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Since the beginning of October, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun sending formal notifications to all foreigners with pending asylum applications, specifically to those who have the Form I-589 in process.
These notifications aim not only to advance the processing of cases but also to introduce a significant change: the collection of a new mandatory annual fee.
What is happening and why is it important?
According to USCIS, asylum applicants who have already submitted Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, will begin receiving notifications that include new financial obligations and procedural requirements. The agency is also notifying legal representatives registered on Form G-28.
"On October 1, 2025, we will begin sending notifications to all foreigners who have an I-589 Form in process and who need to pay the new Annual Asylum Fee (AAF)," states the official notice published by USCIS.
This measure arises in compliance with Public Law 119-21 (P.L. 119-21), which imposes an Annual Asylum Fee of $100 for each calendar year that the application is pending. The fee is mandatory and does not allow for payment exemption, even in cases of economic hardship.
What happens if it is not paid?
The impact of failing to comply with this new requirement can be serious. USCIS warns that not paying the AAF within 30 days of receiving the notification may cause delays or negatively affect the case, including the progress or outcome of the asylum application.
"Failing to pay it could negatively affect your application, including, among other things, a delay in processing," clarifies the agency.
The payment must be made online through the official site my.uscis.gov, and to complete it, the A Number (Alien Registration Number) and the Receipt Number are required, both of which are included in the notification received.
Other recent changes in the asylum process
In addition to the introduction of this fee, USCIS has implemented a massive review of pending asylum cases, resulting in an increase in the issuance of notifications for various purposes:
Biometric appointments.
-Requests for Additional Evidence (RFE).
-Scheduled interviews.
-Confirmation of address change.
The official website for Form I-589 has also been updated, along with the section dedicated to asylum, reflecting a more active policy for monitoring and resolving cases.
One additional detail: text message notifications now come exclusively from the number 872466 (USAIMM). Any other number, especially if it requests payments through unofficial channels, may be a fraud attempt.
Who does this measure affect?
This new policy primarily affects the following groups:
-People who have already filed the I-589 and are awaiting a response, interview, or resolution.
-Applicants who have recently changed their address and may not have updated it, putting the receipt of key notices at risk.
Families that rely on these processes to obtain work permits, legal assistance, or additional immigration benefits.
What to do now?: Key steps for applicants
If your Form I-589 is still pending, it is crucial to follow these recommendations:
1. Check your online account
Regularly visit my.uscis.gov and check the “Case Status” section. Do this at least once a week to avoid surprises.
2. Check your physical mailbox
USCIS continues to send printed letters with important appointments such as interviews or fingerprint collection.
3. Update your address
If you have moved, submit Form AR-11 within 10 days of the change. You can do this online or by postal mail.
4. Confirm your appointments
The notifications include the date, time, and location. If you cannot attend, please reschedule the appointment from your official account.
5. Avoid frauds
No USCIS agent will ask you for payments over the phone, via Zelle, cryptocurrencies, or unofficial methods. Report any suspicious activity.
How to avoid delays or loss of benefits
-Enable notifications on your USCIS account to be informed immediately of any updates.
-Keep digital copies of the I-589, the shipping receipt, and all official correspondence.
-Organize your personal documents: identification, proof of address, notifications, and certificates.
When to ask for help?
If you have questions about the status of your case or lost a notification, contact the USCIS Customer Service Center by calling 800-375-5283. You can also request an in-person appointment at my.uscis.gov/appointment, available in Spanish.
In context: What is Form I-589?
Form I-589 is the official application for asylum or withholding of removal (protection against deportation) in the United States. As a general rule, it must be submitted within the first year of the applicant's arrival in the country.
The process includes several stages: collection of biometric data, interviews, submission of evidence, and final decision. Each notification that USCIS sends represents a step along that path.
The new Annual Asylum Fee marks a significant change for thousands of applicants with pending cases. If you find yourself in this situation, do not ignore any notices you may receive, as they could involve mandatory payments, essential appointments, or update requirements.
Review your account, keep your information up to date, and act quickly. In many cases, **a simple notification can mean the next decisive step on your path
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