Major Immigration Parole Fee Implemented in October 2025
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officially implemented a new $1,000 immigration parole fee on October 16, 2025, marking one of the most significant immigration policy changes in recent years. This fee, mandated by the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, affects anyone seeking parole or re-parole into the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the final rule in the Federal Register, stating that the fee applies to all parole grants issued on or after the effective date. According to official USCIS announcements, this policy aims to address what the administration considers "rampant abuse of the parole program."
Key Changes to Immigration Parole Policy
The new parole fee regulation introduces several critical changes that affect how travelers and immigrants enter the United States:
- $1,000 Fee Per Entry: Each time an individual is paroled into the U.S., they must pay the full $1,000 fee at the port of entry
- Multiple Entry Payments: If paroled multiple times, the fee must be paid for each separate entry
- Annual Inflation Adjustments: The fee will be adjusted yearly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- Port of Entry Collection: Payment is collected at U.S. ports of entry, not during the initial Form I-131 application
- Retroactive Application: Applies to all pending parole requests filed before October 16, 2025, if approved after that date
- 10 Specific Exceptions: Certain categories are exempt from paying the fee, including adjustment of status applicants with advance parole
This represents a substantial shift in immigration policy, as parole entry previously did not require additional fees beyond standard application costs. The implementation follows months of legislative debate about immigration enforcement and border security.
Who Is Affected by the New Parole Fee
The immigration parole fee affects various categories of travelers and applicants seeking entry into the United States. Understanding whether you're subject to this fee is crucial for planning your immigration process.
For Parole Applicants
Anyone granted parole on or after October 16, 2025, must pay the $1,000 fee unless they qualify for an exception. This includes humanitarian parole cases, urgent medical situations, and business-related parole requests. Even if your Form I-131 was filed before the effective date, you'll need to pay if approval comes after October 16.
For Advance Parole Holders (Adjustment of Status)
Good news for adjustment of status applicants: if you've been granted advance parole as part of your green card application, you are exempt from the $1,000 fee. This is one of the most important exceptions and affects thousands of applicants waiting for their adjustment cases to process.
For Frequent International Travelers
If you travel internationally multiple times under parole authorization, you'll need to budget accordingly. The fee applies to each entry, meaning someone paroled three times in a year would pay $3,000 total. This significantly impacts business travelers and those with family emergencies requiring frequent travel.
How to Navigate the New Parole Fee Process - Step by Step
Understanding the payment process will help you avoid delays when entering the United States under parole authorization:
- File Form I-131: Submit your parole application as usual through USCIS without including the $1,000 fee
- Receive Conditional Approval Notice: USCIS will send a notice stating your parole is conditionally approved pending fee payment, including payment instructions and deadline
- Prepare Payment for Port of Entry: Have the $1,000 fee ready to pay at the U.S. port of entry when you arrive (payment methods will be specified in your approval notice)
- Present Documentation at Entry: Show your parole approval documents and be prepared to pay the fee to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers
- Complete Payment and Entry: Once payment is processed, you'll be granted parole and allowed to enter the United States
- Keep Payment Receipt: Retain all documentation showing payment of the parole fee for your immigration records
Important Dates and Timeline for Immigration Changes
Several immigration policy changes took effect in October 2025, creating a busy month for applicants and practitioners:
- October 2, 2025: New H-2A agricultural worker petition process streamlined by DHS
- October 6, 2025: USCIS "Special Agents" granted new law enforcement authority to investigate immigration violations
- October 16, 2025: $1,000 immigration parole fee officially implemented at all U.S. ports of entry
- October 20, 2025: Naturalization test changes take effect, reverting to 2020 version with additional questions
- October 28, 2025: USCIS stops accepting paper checks and money orders for all applications
- FY 2026 and Beyond: Annual fee adjustments based on inflation, published in Federal Register each year
Frequently Asked Questions About the Immigration Parole Fee
Do I Have to Pay the $1,000 Fee If I Filed My Parole Request Before October 16, 2025?
Yes, if your parole is approved on or after October 16, 2025, you must pay the fee regardless of when you filed. The effective date is based on when parole is granted, not when the application was submitted. However, if you qualify for one of the 10 exceptions (such as adjustment of status with advance parole), you won't need to pay.
What Are the Exceptions to the $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee?
There are 10 specific exceptions to the parole fee. The most common include adjustment of status applicants with advance parole, individuals with medical emergencies, those attending funerals of immediate family members, and people assisting in law enforcement matters. Additionally, certain humanitarian cases may qualify for fee waivers under specific circumstances.
Will the Parole Fee Increase in Future Years?
Yes, the $1,000 fee is subject to annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index for inflation. DHS will publish updated fee amounts in the Federal Register each fiscal year, so applicants should check for current rates before planning their travel or parole applications.
How Does This Affect My Visa Photo Requirements for Parole Applications?
The new parole fee doesn't change documentation requirements for Form I-131. You still need to submit proper passport-style photos that meet USCIS specifications. Moreover, if your parole application requires updated travel documents, ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for your country of citizenship to avoid processing delays.
What You Need to Know About Immigration Policy Changes
The October 2025 immigration policy changes represent a significant shift in how the U.S. handles parole applications and border processing. The $1,000 parole fee, combined with other regulatory updates like new H-2A processing rules and enhanced USCIS enforcement powers, signals a stricter approach to immigration management. Furthermore, the elimination of paper payment methods by October 28 means applicants must adapt to digital-only transactions.
If you're planning to apply for parole or travel internationally, budget for the new fee and verify whether you qualify for an exception. For those submitting visa or passport applications, ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements to avoid delays in processing. Additionally, consider consulting with an immigration attorney to understand how these changes affect your specific situation, especially if you have pending applications or frequent travel needs under parole authorization.