Starting 2025, individuals with pending asylum cases before the Immigration Court (EOIR) must pay a $100 Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) each year until their case is resolved, no fee waiver available.

If you’ve received a notice about this new requirement, here’s a clear step-by-step guide to help you make the payment online.

At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, our team has helped thousands of immigrants stay compliant and avoid delays caused by policy changes like this one. Paying correctly, and keeping proof, is crucial to protect your case.

⚠️ Important Note

This guide applies only to asylum cases before the Immigration Court (EOIR) - not those filed with USCIS.

If your case is an affirmative I-589 application with USCIS, please refer to our separate USCIS payment guide

Step 1: Visit the EOIR Payment Portal

Go to the official EOIR payment website: https://epay.eoir.justice.gov

You will first see a disclaimer page explaining the system’s authorized use policy. After reviewing, click “I Accept” to continue.

Step 2: Enter Your Case Information

Once inside the payment portal:

1. Enter your A-Number (Alien Registration Number) - this can be found on your Notice of Hearing or work permit card (EAD).

2. Under Filing Type, select: “Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) - Pending Application for Asylum.”

3. The amount field will automatically display $100.00.

4. Click “Pay Now.”

Step 3: Confirm and Continue to Pay.gov

A pop-up message titled “Attention” will appear. It informs you that you’ll be redirected to Pay.gov, the secure federal payment website. Click “OK.”

Step 4: Select Payment method and click on Continue

You will then choose a payment method:

• Bank Account (ACH) – no processing fee

• Debit or Credit Card – Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express

Select your option and click “Continue.”

Step 5: Enter Payment Information

If you choose Debit or Credit Card, you’ll be asked to fill in:

• Card Number

• Expiration Date

• Security Code (CVV)

• Billing Address (must match your card’s statement address)

After reviewing all information, check the box authorizing the payment, then click “Continue.”

Step 6: Save and Print Your Receipt

Once payment is successful, you’ll return to the EOIR portal where a receipt page will appear showing:

• Your A-Number

• Payment Tracking ID

• Payment Date and Time

• Filing Type: Annual Asylum Fee (AAF)

• Payment Type: Plastic Card or Bank Account

• Amount: $100.00

Click “Download Receipt” and save a copy immediately. You will not receive an email confirmation, so this document is your only proof of payment.

Step 7: Mark Your Calendar

You must pay the Annual Asylum Fee once every calendar year on or around the same date as your first payment.

For example, if your first payment was made on October 24, 2025, your next payment should be submitted no later than October 23, 2026, unless your case has been completed before that date.

Need Legal Help?

Under U.S. immigration law, maintaining a complete and compliant asylum record is essential to protecting your rights before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, our experienced immigration attorneys assist clients in ensuring their asylum filings meet EOIR requirements and provide skilled representation in asylum hearings, appeals, and post-decision motions.

If you or someone you know is navigating the asylum process, contact our office at (213) 375-8096 to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.