The Trump administration’s summer policy introduced a $100 annual fee for individuals with pending asylum cases, in addition to a new $100 application fee. However, months later, many immigrants and attorneys still struggle to determine who owes the fee and how to pay it due to inconsistent agency instructions and sporadic notices.

Background — What Changed and When

In July 2025, the federal government implemented HR-1 fee changes, including a $100 filing fee for the asylum application (Form I-589) and an additional Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) of $100 for each calendar year your case remains pending. No fee waiver is available for the AAF.

Why Having a Lawyer Matters

At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, our attorneys have guided countless asylum seekers through each stage of their immigration journey.If you recently received a notice about the new $100 Annual Asylum Fee, this guide will walk you through how to make the payment correctly.

Please note: The following steps apply only if your case is filed with USCIS (affirmative I-589 asylum application).

Step 1: Visit the USCIS Annual Asylum Fee Portal

Begin by visiting the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website: my.uscis.gov/accounts/annual-asylum-fee/start/overview

Read through the acknowledgment and overview carefully to understand your responsibilities, then click “Next.”

Step 2: Enter Your Case Information

Next, you’ll be asked to provide details about your asylum application. Questions include:

• What is your A-Number? This can be found on your Notice of Hearing or work permit card (EAD).

• What is your Receipt Number? This unique 13-character alphanumeric code, found in USCIS correspondence, is your personal identifier within their system. When entering your receipt number, precision is paramount. Comprising a combination of letters and digits – often beginning with three letters followed by ten digits (e.g., ABC1234567890) – this sequence unveils the journey of your case.

Be sure to enter this information exactly as it appears on your immigration documents.

After completing all required questions, click “Continue to Payment.”

Step 3: Submit the $100 Payment

On the next page, review the instructions carefully. Scroll to the bottom and click “Pay and Submit.”

You’ll then choose your preferred payment method:

• Bank Account (ACH), or

• Debit or Credit Card.

Once you select a method, you’ll be redirected to the payment information page.

Enter your payment details for the account or card you wish to use, then click “Continue.”

A confirmation screen will appear with a statement authorizing the charge: “I authorize a charge to my card account for the above amount in accordance with my card issuer agreement.”  

Then, confirm and submit.

Step 4: Verify Completion and Save Proof

After successful payment, you’ll see a message stating: “You Successfully Submitted Your Annual Asylum Fee.” This confirms that your payment was accepted.

If you filed your asylum application on paper (Form I-589), USCIS mails a physical receipt to the address listed on your application.

If you filed online, a digital receipt appears in your USCIS account shortly after payment.

Need Help or Prefer Professional Representation?

Navigating the asylum process can be complex, and even a small mistake—such as missing a payment deadline—can have serious consequences for your case. At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, our experienced immigration attorneys provide far more than simple filing assistance. We ensure every step of your case—from fee payments to filings and evidence preparation—complies with immigration law and protects your rights. With deep experience in asylum representation, our team is committed to helping you build a stronger case and move forward with confidence.

Contact us today at (213) 375-8096 to schedule a confidential consultation and let our legal team guide you through the process with precision and care.