U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new, non-waivable $85 biometric services fee for several key immigration forms, primarily affecting individuals in removal proceedings. The change, effective October 2, 2025, is part of a broader fee overhaul mandated by Congress to sustain the agency’s operations.
The updated Form G-1055, Fee Schedule, adds the $85 biometric fee to three forms used in immigration court: EOIR-40 (Application for Suspension of Deportation), EOIR-42A (Application for Cancellation of Removal for Certain Permanent Residents), and EOIR-42B (Application for Cancellation of Removal for Certain Nonpermanent Residents). These applications are typically filed by noncitizens seeking to avoid deportation before the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
The new charge is mandated by Public Law 119-21 and is explicitly ineligible for fee waivers. Advocates stress that this will place additional financial strain on applicants already facing precarious circumstances. USCIS also announced new filing fees for Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) under the Family Reunification Task Force: $550 for initial applications and $275 for renewals.
USCIS has long operated on a fee-funded model, with roughly 96 percent of its budget derived from application fees rather than congressional appropriations. The agency has argued that updates are needed to recover operational costs and reduce processing backlogs. The last major overhaul of USCIS fees was finalized in 2016.
The expansion of biometric fees reflects a broader trend in U.S. immigration policy. The use of biometrics has steadily increased since the biometric entry-exit mandate, and past policy shifts have seen USCIS demand biometric data from H-1B visa holders and proposals to expand collection across the immigration system. Previous efforts also included a mandatory biometric registry for undocumented immigrants.
By targeting specific immigration court applications, the new policy shifts additional financial responsibility onto a particularly vulnerable group of applicants. Critics argue the mandatory biometric fee could act as a barrier to justice, preventing eligible individuals from seeking relief if they cannot afford to apply. Immigration advocates have signaled potential legal challenges on due process grounds, while pro bono legal services organizations anticipate greater demand from applicants unable to cover the costs.
Sources: Envoy Global, USCIS Fee Schedule, USCIS FAQ on Fee Rule
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
