Starting October 16, 2025, a mandatory Immigration Parole Fee will be collected from individuals granted parole or re-parole into the United States. The fee is a direct result of the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill passed by Congress and now implemented via a Federal Register notice.
The regulation mandates payment of $1,000 for FY 2025, subject to annual inflation adjustments. Anyone eligible for parole or re-parole must pay this fee before approval of their request unless an explicit exception applies.
Here is a clear breakdown of how the Immigration Parole Fee works, who must pay, exceptions, enforcement, and how to plan ahead.
What is the Immigration Parole Fee?
Under H.R. 1, Congress created a new statutory fee called the Immigration Parole Fee. The law requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to collect it whenever parole or re-parole is granted.
USCIS published the implementing notice in the Federal Register, detailing when the fee takes effect, how to pay, and what happens if you do not.
Unlike many existing USCIS fees, the Immigration Parole Fee cannot be waived or reduced under H.R. 1.
Effective Date and Trigger for Payment
The Immigration Parole Fee becomes payable on October 16, 2025. On or after that date, when USCIS determines that a parole or re-parole request qualifies and the fee is required, the agency will notify you that you must submit payment before approval of parole.
USCIS will not grant parole unless the fee is paid by the deadline specified in the notice.
It is important to note: you should not pay the Immigration Parole Fee when filing Form I-131 (Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records). The fee is collected only when parole is granted or re-granted.
Also, payment may occur at different points depending on whether U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is involved in your entry or parole decision.
Exceptions and Exemptions
Not everyone who seeks parole must pay the fee. The Federal Register notice spells out conditions under which the Immigration Parole Fee does not apply.
Exceptions include certain humanitarian parole programs and categories already exempted by statute. If you qualify under one of those special categories, you will not pay the fee even though you are paroled.
Before applying, check carefully whether your parole request falls under an exception. If in doubt, consult immigration counsel so you aren’t surprised by the fee requirement.
Consequences of Failing to Pay
If you neglect or delay payment, USCIS will withhold approval of your parole request. The notice you receive will include a deadline and instructions. If you miss that, your application may be denied.
Also, failure to pay may block future chances to reapply or extend parole. Treat this requirement as non-optional if it applies to your case.
Relationship to Other H.R. 1 Immigration Fees
The Immigration Parole Fee is only one among many new fees added by H.R. 1. The legislation imposes additional charges across immigration and humanitarian benefits.
Some examples:
| Benefit / Form | New H.R. 1 Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parole Application | $1,000 | This is the subject Immigration Parole Fee |
| EAD (initial for parolees, asylum, TPS) | $550 | Cannot be waived; renewal is $275 |
| EAD Renewal / Extension | $275 | Applies to many humanitarian categories |
| Asylum Filing (Form I-589) | $100 | Added where none existed before |
These new fees stack on top of existing USCIS regulatory fees, which applicants must still pay under 8 CFR Part 106.
Unlike the Immigration Parole Fee, some of these existing fees may still carry waiver eligibility. But H.R. 1 stipulates that the new fees themselves cannot be waived.
Planning Tips for Parole Applicants
To navigate the new requirement and avoid application denial, keep these practical tips in mind:
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Determine if your parole request triggers the fee. Only certain parole categories require payment; confirm if your case is included or exempt.
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Budget for the $1,000 cost. Factor in this expense early, especially if you already have costs for translation, medical exams, or legal support.
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Watch notification deadlines. Once USCIS deems your case eligible for parole, you’ll receive a payment notice with a deadline. Respond promptly.
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File other required applications separately. You may need to concurrently file or later file for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) using Form I-765. That incurs its own new fee.
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Consult counsel in complex cases. When exceptions or special categories apply, legal counsel can help you determine whether the fee is required.
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Stay updated on fee inflation adjustments. Future fiscal years will see adjustments for inflation. Don’t assume the same $1,000 rate will persist.
Why Congress Imposed the Parole Fee
H.R. 1 aims to generate funding for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and reduce reliance on Congressional appropriations. Many fee hikes under H.R. 1 target humanitarian benefits, including parole and asylum, which historically were low-cost or no-cost.
Supporters argue the new immigration parole fee and related charges will make the system self-sustaining. Critics contend the hikes will hamper access for vulnerable individuals. Either way, the law took effect and is being enforced.
How to Use This Information
If you are preparing a parole or re-parole request after October 16, 2025, you must integrate the Immigration Parole Fee into your plan. Ensure all relevant forms, notifications, and legal advice account for the fee. Ask your immigration attorney or accredited representative whether your case is subject to the fee or exempt.
If you are unsure whether your case qualifies or you want help preparing your request, reach out to Maple Crest Immigration Law. We assist clients with parole applications, re-parole, and help you meet all USCIS requirements including the new Immigration Parole Fee.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of an Immigration Parole Fee marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. If your parole request falls under the new rule, you must be ready to pay $1,000 (or more in future years). USCIS will deny parole if the fee is not paid timely.
Don’t let this new requirement catch you off guard. Prepare early, confirm whether your case is eligible or exempt, and if needed, consult legal counsel.
Maple Crest Immigration Law stands ready to help you navigate these changes. Contact us today to discuss your parole or re-parole strategy. We ensure you comply with all obligations, including immigration parole fee payment.
