New $1000 Parole Fee Takes Effect: What Those Seeking U.S. Parole or “Re-Parole” Need to Know

Beginning October 16, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will start enforcing a $1,000 immigration parole fee, as required under the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill (Public Law 119-21). The fee applies to individuals who are being paroled or re-paroled into the United States and will be adjusted annually for inflation. The new measure, outlined in the Federal Register, marks a major change in how the government funds immigration parole processing.

According to DHS, the $1000 parole fee is designed to recover administrative costs and reduce reliance on taxpayer funding. The agency emphasized that its mission to protect the homeland and uphold lawful immigration continues “even during the Democrats’ government shutdown.”

Who Must Pay the $1000 Parole Fee

The parole fee will apply to most individuals granted parole or a new period of parole (also known as re-parole) while physically present in the United States. This includes those already living in the country who are applying for an extension or renewal of parole status.

You will not pay this fee when submitting your Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document). Instead, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will send a notice once your application is ready for approval, including payment instructions and a specific deadline. Parole or re-parole will not be granted until the $1,000 fee is paid in full and on time. Failure to pay will result in the denial of your parole request.

While the fee will affect most parole applicants, DHS has identified several exceptions. Individuals entering for medical emergencies, organ donations, or to visit a dying relative may be exempt. Certain Cuban and Haitian entrants, adopted children with urgent medical needs, and individuals assisting U.S. law enforcement may also qualify for exemption.

Applicants should carefully review the full Federal Register notice or consult legal counsel to confirm whether an exception applies to their case.

What If You Were Paroled Under the Biden Programs?

Many immigrants currently in the U.S. were paroled under humanitarian or sponsorship programs launched during the Biden administration. These individuals will not automatically owe the new fee for their existing parole period. However, if they apply for an extension or re-parole after October 16, 2025, the fee may apply at that stage unless an exception is granted.

In short, the new fee applies only to new or renewed parole decisions made on or after October 16, 2025.

What Applicants Should Do Now

If you expect to seek parole or re-parole after October 16, it’s important to prepare ahead:

• Stay informed by following USCIS and DHS updates about the implementation schedule and exceptions.

• Do not pay the parole fee when submitting your form, wait for the official notice.

• Consult an immigration attorney to determine whether your case qualifies for an exemption or if additional evidence is needed to support your request.

  
  

The new parole fee is part of broader fiscal and policy changes under the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill. Immigration advocates have expressed concern that additional costs may create barriers for vulnerable groups, including asylum seekers and low-income applicants. DHS maintains that the measure ensures a “fair and efficient” system by shifting administrative costs to program users rather than taxpayers.

Patricia Elizee is the managing partner of the Elizee Law Firm, an immigration law firm located at 1110 Brickell Avenue, Suite 315, Miami, Florida 33131. The firm was founded in 2012 and is known for its compassionate, results-driven approach to immigration law. Ms. Elizee earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law and her Master of Laws from the University of Washington School of Law