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Major U.S. Immigration Fee Increases Enacted Under Reconciliation Bill

Posted July 15, 2025 | By Ortega-Medina & Associates

On July 4, 2025, the President signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping budget reconciliation package that includes significant changes to U.S. immigration law—most notably, new and increased fees for a wide range of immigration applications.The newly authorized fees affect applicants for asylum, parole, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), nonimmigrant visas, immigration court filings, and appeals. In most cases, these fees are non-waivable and will take effect immediately, though operational delays in collection may occur.

Key Fee Highlights

  • Asylum Applications: $100 application fee plus $100 annual fee for pending cases. EAD: $550 (initial), $275 (renewal). Not waivable.
  • Parole Applications: $1,000 application fee. EAD: $550 (initial), $275 (renewal). Not waivable.
  • TPS Applications: $500 initial filing. EAD: $550 (initial), $275 (renewal).
  • Visa Integrity Fee: $250 for most nonimmigrant visa issuances. Not waivable.
  • Immigration Court Filings:
    • Adjustment of Status: $1,500
    • Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility: $1,050
    • Cancellation of Removal (Certain Non-Permanent Residents): $1,500
    • Removal in absentia: $5,000 (not waivable)
  • Appeals and Motions: $900–$1,325 depending on action
  • ESTA/EVUS Fees: ESTA: $40; EVUS (for Chinese B1/B2 holders): $30

Important Notes

  • Most fees are set as minimums and may increase over time due to inflation or regulation.
  • Fee waivers are extremely limited, with only narrow humanitarian exceptions (e.g., urgent medical or funeral travel).
  • Some fees—such as the Visa Integrity Fee—may be reimbursable post-visa expiration if the applicant demonstrates full compliance.

What Should Applicants and Employers Do Now?

All applicants and petitioners should budget for these new costs and check with their immigration counsel before filing. If you are currently preparing a case—or if you are unsure how these fees impact your immigration plans—contact our office for tailored guidance.

Our team at Ortega-Medina & Associates is monitoring these developments closely and will provide updates as implementation unfolds.

Source: American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA Doc. No. 25070309, posted 7/14/25)