USCIS Implements New $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee

Overview: A Major Change for Parole Applicants

On October 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented a new $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee following the passage of HR-1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119-21). This change, announced through a Federal Register notice (90 FR 48317), applies to any individual paroled into the United States under INA § 212(d)(5)(A)—including those entering with humanitarian parole, advance parole, or parole-in-place—unless a specific statutory exception applies.

As an immigration attorney at SG Legal Group, I want clients and applicants to be aware that this fee is mandatory at the time of parole, not at the time of filing Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document). Failure to pay the fee when required can result in denial of parole at the port of entry (POE) and possible removal from the United States.

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When and How the Fee Is Collected

Unlike other USCIS filing fees, the Immigration Parole Fee is not paid when submitting Form I-131. Instead, DHS will collect it once it determines that parole will be granted and the applicant is subject to the fee.

For most applicants, the fee is due when they:

• Appear at a port of entry (POE) to seek parole; or

• Are already physically present in the U.S. and are notified by DHS that payment is required (for example, certain parole-in-place or re-parole cases).

If you have been issued a Form I-512L (Authorization for Parole), a CBP officer at the POE will collect the $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee each time you are paroled—unless you establish that an exception applies. Those unable to pay at the POE will be denied parole and may face removal.

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Who Must Pay the Immigration Parole Fee

The fee applies broadly to anyone who is:

• Paroled into the United States for humanitarian or public benefit reasons;

• Paroled in place (such as certain military family members);

• Granted re-parole or extended parole while in the U.S.; or

• Granted advance parole to return after temporary travel abroad.

Each grant of parole triggers a new payment obligation, unless one of the statutory exceptions applies. The fee will also be subject to annual inflation adjustments, listed in Appendix B of the USCIS Fee Schedule at www.uscis.gov/g-1055.

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Who Is Exempt from the Fee

DHS recognizes ten limited exceptions under 8 U.S.C. § 1804(b). Individuals may be exempt if, at the time of inspection, they establish that their parole falls within one of these categories:

1. Medical emergencies, where treatment is unavailable abroad or time is insufficient for visa processing.

2. Parent or guardian accompanying a minor child who qualifies under (1).

3. Organ or tissue donors urgently needed in the U.S.

4. Visiting a close relative whose death is imminent, where normal visa processing would be too slow.

5. Attending the funeral of a close family member, if visa processing would prevent timely arrival.

6. Adopted children with urgent medical conditions requiring treatment before final visa issuance.

7. Lawful adjustment applicants (INA § 245) returning to the U.S. after temporary travel abroad.

8. Individuals returned to a contiguous country (such as Mexico or Canada) and paroled to attend an immigration hearing.

9. Cuban or Haitian entrants as defined under federal law.

10. Law enforcement parolees, where DHS finds that the individual’s presence benefits a U.S. investigation or prosecution.

No discretionary waivers are available beyond these ten statutory exceptions.

If you believe you qualify for an exception, you should bring evidence of the specific exemption (such as medical records or proof of adjustment-of-status filing) and present it to the CBP officer upon inspection.

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Practical Steps Before Traveling

I strongly advise all clients holding Form I-512L or planning to request parole to take these steps before traveling:

• Review your notice: If you received a DHS or USCIS notice about the new Immigration Parole Fee, confirm whether your travel authorization remains valid.

• Check if you qualify for an exception: Adjustment applicants returning on advance parole (Form I-512L) should carry proof of their pending Form I-485.

• Prepare to pay at the POE: Bring a payment method acceptable to CBP (credit card or other approved form) in case an exception does not apply.

• Keep documentation accessible: Have copies of your I-131 approval, I-512L, and any supporting evidence ready to present.

• Consult with an attorney: If you are unsure whether the fee applies to your situation—especially for humanitarian, family, or re-parole cases—seek legal guidance before traveling.

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How This Affects Common Parole Categories

While this rule affects all parole programs, the impact will vary:

• Humanitarian parolees (including CHNV and private sponsorship programs) should budget for the new $1,000 fee each time they enter.

• Advance parole holders with pending green card applications may be exempt, but should still carry proof of their adjustment status.

• Military family members paroled in place could see different handling depending on DHS interpretation; confirmation from your local field office or counsel is recommended.

Because CBP officers will apply the rule at ports of entry nationwide, implementation procedures may differ by location. For clients traveling through the Baltimore/Washington region, I recommend arriving early and bringing all supporting documentation in case additional screening occurs.

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Next Steps and Legal Guidance

This new requirement underscores the growing complexity of immigration parole procedures. Even individuals who have already received an approved Form I-131 may face new financial and procedural obligations before traveling.

If you received a parole fee notice or are planning to travel on advance parole, do not assume that your prior approval exempts you from this rule. Each case should be reviewed in light of DHS’s implementation guidance and your individual circumstances.

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Contact SG Legal Group

If you have questions about how this policy affects your immigration case or upcoming travel, you can reach SG Legal Group for professional guidance. My team and I provide immigration counsel in English, Russian, and Romanian and help clients navigate parole, adjustment, and humanitarian processes with clarity and care.

For more information, visit www.sglegalgroup.com or call 410-618-1288 to schedule a consultation.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, please contact me directly.