The Trump administration’s new $100 fee for people submitting and retaining asylum applications created confusion and chaos because of delays in implementing a payment portal and confusion about who had to pay the fees.
Some asylum seekers even had their applications denied for failure to pay the fee, despite the government not providing adequate instructions and a mechanism to do so. Now, asylum seekers will have some relief.
On October 30, 2025, a federal judge temporarily paused the government’s implementation of the annual asylum fee. The decision, brought about because of a lawsuit filed by nonprofit Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project, means that no asylum seekers are currently required to pay the annual fee — for now.
However, since this legal battle is ongoing, this could change and the government could start requiring people to pay this fee again. Below are updates to frequently asked questions about the annual asylum fee based on this recent court decision.
“Most clients are relieved by the stay, but there is confusion especially with the uncertainty of a further appeal by the federal government,” said Emerson Argueta, Associate Director at Fordham Law School’s Feerick Center for Social Justice.
Argueta anticipates that the Trump administration will appeal the judge’s decision, adding, “For anyone who is too afraid to ‘do something wrong’ I’m telling them they could pay if it puts them at ease.”
Also Read: Annual Asylum Fee Requires $100 Payments
I want to apply for asylum for the first time, do I have to pay the fee?
It still costs $100 to send in a new asylum application. If you do not pay the fee or submit the incorrect form with your payment information, USCIS can reject and return your asylum application.
My application has been pending for a year or more, do I have to pay the fee?
The court decision has temporarily paused the payment requirement for pending applicants, meaning you do not currently have to pay the fee. However, since this legal battle is ongoing, you may have to pay the fee in the near future. Stay updated by signing up for our WhatsApp newsletter.
What if I already paid the fee, can I get a refund?
If you already paid the $100, you cannot get a refund. However, you should make sure you keep a receipt of your payment in case you are asked for proof of payment in the future. This website enables you to track proof of payment.
What kind of receipt or proof should I keep if I already paid or will pay the fee?
This is an example of what your receipt should look like. You can access proof of payment by going to this website and typing in your A-number and payment tracking number. If you do not know your payment tracking number, you can access it for 5 days after you made the payment by going back to this payment webpage, entering your A number, and again choosing “Annual Asylum Fee” for filing type.
My court hearing is coming up and I want to pay just to be safe, where can I pay the fee?
This is the portal where you can pay your asylum fee.
Also Read: Lost Your USCIS A-Number? Find It With This Guide
