USCIS Introduces New $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee — What You Need to Know
On October 16, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new Immigration Parole Fee following passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Under this law, any person paroled into the United States under INA §212(d)(5)(A) must pay a $1,000 fee, unless a specific statutory exception applies.
This new requirement applies to all forms of parole – including initial parole from abroad, parole in place, re-parole, and parole from DHS custody. The fee will be collected at the port of entry (POE) or, for those already in the United States, upon DHS notification. Importantly, failure to pay the fee at a POE may result in denial of parole and possible removal.
Who Must Pay
Most foreign nationals who are granted parole will need to pay this fee. It applies regardless of whether the parole was requested through Form I-131 or issued directly by DHS or CBP officers.
Exceptions
DHS recognizes limited exceptions, such as:
- Medical Emergency (Self)
You have a life-threatening medical emergency, can’t get necessary treatment where you are, or don’t have time to obtain a visa. - Parent or Guardian of a Sick Minor
You’re the parent or legal guardian of a minor who qualifies under Exception 1. - Organ or Tissue Donor
You’re urgently needed in the U.S. to donate an organ or tissue and there’s not enough time for normal visa processing. - Imminent Death of Close Family Member
You have a close family member in the U.S. who is near death, and you couldn’t arrive in time through normal visa procedures. - Funeral of Close Family Member
You need to attend a close family member’s funeral and cannot arrive in time with regular visa processing. - Adopted Child with Urgent Medical Need
You’re an adopted child under a pending adoption-related visa, with an urgent medical condition requiring treatment before the visa is issued. - Returning Adjustment Applicant
You are lawfully applying for adjustment of status (green card) and are returning to the U.S. after short travel abroad. - Returned to Border Country but Paroled for Hearing
You were sent to a neighboring country under §235(b)(2)(C) and are being allowed back in to attend your immigration hearing. - Cuban or Haitian Entrant Status
You’ve been granted the special legal status of a Cuban or Haitian entrant under U.S. law. - Significant Public Benefit (Law Enforcement Assistance)
Your entry benefits the U.S. because you assist, or are needed by, the government in a law enforcement matter—especially where you are otherwise inadmissible or lack time to get a visa.
What Applicants Should Do
- Check your current travel or parole documents (Form I-512L) to determine whether you may be subject to this new fee.
- Prepare documentation to show that an exception applies, if you believe you qualify, and be prepared to explain this to the Immigration Officer at the POE.
- Consult an experienced immigration attorney before traveling or presenting yourself for parole to avoid being denied entry or subject to removal.
Our Take
This new fee represents a significant procedural change for humanitarian and discretionary parole applicants. If you or a family member have been approved for parole or plan to apply, you should seek legal guidance to ensure compliance and preserve your eligibility for lawful entry or adjustment of status.
