To Pay or Not to Pay? Understanding the Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) After the Recent Court Ruling

The rollout of the new Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) has caused understandable confusion and concern among asylum applicants nationwide. With immigration law continually shifting—and now with court intervention—it is more important than ever to stay accurately informed.

A Temporary Pause on the Annual Asylum Fee

On October 30, 2025, a federal court issued an order temporarily staying the implementation of the AAF. In response, USCIS has paused issuing Annual Asylum Fee notices. According to USCIS:

“In accordance with the Oct. 30, 2025 order, USCIS has paused the issuance of AAF notices. Any applicant who has received a notice from USCIS instructing him or her to pay the AAF may disregard that notice while the temporary stay is in place.”

This means two important things for asylum applicants:

1. If you have NOT received an AAF notice, you will not receive one until the stay is lifted.

USCIS has stopped all new notices for now.

2. If you HAVE received an AAF notice, you may disregard it for the moment. You do not

need to make the payment while the stay remains in effect.

Important Reminder: This Is Only a Temporary Stay

The pause is not the end of the AAF requirement. It is a temporary measure while litigation continues. The court may:

• Extend the stay

• Modify it

• Lift it entirely

Once the stay is lifted, USCIS may resume issuing notices—or possibly set new deadlines for previously issued notices. For this reason, applicants should remain vigilant and follow updates from trusted immigration professionals.

Asylum Law Is Constantly Changing

This development illustrates how quickly immigration—and specifically asylum—law can change. From new filing requirements to litigation that pauses enforcement, the legal landscape is always evolving. Staying informed is essential to protecting your rights and your case.

Have Questions? We Can Help.

If you have questions about the Annual Asylum Fee, such as:

• Whether you need to pay an AAF notice you already received

• How the court ruling affects your specific case

• What to expect if the stay is lifted

—we are here to provide clear, up-to-date guidance.

Additionally, if you want to discuss your asylum case or are interested in applying for asylum, our office can walk you through the requirements, timelines, and the best strategy for your situation.

📞 Office: 502.400.7890

💬 Text: 502.795.1870

📧 Email: sean@olglawyers.com

Asylum law is complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.