Asylum in the US in 2026: deadlines, fees and new rules
US asylum in 2026: a $100 filing fee and an annual fee, evidence due 14 days before the interview, rescheduling only in exceptional circumstances.
- You can apply for asylum only while in the US and within a year of entry, unless there are changed or extraordinary circumstances.
- Since 2026 you pay $100 at filing and an annual fee of $102 online while the case is pending. These fees cannot be waived.
- Since 21 August 2026 evidence is due 14 days before the interview, and it can be rescheduled only in exceptional circumstances.
- Pactors will find you an expert free of charge to assess the grounds and deadlines.
The US asylum procedure became stricter and more expensive in 2026. The fees, evidence deadlines and interview rescheduling rules have all changed.
Who can ask for asylum
Asylum is granted to people who were persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution for one of five reasons: race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion. Form I-589 can be filed only while you are in the US. The form can be read in 12 languages, Russian among them.
The filing deadline: one year
The law (INA 208) requires filing the I-589 within a year of entry. A late applicant must show changed circumstances that affect eligibility for asylum, or extraordinary circumstances that caused the delay. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 are included in the application if they are also in the US.
The 2026 fees
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| USCIS fee for the I-589 | none |
| fee under Pub. L. 119-21 at filing | $100 |
| annual fee while the case is pending | $102 online; USCIS sends the due date |
| initial work permit (c08) | $560 under Pub. L. 119-21 |
Fees under Pub. L. 119-21 are paid by the principal applicant and cannot be waived.
New rules from 21 August 2026
- All evidence must reach the asylum office 14 calendar days before the interview. USCIS may not accept late documents or may reschedule the interview.
- The interview can be rescheduled only in exceptional circumstances.
- If you miss the interview without asking to reschedule, USCIS may dismiss the application or, if you have no lawful status, refer the case to an immigration judge.
- A reschedule caused by you stops the clock towards a work permit.
Work and travel
A work permit can be requested 150 days after the I-589 and issued after 180 days. The codes and fees are covered in the article on EAD categories. You can leave the US before a decision only with advance parole; otherwise the application is treated as abandoned.
The programme's requirements are on the US political asylum page and in the guide to asylum inside the US. What happens after approval is covered in the article on the green card after asylum.
Common questions
Can I apply for asylum from Russia?
What counts as a delay you caused?
Sources
- USCIS — asylum
- USCIS — Form I-589
- 8 U.S.C. 1158 (INA 208) — asylum
- USCIS — fee schedule G-1055 (edition of 09/09/2026)
Links checked on 27 September 2026
