Starting January 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees. This fee adjustment, announced in the Federal Register, is part of a regular review to align with inflation and operational costs. The new fees will affect a range of applications, including Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status), and Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document). USCIS has stated that any application postmarked on or after January 1, 2026, must include the new fee amount to be accepted. The agency has emphasized that these changes are necessary to maintain service levels and processing times. Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the official USCIS website to verify the correct fee for their specific form before submission. This update is part of the broader H.R. 1 fees for fiscal year 2026, reflecting inflation from mid-2024 to mid-2025. This immigration news 2026 update is a critical policy change for all prospective applicants.
USCIS Fees Increase January 2026: What Immigrants Need to Know
USCIS has implemented a fee increase for various immigration forms, including those for work permits and travel documents, effective January 1, 2026.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: Submitting an application with the old fee amount after January 1, 2026 will result in rejection.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Anyone planning to file for immigration benefits with USCIS in 2026.
- Timeline for Action: The new fees are effective immediately for any application postmarked on or after January 1, 2026.
- Next Steps: Before filing any USCIS form, double-check the correct fee on the official USCIS website's form page or the G-1055 Fee Schedule.
Source: Uscis.gov