The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially begun implementing a new, mandatory $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee as of October 16, 2025. USCIS has recently begun notifying individuals with pending or approved parole applications of the new fee. This significant change, mandated by the recent H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, impacts nearly all individuals who are granted parole or re-parole into the United States.

At Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C., our priority is ensuring our clients are fully informed and prepared for this and all other complex changes to U.S. immigration policy.

What is the New Immigration Parole Fee?

The new $1,000 fee applies to most individuals who are granted parole under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This includes:

• Initial parole granted at a port of entry (e.g., humanitarian parole).

• Re-parole (renewal of parole).

• Parole-in-Place (for individuals already in the U.S.).

• Parole from DHS custody.

It is crucial to understand that this is an additional fee and does not replace the standard application fees (such as the filing fee for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document). The fee will also be adjusted annually for inflation.

When is the Fee Triggered and Collected?

The most important detail for applicants is the timing. Do not submit this fee with your initial application (like the Form I-131).

The fee is not due when you file your application. It is triggered upon the actual grant and effectuation of parole or re-parole.

If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines that your request for parole or re-parole can be approved and that the fee applies, they will send you an official notice with payment instructions and a deadline. Parole will not be granted until the full $1,000 fee is paid.

Cohen, Tucker + Ades Insight: If your parole or re-parole is granted on or after October 16, 2025, the fee applies, even if you filed your initial request months ago. You must wait for and respond promptly to the payment notice from USCIS.

Consequence of Non-Payment

If you are required to pay the fee and fail to do so by the deadline specified in the notice, USCIS will not approve your request for parole or re-parole. This failure will result in the delay or outright denial of your entry or continuation of status under parole.

Statutory Exceptions to the Fee (10 Categories)

The H.R. 1 legislation outlines a limited number of statutory exceptions where the $1,000 fee will not be required. DHS will determine eligibility for these exceptions on a case-by-case basis. The ten exceptions include, but are not limited to:

1. Medical Emergency: The foreign national has a life-threatening medical emergency requiring U.S. treatment unavailable abroad, and there is insufficient time for normal visa processing.

2. Parent/Guardian of a Minor Patient: The foreign national is the parent or legal guardian accompanying a minor who qualifies under the medical emergency exception above.

3. Organ/Tissue Donor: The foreign national is needed in the U.S. to donate an organ or tissue, and there is insufficient time to be admitted through the normal visa process.

4. Imminent Death of a Close Family Member: Entry is needed to see a close family member in the U.S. whose death is imminent, and the applicant could not arrive in time via normal visa processing.

5. Funeral Attendance: The foreign national is seeking to attend the funeral of a close family member and could not arrive in time via normal visa processing.

6. Adoptee with Urgent Medical Need: The foreign national is an adopted child with an urgent medical condition who is in the petitioner’s legal custody for a final adoption-related visa and needs treatment before the visa is awarded.

7. Adjustment of Status (AOS) Applicant Returning: The foreign national is a lawful applicant for adjustment of status under INA $\S 245$ returning to the U.S. after temporary travel abroad (using Advance Parole).

8. Attending Immigration Hearing: The foreign national was returned to a contiguous country pursuant to an expedited removal and is being paroled into the U.S. to attend their immigration hearing.

9. Cuban/Haitian Entrant: The foreign national has been granted the status of Cuban and Haitian entrant as defined by statute.

10. Law Enforcement/Public Benefit Parole: The Secretary of Homeland Security determines that parole will result in a significant public benefit, such as when the individual has assisted or will assist the U.S. government in a law enforcement matter.

Our Recommendation: Seek Legal Counsel Immediately

The implementation of the new $1,000$ parole fee adds a new layer of complexity to the already discretionary parole process. Understanding whether you are subject to the fee—or if you qualify for one of the ten exceptions—is critical to a successful outcome.

Whether you are preparing a new application for parole, have a request currently pending, or are seeking re-parole, we urge you to consult with experienced counsel. Our attorneys at Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. are fully up-to-date on this new mandate and are ready to:

• Analyze your case to determine if the fee applies.

• Prepare necessary documentation to claim a statutory exception.

• Guide you through the new payment process and deadlines to avoid denial.

Do not navigate these high-stakes changes alone. Contact Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. today for a consultation to discuss your parole case and ensure compliance with the new $1,000 fee requirement.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains general information and is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. Immigration laws and fee schedules are subject to frequent change. The information provided herein may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should not act or refrain from acting based on information contained in this post without seeking professional counsel from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this post.

Sources:

U.S. Congress | H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill  (sometimes referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in public communications) 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security | Federal Register, 90 FR 48317, Immigration Parole Fee Required by HR-1 Reconciliation Bill

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | USCIS Implements New Immigration Parole Fee Required by H.R. 1