Looks like the new $35 application fee won't be coming any time soon. The latest word is that the FCC won't implement the charge until 2022. Once it's effective, it will apply to new, modification (upgrade and sequential call sign change), renewal, and vanity call sign applications. 

Administrative updates (change a licensee's name, mailing, or email address) will be exempt from fees. 

For new licensees and upgrades, billing will be done by the FCC by email after it receives the score from the VE team and before the upgrade is issued. 

I know many hams and organizations have bemoaned this fee but one potential upshot is the reduction of call sign squatters who change their call signs on a weekly or monthly basis in order to tie up call signs for years.

LCM