With the advancement of the One Big Beautiful Bill on immigration fees in 2025, thousands of immigrants could face higher costs and new barriers to regularizing their status in the United States.
Amid these changes, having the right support is more important than ever. Our New Jersey immigration attorneys are prepared to help you understand how this bill may affect your case.
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What is the One Big Beautiful Bill?
The One Big Beautiful Bill is a budget reconciliation bill passed by the US House of Representatives on July 3, 2025.
This legislation represents a change in the immigration system, since it:
- Establishes new mandatory rates, and
- Increases several existing fees for various immigration procedures.
Although the fees take effect immediately under the statute, their implementation could take several days while the government adapts its collection systems.
What new immigration fees does the law include?
Below are the minimum rates proposed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:
Asylum applications
- Application for asylum: $100.
- Annual fee for pending asylum application: $100
- Initial EAD for asylum applicants: $550
- Renewal or extension EAD for asylum applicants: $275
Parole Applications
- Request for Parole: $1,000
- Initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for parole recipients (valid for 1 year): $550
- EAD Renewal or Extension for parole (valid for 1 year): $275
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- TPS application: $500.
- Initial EAD for TPS applicants (valid for 1 year): $550.
- EAD renewal or extension for TPS holders (valid for 1 year): $275.
Application for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
- SIJ applicants: $250.
Almost all of the above fees are mandatory and non-waivable, that is, they cannot be reduced or forgiven. The only exception is the fee for the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) application, which may be waived in certain cases.
What other fees does the bill establish?
In addition to the fees mentioned above, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act proposes the following minimum fees for various immigration processes and legal proceedings:
General rates
- Nonimmigrant Visa Integrity Fee: $250
- Form I-94 Application: $24
Procedures before the Immigration Court
- Adjustment of status: $1,500
- Immigration waiver application: $1,050
- TPS Application: $500
- Suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal: $600
- Cancellation of removal and adjustment of status for certain non-permanent residents: $1,500
- Individuals removed in absentia: $5,000
Appeals
- Appeal of an Immigration Judge’s Decision to the BIA: $900
- Appeal of a DHS Officer’s Decision: $900
- Appeal of a Disciplinary Decision Against an Attorney or Accredited Representative: $1,325
- Motion to Reopen or Reconsider a Decision by an Immigration Judge or the BIA: $900
Other immigration procedures
- ESTA fee for Visa Waiver Program applicants: $40
- EVUS fee for Chinese B-1/B-2 visa holders: $30
- Inadmissible individuals arrested between ports of entry: $5,000
In some cases, DHS may refund the fee after the visa expires if the non-citizen demonstrates that they have met all the visa conditions. However, other criteria also apply.
Why are these fees being introduced?
These fees are proposed to fund the immigration system and reduce the fiscal deficit. According to Congress, they will help cover the costs of agencies like USCIS, ICE, and CBP.
However, several groups warn that this could limit access to legal protection for those who need it most, such as asylum seekers and vulnerable individuals.
What is recommended to do in response to this change?
- Please review the official fee schedule published by Congress for applicable minimum fees.
- Consult with an immigration attorney to assess how this bill may affect your specific case.
- If you are planning to file an immigration application, consider doing so as soon as possible to avoid higher costs.
- Organize your documents and make sure you meet all requirements to avoid rejections due to technical errors.
- Don’t risk submitting forms without including the correct fees, as many payments are nonrefundable.
It’s worth noting that, in addition to the new immigration fees, the bill also includes cuts to social programs like Medi-Cal and SNAP, which could further impact vulnerable communities.
How does Curbelo Law support you with your immigration case?
At Curbelo Law, we offer private legal advice to help you navigate the changes proposed by this bill.
We know that many fees are still estimated and that the process is ongoing, so it’s crucial to have clear and up-to-date information. We help you prepare your paperwork correctly, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your immigration status.
