USCIS IMPLEMENTS NEW $1,000 IMMIGRATION PAROLE FEE

On October 15, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the implementation of a new $1,000 immigration parole fee, mandated by the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill. The fee took effect October 16, 2025, and will be adjusted annually for inflation.

What Is Immigration Parole?“Parole” allows an individual to be lawfully present in the United States temporarily without being formally “admitted.” It is not a visa or an admission but a discretionary permission granted on a case-by-case basis, typically for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.

New Fee RequirementsThe $1,000 immigration parole fee must be paid before DHS or USCIS grants parole or re-parole to any individual physically present in the United States.

1. Payment Process:

   • Do not submit payment with Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document/Parole Document).

   • DHS or USCIS will issue a payment notice with instructions and a deadline once the parole request is ready for approval.

   • Parole or re-parole will not be granted until the fee is paid in full.

2. Exceptions: Certain limited exemptions and collection procedures by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are detailed in the DHS Federal Register notice.

Broader ContextThis new fee forms part of the broader H.R. 1-mandated fee framework, which has introduced additional charges for asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and employment authorization filings earlier in 2025. Together, these changes represent a significant shift toward fee-based funding across DHS immigration operations.

Williams Global Law is tracking the phased rollout of H.R. 1-related filing fees and their potential impact on individuals seeking parole or humanitarian relief. If you have questions about how the new parole fee affects your status or upcoming filings, schedule a consultation with an attorney at Williams Global Law using this link: Schedule a consultation.