How USCIS Asylum Fees Work and When You Have to Pay
USCIS does not charge a fee to file for asylum, but you may owe fees for related immigration services
The asylum petition itself—Form I-589—costs nothing to file with USCIS. However, if you need other immigration services as part of your case or after you receive asylum status, those services may have separate fees. Understanding which documents and services are free and which cost money helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises.
The confusion often arises because asylum cases involve multiple steps and multiple forms. Some steps are free. Others—like work permits, travel documents, or green card applications—carry fees that USCIS charges. Knowing the difference between what is included in asylum protection and what requires additional payment is the first step.
Key Takeaways
- Filing Form I-589 (the asylum petition itself) has no fee, and USCIS cannot charge you to file it.
- Work permits (Form I-765) and travel documents (Form I-131) filed together with asylum have no fee, but if you file them separately later, they may cost money.
- If your asylum case is approved and you later apply for a green card, that application carries a separate fee that varies by year.
- Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay for services that do have a cost; you request a waiver on Form I-912.
- Some immigration nonprofits and legal aid organizations help with fees or connect you to fee-waiver resources at no cost to you.
What costs nothing when you file for asylum
The asylum petition itself—Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal—has zero filing fee. USCIS law prohibits charging a fee for asylum applications. This applies whether you file at a USCIS office, at a port of entry, or with an immigration court.
If you file your work permit (Form I-765) and travel document (Form I-131) at the same time as your asylum petition, those also have no fee. Many people do file all three together because it is simpler and faster. The work permit lets you earn money while your case is pending, and the travel document lets you leave and return to the United States without losing your place in line.
Medical exams (Form I-693) and background checks are also free. USCIS covers these costs as part of processing your asylum case. You do not pay for fingerprinting, the civil surgeon's examination, or the security clearance.
Fees that may apply later in your case or after approval
If you file your work permit or travel document separately—not at the same time as your asylum petition—USCIS may charge a fee. The fee for Form I-765 (work permit) and Form I-131 (travel document) varies by year and by whether you are filing them together or apart. Check the USCIS fee schedule on their website for the current amount, as it changes annually.
Once your asylum is approved, you become a refugee in legal status. If you later want to become a permanent resident (green card holder), you will file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This form has a filing fee and a biometric services fee. The total amount varies by year; USCIS publishes the current fees on their website.
Other services that may have fees include name changes, replacement documents, or expedited processing. These are not part of the asylum petition itself but may come up if you need them.
How to request a fee waiver if you cannot pay
If USCIS charges a fee for a service you need and you do not have the money, you can request a waiver using Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver). You file this form along with the application that has the fee. USCIS will review your income, expenses, and assets to decide whether to waive the fee.
To may have access to for a fee waiver, your household income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, or you must show that paying the fee would cause serious hardship. Serious hardship means you would not be able to pay for basic needs like food, housing, or medical care if you paid the fee. You do not have to be homeless or destitute; you just have to show that the fee creates a real burden.
Include documents with your waiver request that show your income: pay stubs, tax returns, letters from employers, or statements from benefits programs. If you have no income, include a statement explaining that. The more detail you provide, the stronger your request.
Where to find current USCIS fees and fee schedules
USCIS updates its fee schedule every year, usually in the fall. The official list is on the USCIS website under "Fees and Fingerprints." You can search for the specific form you need (I-765, I-131, I-485, etc.) and see the current fee.
The fee schedule also lists which forms have no fee and which ones may have access to for fee waivers. If you are unsure whether a particular service has a fee, the schedule is the authoritative source. Nonprofit organizations and legal aid offices also have printed copies and can help you understand the fees.
Some USCIS field offices have fee calculators on their websites. If you are filing multiple forms together, the calculator shows you the total cost and whether you can combine fees or must pay separately.
Free help understanding fees and fee waivers
Immigration nonprofits, legal aid organizations, and community groups often help people understand USCIS fees and complete fee waiver forms at no cost. These organizations exist in most cities and towns. You can find them through the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) website, which lists accredited representatives and organizations by state.
Some organizations also have emergency funds or fee-assistance programs. They cannot pay the fee for you directly (that would violate USCIS rules), but they can help you complete the waiver form, connect you to other resources, or explain your options if a waiver is denied.
If you have a lawyer, ask whether they charge for fee waiver preparation or whether they include it in their services. Some immigration attorneys include fee waiver help in their retainer; others charge separately. Clarify this before you hire them.
What happens if you cannot pay and do not request a waiver
If a form has a fee and you do not pay it or request a waiver, USCIS will not process your application. The form will be returned to you, usually with a notice explaining the fee and your options. You can then submit the fee, request a waiver, or appeal a denied waiver.
This does not affect your asylum case itself if you filed the asylum petition without a fee. But if you need a work permit or travel document and cannot pay the fee, you will not get those documents until you either pay or receive a waiver approval.
Do not ignore a fee notice. Respond within the timeframe USCIS gives you (usually 30 days). If you miss the deadline, your application may be denied, and you will have to start over and pay again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to file my asylum petition?
No. Form I-589 (the asylum petition) has no filing fee. USCIS cannot charge you to file for asylum. This is true whether you file at a USCIS office, a port of entry, or with an immigration court.
If I file my work permit and travel document at the same time as my asylum petition, do I pay a fee?
No. When you file Form I-765 (work permit) and Form I-131 (travel document) together with your asylum petition, all three have no fee. If you file the work permit or travel document later, separately from your asylum case, a fee may apply.
What is a fee waiver and how do I know if I can get one?
A fee waiver means USCIS forgives the fee for a form that normally costs money. You request one using Form I-912. You may may have access to if your household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, or if paying the fee would prevent you from affording food, housing, or medical care. Include pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements with your request.
If my asylum is approved, will I have to pay to become a permanent resident?
Yes. Once approved for asylum, you can later apply for a green card using Form I-485. This form has a filing fee and a biometric services fee. The total amount changes each year; check the USCIS fee schedule for the current cost. You can request a fee waiver for this application too.
Where can I find free help with USCIS fees?
Immigration nonprofits, legal aid organizations, and community groups help people understand fees and complete fee waiver forms at no cost. Find accredited organizations in your state through the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) website. Some organizations also have emergency fee-assistance programs.