Overview
- USCIS has published a provisional final rule that takes effect May 29, 2026, requiring an annual $102 electronic payment on long‑pending affirmative asylum cases.
- Payment is due within 30 days after a “Pay and Submit” alert appears in the USCIS online portal, which applicants must check using their A‑Number and receipt number.
- The fee applies once a case has been pending more than one year and must be paid each calendar year while the application remains open.
- If payment is missed, USCIS will automatically deny the asylum application, and DHS will move to start removal for people without legal status.
- Nonpayment stops the asylum clock used to qualify for work permits, denies pending employment authorization, ends any permits already issued, and makes filing fees like Form I‑589 nonrefundable with only narrow court‑ordered exceptions.