USCIS has officially announced the implementation of a new $1,000 immigration parole fee as required under the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a Federal Register notice detailing how this new fee will apply, when it will take effect, and who may be exempt. For now, the Federal Notice remains unpublished, but can be found here: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19564.pdf

What Is the New Immigration Parole Fee?

Starting October 16, 2025, USCIS will begin collecting a $1,000 parole fee from individuals who are being granted parole or re-parole (an extension of parole) while physically present in the United States. This fee will be adjusted annually for inflation.

You do not pay this fee when filing Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document, Parole Document, or Arrival/Departure Record). Instead, USCIS will notify you if your case requires payment and will provide detailed instructions and a payment deadline. Parole will not be approved until the fee is paid.

Who Is Affected?

Anyone being granted parole or re-parole inside the U.S.
Mostly – people from Ukraine, Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela applying for Re-Parole
The fee applies to most parole categories unless you qualify for an exception.
Failure to pay the fee will result in denial or delay of your parole approval.

What About Exceptions?

Some categories of applicants—such as certain humanitarian or special parole programs—may be exempt from paying the fee. The Federal Register notice outlines these limited exceptions.

What This Means for Immigrants

This new policy marks another step in the government’s tightening of immigration-related costs and procedures. It will particularly impact those applying for humanitarian parole, family reunification parole, or re-parole under programs like U4U (Uniting for Ukraine) and CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela).

At Shepelsky Law Group, we understand how unexpected policy shifts can affect families, refugees, and vulnerable immigrants. Our legal team is closely monitoring this change to help clients navigate the parole process and determine if they qualify for an exemption.

Need Help Understanding How This Applies to You?

📞 Call Shepelsky Law Group at (718) 769-6352
💻 Visit www.Sheplsky.com

💬 Schedule your consultation today to understand how this new parole fee might impact your immigration journey.

We stand with immigrants and continue our mission to protect your rights and keep families together — even during political uncertainty.