The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice in the Federal Register to implement a new immigration parole fee, established by the Reconciliation Act HR 1.

The fee was set at $1,000 for fiscal year 2025, with annual adjustments based on inflation. This fee applies to individuals who were admitted or readmitted (reparoled) to the United States, unless they qualify for an exception.

Pago process

The new fee went into effect on October 16, 2025. Since that date, DHS agencies (USCIS, CBP, and ICE) have begun to apply and collect the parole fee in accordance with their respective responsibilities.

USCIS

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges the fee when it grants parole under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to persons physically present in the United States.

Beginning October 16, 2025, when USCIS decides to favorably approve an Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) for parole in place o re-parole, issues a notification prior to final award indicating that approval is conditional upon payment of the HR-1 fee.

This notification includes payment instructions and a deadline. Parole is only granted once payment has been successfully completed. If the applicant does not pay within the stated timeframe, the application will be denied.

CBP

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) charges a parole fee to individuals seeking admission to the United States at a port of entry, including those who have received prior authorization to present themselves to CBP.

CBP, at its discretion, determines whether the person should receive parole under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the INA and whether they are subject to the fee. If so, CBP notifies the applicant of the fee and provides the corresponding instructions, unless the person demonstrates that they qualify for an exception.

ICE

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) charges a parole fee when it grants parole under section 212(d)(5)(A) to individuals in its custody or responsibility within the United States. ICE notifies individuals individually to whom the $1,000 fee applies and provides instructions for making the required payment.

Exceptions to the $1,000 Parole Fee

There are ten exceptions to the immigration parole fee. Those who do not have to pay it are those facing a medical emergency or traveling to the United States for urgent reasons related to the health of a minor or close relative, such as organ donations, deaths, or funerals. Also exempt are those participating in a medically urgent adoption, those with a valid application for adjustment of status, those temporarily returned to a neighboring country to attend an immigration hearing, those with Cuban or Haitian entrant status, or those cooperating with the U.S. government for security or public interest reasons.

If you have questions or need guidance on this topic, you can contact us at 973-472-4648 or write to info@iacoimmigration.org for reliable information and assistance.