Tuesday Immigration Update - USCIS Announces New Immigration Parole Fee

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a Federal Register notice implementing a new immigration parole fee as required by the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill.  This change will affect individuals who are paroled into the United States or granted a new period of parole beginning later this month.

Overview of the New Parole Fee

Starting October 16, 2025, individuals approved for parole or re-parole into the United States will be required to pay a $1,000 immigration parole fee.  The fee applies at the time parole is granted, not when an application is submitted, and will be subject to annual adjustment for inflation.

Collection and Payment Process

USCIS will issue payment instructions once it determines that a parole or re-parole request can be approved and the fee applies.

The agency will not finalize parole unless the required fee is paid by the specified deadline.

Applicants should not submit the $1,000 fee when filing Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document), as it will only be collected upon approval and before parole is granted.

For individuals paroled at a port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may also collect the fee under the same process.

Exceptions and Further Guidance

Certain exceptions may apply, as outlined in the Federal Register notice, including specific humanitarian and public interest cases. Failure to pay the required fee within the stated period will result in the denial of parole.

The notice also clarifies that USCIS, CBP, and ICE will provide further details about implementation, collection procedures, and applicable exemptions.

What This Means

This new requirement adds a significant financial component to the parole process and will impact individuals seeking humanitarian parole, family reunification parole, or re-parole.

Applicants should prepare for the new payment requirement, monitor all official correspondence closely, and ensure timely payment to avoid delays or denials in their parole process.


📩 For case-specific guidance, contact the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes at [email protected].

Where to Track Official Updates
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• Federal Register Notice – Immigration Parole Fee Implementation: https://www.federalregister.gov
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Newsroom: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): https://www.cbp.gov
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): https://www.ice.gov

​If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help.  At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
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The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.  To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].