US introduces $1,000 fee for certain immigration parole cases

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented a new $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee, effective October 16, 2025, under the H.R. 1 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The fee applies to certain individuals granted parole into or within the United States.

Who Is Affected

The fee targets noncitizens granted parole under INA § 212(d)(5)(A), including:

  • Initial parole from abroad for temporary or humanitarian entry

  • Parole in place, often for family members of U.S. service members

  • Re-parole for individuals seeking renewed authorization

  • Parole from DHS custody in select humanitarian cases

Who Is Exempt

Individuals with a pending Adjustment of Status (AOS) application are not required to pay the fee. Attorney Deanna Benjamin of Boundless noted that some green card applicants may receive automated notices about the fee, but these do not necessarily indicate they owe it. “Check your case details or consult your attorney before taking any action,” she advised.

Payment and Collection

The fee is collected only when parole is granted, not at the time of filing. Applicants must pay:

  • Upon inspection at a U.S. port of entry, or

  • When already in the U.S. and notified that parole has been approved

DHS, through USCIS, CBP, and ICE, is responsible for managing collection and enforcement. Ten exemption categories exist for those who may not need to pay at the time of approval.

This new fee is part of broader DHS efforts to standardize parole processes and cover administrative costs associated with humanitarian and temporary entry programs.