF)

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA / HR-1, Pub. L. 119-21) created a new Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) of $100 per year for all asylum seekers with a pending Form I-589. This fee applies whether your asylum case is before USCIS (affirmative) or in Immigration Court (EOIR, defensive). It is in addition to any other immigration filing fees. There are no waivers and no reductions.

How to Pay in an Affirmative Asylum Case

For applicants who filed Form I-589 affirmatively with USCIS (not in removal proceedings):

  1. Watch for USCIS’s notice: Around the one-year mark of your I-589 filing, USCIS will send you a notice.

  2. Pay online at USCIS: Go to https://myaccount.uscis.gov, log in (or create an account), and find the Annual Asylum Fee item.

  3. Payment methods: Credit card, debit card, or U.S. bank account (ACH). Paper checks and money orders are not accepted.

  4. Save proof: Download the PDF receipt and print a copy. Keep this with your asylum records.

  5. Calendar your next due date: The AAF recurs every 12 months while your case is pending.

How to Pay in an Immigration Court Case (EOIR / Defensive Asylum)

Updated Sept. 22, 2025 (per EOIR Payment Portal instructions)

The $100 Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) for defensive asylum must be paid electronically through EOIR’s Payment Portal.

Steps to Pay Electronically

  1. Go to the EOIR Payment Portal: https://epay.eoir.justice.gov

  2. Enter your information: Provide your full name and A-Number.

  3. Select the correct filing type: Under the “Filing Type” dropdown menu, choose:
    “Court – I-589, Application for Asylum (Initial Fee)”

  4. Add the fee to your cart: Click Add and confirm the amount ($100).

  5. Complete the payment: Click Pay Now and follow the prompts.

  6. Save your receipt: After payment, you will receive a receipt with a Tracking ID. Save or print this for your records.

Important Information

  • Payment method: Only electronic payments through the EOIR Payment Portal are accepted for the AAF.

  • Annual fee: This is an annual fee—note your fee anniversary date and calendar the next due date.

  • Proof for your file: Keep a printed or digital copy of your receipt with your immigration records.

  • System status: EOIR’s AAF processing is still transitioning; always confirm details in the EOIR portal before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions: Annual Asylum Fee (OBBBA) for USCIS & EOIR

1) How much is the annual asylum fee?
The Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) is $100 per year for all asylum seekers with a pending Form I-589, whether the case is before USCIS (affirmative) or EOIR (defensive).

2) When is the annual fee due?
The fee is due each year on the anniversary of your I-589 filing date and continues until your asylum case is resolved.

3) How do I pay if my case is with USCIS (affirmative asylum)?
You must pay online through your USCIS account once USCIS issues instructions. Payment methods include credit card, debit card, or U.S. bank account (ACH).

4) How do I pay if my case is in Immigration Court (EOIR / defensive asylum)?
You must pay electronically through the EOIR Payment Portal at https://epay.eoir.justice.gov.

  • Enter your name and A-Number.

  • Under the “Filing Type” dropdown, select “Court – I-589, Application for Asylum (Initial Fee)”.

  • Add the $100 fee, click Pay Now, and save the receipt with the Tracking ID.

5) Do I need to file proof of payment?
Yes. Defensive applicants should keep a copy of their receipt and file it with the Immigration Court (via ECAS if represented, or by submitting a copy to the court clerk).

6) Can I get a waiver or reduction of the asylum fees?
No. Both the initial $100 asylum filing fee and the annual $100 fee are non-waivable under OBBBA.

7) What happens if I don’t pay?
Failure to pay may cause your asylum application to be deemed abandoned, which could result in dismissal of your case.

8) Is this the same as the 2024 “Asylum Program Fee”?
No. The 2024 Asylum Program Fee is a charge on certain employer petitions. The OBBBA Annual Asylum Fee is a separate $100 per year obligation for asylum applicants.

9) Where can I find official updates?
Check the USCIS Asylum page and the EOIR Payment Portal for the most current guidance.

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