On October 15, 2025, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began implementing a new guideline for immigrants that have been granted parole in the U.S. Under H.R. 1, certain parolees will now be required to pay a $1,000 fee to the government. This, like a lot of immigration policies in today’s environment, brings up a lot of questions that our team at Maison Law Immigration Lawyers can answer for you. Set up a one-on-one consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Immigration Parole Fee
Q: Where does this new policy and fee come from?
A: Starting October 16, 2025, the U.S. government will begin charging a $1,000 fee to most people who are granted immigration parole. This comes from a new law (H.R. 1) that requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect the fee.
So if you’re approved for parole into the U.S. — whether that’s to enter the country temporarily, stay here for humanitarian reasons, or re-parole after a prior approval — you may have to pay this fee before your parole takes effect.
Q: When do I have to pay this $1,000 fee?
A: You’ll only pay the fee after you’ve been approved for parole—not when you first apply.
USCIS (or sometimes CBP or ICE) will send you a notice that says your parole is approved as long as you pay the fee. Once you pay, your parole will officially take effect.
If your parole is granted on or after October 16, 2025, the fee applies — even if you submitted your request months earlier.
Q: Are there any exceptions?
A: Yes, there are a few situations where the $1,000 fee does not apply:
- You’re coming to the U.S. for urgent medical treatment that you can’t get where you are.
- You’re a parent or guardian of a child who needs that treatment.
- You’re coming to donate an organ or tissue and there isn’t time for visa processing.
- You need to attend the funeral of a close family member and can’t arrive in time through the normal visa process.
- You’re already in the process of getting a green card and are returning to the U.S. on advance parole.
- DHS finds that your parole would be a significant public benefit, like helping law enforcement.
The government decides case by case whether you qualify for an exception—so you’ll want to double-check this carefully before assuming the fee doesn’t apply.
Q: Who do I pay the fee to?
A: It depends on who grants your parole:
- USCIS will collect it if they approve your parole or re-parole request from within the U.S.
- CBP (Customs and Border Protection) will collect it if you’re being paroled at a port of entry (like an airport or border crossing).
- ICE will collect it if you’re already in the U.S. and they’re granting parole while you’re in custody.
You’ll get instructions directly from the agency handling your case on how and when to make the payment.
Q: What happens if I don’t pay the fee?
A: If you don’t pay the $1,000 fee when required, your parole won’t go into effect.
In other words, your approval won’t be finalized until that payment is made. Missing the payment deadline could delay your case or cause your parole to be denied altogether.
Maison Law Immigration Lawyers Can Answer Your Questions About Parole
With all the changes that come with immigration policies, it’s a very confusing time. When you add in new fees and other guidelines, it can all feel overwhelming when you’re just trying to live your life. That’s when our team at Maison Law Immigration Lawyers can step in and help you. We’ll look at your situation, answer your questions, and guide you through whatever you’re up against. Set up a one-on-one consultation today.
