Court Order Pauses Annual Asylum Fee Notices

Key Point  

• A federal court has temporarily blocked USCIS’s Annual Asylum Fee, pausing all payment notices and instructions while litigation continues 

Asylum Fee Notice  

On October 30, 2025, a federal court issued a temporary stay in Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project v. USCIS, halting implementation of the Annual Asylum Fee (AAF). As a result, USCIS has paused all related payment notices and instructions. 

About the Asylum Fee  

The AAF was introduced under the HR-1 Reconciliation Bill and outlined in a July 2025 Federal Register Notice. It would have applied to individuals with pending Form I-589 asylum applications for a full fiscal year. USCIS began issuing payment notices in early October, but those notices are now on hold. 

Applicants who received AAF instructions should disregard them while the stay remains in effect. USCIS will not issue refunds for fees already paid; however, it recommends retaining receipts. Further guidance will be provided as litigation progresses. 

Don’t Miss an Update

At Envoy Global, we combine smart, friendly legal teams with smart, friendly technology to facilitate immigration for companies and the global talent they depend on. Our holistic, proactive immigration services are built for accuracy and efficiency, always putting people first.

Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs.