New $1,000 USCIS Parole Fee Takes Effect for Select Immigrants

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing a significant new fee for certain migrants. A $1,000 charge will now apply to individuals granted immigration parole. This rule officially takes effect on October 16, 2025.

The fee is part of a broader effort to manage immigration processes. It targets specific parole categories under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Understanding the New USCIS Parole Fee

The new $1,000 charge applies to several key situations. It affects those seeking an extension of their current parole, known as re-parole. It also applies to individuals already inside the United States who are granted parole.

This fee is separate from other existing application costs. According to Reuters, it will be collected on top of standard biometric or filing fees. The fee will be managed by three Department of Homeland Security agencies: USCIS, ICE, and CBP.

Applicants should not pay the fee when they first submit their Form I-131. USCIS will notify individuals if they are approved for parole and payment is required. The agency has stated that parole will not be granted unless the fee is paid within the specified timeframe.

Who Must Pay the Immigration Parole Fee?

The fee impacts four distinct groups of people. The first group includes new entrants allowed into the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. An example is someone fleeing a conflict zone.

The second group involves those seeking to extend an existing parole period. The third includes individuals physically present in the U.S. who are granted parole. This could include certain family members of military personnel.

The final group covers people released from DHS custody on parole. The rule is designed to apply narrowly to these specific circumstances. Not all parole requests will trigger the new financial requirement.

Exemptions and Waiver Eligibility

Several important groups are exempt from this fee. Individuals lawfully present in the U.S. on visas like H-1B or F-1 do not have to pay if they are not seeking parole. Informants or witnesses assisting law enforcement are also exempt.

The fee will not apply to people granted parole for emergency medical evacuations. It also does not apply to those paroled to escape imminent danger. Waivers for the fee will be extremely limited and granted only in the most compelling situations.

USCIS emphasizes that waivers are reserved for life-or-death scenarios. This strict policy aims to ensure the fee is applied as broadly as intended by the new rule. Most applicants should expect to pay the full amount if their parole is approved.

The new $1,000 USCIS parole fee represents a major shift in immigration policy. It places a significant financial burden on select migrants seeking temporary legal status. This change will directly impact humanitarian parole programs and family reunification efforts moving forward.

Info at your fingertips

What is immigration parole?

Immigration parole allows temporary entry into or stay within the United States. It is typically granted for humanitarian reasons or for significant public benefit. It does not provide a formal immigration status like a visa.

When does the new parole fee start?

The $1,000 fee officially takes effect on October 16, 2025. Applications processed before this date are not subject to the charge. All relevant applications filed on or after that date must comply.

Who is exempt from paying the fee?

Exemptions include informants aiding law enforcement and individuals in life-threatening medical situations. People lawfully present on visas who are not seeking parole are also exempt. The waivers for this fee are very limited and strict.

Does this fee replace other application costs?

No, the $1,000 charge is in addition to all other standard filing fees. Applicants must still pay for biometric services and form processing. It is a separate, mandatory surcharge for approved parole in specific categories.

What happens if an applicant cannot pay the fee?

Failure to pay the fee when instructed will result in parole being denied. USCIS will not grant the temporary status without payment. Very few waivers are available, primarily for extreme medical or safety emergencies.