New $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee Starting October 16, 2025

What You Need to Know

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new $1,000 fee for anyone who is granted immigration parole into the United States. This means that if you or a family member receive permission to enter or stay temporarily in the U.S. through “parole”, you may have to pay this additional fee.

This new law comes from H.R. 1 – the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and will take effect October 16, 2025. It applies to most parole approvals, including:

1. Humanitarian parole
2. Re-parole (renewal of parole)
3. Parole granted after being detained by immigration

If your parole is approved on or after October 16, 2025, you will likely need to pay the $1,000 fee, even if your request was filed before that date.

💡 What Is Immigration Parole?

“Parole” allows someone who does not have a visa or other legal status to enter or remain in the U.S. temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.

For example:

• A parent is allowed to enter the U.S. to attend their child’s medical treatment.
• A spouse of a U.S. military member receives parole-in-place to stay lawfully in the country.
• A person is released from immigration custody for humanitarian reasons.

Parole does not give a green card or legal status, but it can help you stay in the country legally for a certain period while you seek another immigration benefit.

💵 Who Has to Pay the $1,000 Fee?

Starting October 16, 2025, anyone who is granted parole into the U.S. must pay the $1,000 fee.
You will receive a notice from USCIS, ICE, or CBP explaining how and when to pay once your parole is approved.

You do not pay this fee when you first submit your parole application — it will be requested after DHS approves your case and before the parole becomes official.

✅ Who Does Not Have to Pay?

There are 10 exceptions where the $1,000 fee will not apply.
If your situation fits into one of these categories, you may be exempt:

1. You have a medical emergency and cannot get treatment in your country.
2. You are the parent or guardian of a sick child described above.
3. You are traveling to the U.S. to donate an organ or tissue.
4. You are coming to see a close family member who is dying.
5. You are coming to attend a funeral of a close family member.
6. You are an adopted child with a serious medical condition.
7. You are adjusting status (for example, through marriage to a U.S. citizen) and returning from travel abroad.
8. You were returned to Mexico or Canada but need to attend your immigration hearing.
9. You are a Cuban or Haitian entrant under existing law.
10. You are helping U.S. law enforcement in an investigation or criminal matter.

If you believe one of these applies to you, contact your immigration attorney immediately so they can prepare the proper evidence to request an exemption.

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

If you are approved for parole but fail to pay the $1,000 fee, DHS can deny your parole. Your case will not move forward until payment is made.

That’s why it’s important to plan ahead — discuss this new cost with your attorney and make sure you are financially ready.

🕓 When Should You Apply?

If you are planning to apply for humanitarian parole, re-parole, or parole-in-place, it’s best to file as soon as possible—before the new fee takes effect.

Even if your application is already pending, the $1,000 will still apply if the parole is approved after October 16, 2025.

❤️ Why This Matters

For many immigrant families, parole is a lifeline — it can reunite parents with children, allow families to attend urgent medical treatments, or let individuals stay safe while they fix their immigration status.

At Zambrano Law, we understand how hard these changes can be. We’re here to:

• Help you understand if this new fee applies to you.
• Check if you qualify for an exemption.
• Guide you through the payment process.
• File your parole application correctly and on time.
• Our mission is simple: to protect and defend immigrant families.

📞 Need Help Understanding the New DHS Parole Fee?

If you or a loved one are applying for parole, re-parole, or parole-in-place, contact Zambrano Law today. We’ll review your case and explain whether the new $1,000 fee applies or whether you may qualify for an exception.

📞 Call us today: 770-769-5821
🌐 Visit: zambranolaw.com
🕊️ Ganamos porque no paramos.