New USCIS Fees Take Effect October 16, 2026: What Changes for Applicants

October 16, 2026 — Higher fees for certain U.S. immigration benefits take effect on October 16, 2026, following an inflation adjustment announced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants must use the applicable updated fee for requests postmarked on or after the effective date. USCIS warns that requests requiring the new fee may be rejected if submitted with an incorrect payment.

The adjustment applies to selected immigration fees established under H.R. 1, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The changes reflect an approximately 3.36% increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers between July 2025 and July 2026.

What Is Changing?

The following updated fees apply from October 16, 2026:

• Immigration parole fee: Increased from $1,020 to $1,050.
• Initial employment authorization document (EAD): Increased from $560 to $570 for eligible asylum applicants, parolees and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants.
• TPS application fee: Increased from $510 to $520.
• Annual pending-asylum application fee: Increased from $102 to $105.

The immigration parole fee is generally collected when parole is granted, subject to statutory exceptions. Applicants should distinguish this fee from charges associated with submitting an underlying application or request.

For the official fee schedule and applicable requirements, consult the USCIS announcement on FY 2027 immigration fee adjustments.

What Is Not Changing?

The initial asylum application fee remains $100. The October 16 adjustment also does not introduce a new fee under this particular notice for ordinary employment-based petitions, H-4 employment authorization applications or adjustment-of-status employment authorization applications.

Consequently, applicants pursuing employment-based green cards, including many Indian professionals, should not interpret this announcement as a general increase in all green card or H-1B filing fees. Other immigration fees and policy changes may apply independently.

Separately, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has adjusted the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee from $40.27 to $40.62. ESTA is administered by CBP, not USCIS, and its fee should be considered separately from the USCIS changes.

Other Immigration Changes Applicants Should Monitor

The fee adjustment arrives amid other significant developments affecting employment-based immigration and work authorization.

• $100,000 H-1B fee litigation: Federal court rulings have challenged the administration's policies concerning the fee. Applicants and employers should monitor subsequent legal developments before making decisions based on earlier announcements.
• Proposed $70,000 OPT fee: A separate proposal concerning Optional Practical Training had not become a final fee requirement as of October 9, 2026. A proposal should not be treated as an effective charge unless the government formally implements it.
• Automatic EAD extensions: DHS finalized changes ending automatic extensions of certain employment authorization documents on October 14, 2026. Eligible applicants should review the applicable rules and renewal timelines carefully.

Related Immigration Coverage From GCEB1

GCEB1 continues to track changes affecting employment-based immigration, green card sponsorship and work authorization. Two recent reports provide additional context for applicants and employers navigating this evolving policy environment.

Our report, Washington Freezes Green Card Sponsorship at Eight Major Employers and Subpoenas Nine Universities, examines the announced suspension of PERM processing involving Microsoft, Adobe and six IT services companies, alongside investigations involving nine universities. It also discusses the wider debate over proposed immigration fees and the legal challenges to the $100,000 H-1B fee.

In Work Permit Denials for Green Card Applicants Surge to 44%, GCEB1 examines USCIS data showing 35,767 denials among decided adjustment-of-status-related work permit applications between April and June 2026. The article explains how the figures should be interpreted and why applicants should pay close attention to filing requirements, supporting evidence and renewal timelines.

What Should Applicants Do Now?

Applicants preparing a filing should verify the current fee for their specific benefit, use the correct form edition and payment method, and review the latest USCIS instructions before submitting their documents. An incorrect fee can result in rejection and delay processing.

Those with pending asylum applications, TPS cases or employment authorization matters should determine whether the updated fee applies to their particular category. Applicants facing approaching deadlines or complicated immigration circumstances may wish to consult a qualified immigration attorney.

GCEB1 will continue to follow developments in U.S. immigration policy and report on changes that may affect international professionals, employers and prospective green card applicants.