If you’re planning to enter the U.S. through the immigration parole program, better start saving — because USCIS has just dropped a new $1,000 parole fee!
According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this new fee applies to certain individuals granted parole into the U.S., and it officially takes effect from October 16, 2025. The rule comes under the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, and the amount will increase yearly based on inflation.
In simple terms — unless you’re exempted, you’ll need to pay $1,000 before being paroled into the U.S.
“The fee is $1,000 for FY 2025 and will be adjusted annually for inflation. You must pay this fee when you are paroled into the United States unless you qualify for an exemption,” the agency explained.
So what’s “parole”?
It’s a special policy that lets noncitizens enter or remain in the U.S. temporarily for humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit — even if they don’t have a visa.
But here’s the twist — the new rule affects most people entering, renewing, or extending parole from now on. USCIS will announce exemption details soon through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Register notice.
How the Payment Works
USCIS says don’t send the money upfront when applying for Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document).
They’ll first review your case, then send you a payment notice with all the details.
“Do not pay the immigration parole fee when you submit Form I-131. The fee will be collected when you are paroled into the United States,” USCIS warned.
And yes, failure to pay on time means automatic cancellation of your parole approval.
Clearly, Uncle Sam isn’t playing this time!
The move is part of a broader government effort to recover administrative costs and tighten immigration procedures — but critics say it could make the system less accessible for those who need it most.
