This is a fast-changing topic. Always check your current USCIS or EOIR notice before relying on an older article.
Current federal procedures include an Annual Asylum Fee for certain Form I-589 applications that remain pending long enough to trigger the requirement.
USCIS states that it issues personal notices when the annual fee is due for USCIS-pending cases. EOIR also has payment procedures for annual asylum fees in court proceedings.
Follow the notice, not a social-media post
Your notice should identify the amount, deadline, and payment method that apply to your case. Rules and fees can change, so do not rely on a screenshot from someone else's case.
Save proof immediately
After payment, save:
- the fee notice;
- the payment confirmation page;
- the receipt;
- the payment tracking ID, if one is issued;
- the date paid; and
- a PDF or printed copy stored with your immigration records.
EOIR specifically states that its Payment Portal provides a receipt and tracking ID and that proof of payment may need to be included with a filing.
Keep fee records separate from evidence
A useful folder structure is:
Government Fees and Receipts → Year → Notice + Payment Receipt
That makes it much easier to prove what was paid and when.
Official sources
- USCIS Annual Asylum Fee: https://my.uscis.gov/accounts/annual-asylum-fee/start/overview
- EOIR Payment Portal FAQ: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/eoir-payment-portal-frequently-asked-questions-faq
Verified against official sources: August 12, 2026. Recheck before publication or republication.
General educational information only; not legal advice.