USCIS Introduces New $1,000 Parole Fee
USCIS will begin charging a $1,000 fee for certain parole entries starting October 16, 2025, but most advance parole and re-entry permit applicants are exempt.
What the Policy Update Is
Starting October 16, 2025, USCIS will implement a $1,000 fee for certain individuals who are granted parole or re-parole into the United States under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This fee applies only when parole is granted or used, not when the application is filed or approved.
What This Means
You will not be charged this fee just because you file Form I-131 or because it’s approved. The $1,000 fee applies only if you are paroled into the U.S. on or after October 16, 2025, and your case does not fall under an exemption. If you have already traveled and returned to the U.S. on your current advance parole, this new rule does not affect you.
Who This Rule Applies To
This rule applies to people who are granted parole or re-parole into the U.S. on or after October 16, 2025, and do not qualify for an exemption set by USCIS or DHS. Even if you already have a pending or approved Form I-131, the fee could apply if you travel and re-enter the U.S. on parole after this date and your category is not exempt. This new rule covers certain humanitarian parole programs, discretionary parole grants, and re-parole requests not tied to a pending green card case or a lawful permanent resident’s re-entry permit.
In short, if you are not exempt and you return to the U.S. on parole after the rule takes effect, you will be charged a $1,000 fee at the time you are paroled in.
Who Is Not Affected
Most applicants are not subject to this fee, including:
Individuals with a pending green card (I-485) who receive advance parole through that case.
Lawful permanent residents applying for a re-entry permit.
Certain humanitarian or public-interest parole cases that qualify for an exemption or waiver.
These exemptions mean most of my clients—those with pending I-485s or green cards—do not need to worry about this new rule.
Key Takeaway
The $1,000 fee applies only to individuals paroled into the U.S. on or after October 16, 2025, who are not exempt. It does not apply to I-131 applicants with pending I-485 cases, or to re-entry permits for green card holders.
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Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult an attorney. Immigration Law Office of Amy Chung, PLLC, is NOT responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided on our website without the firm’s legal representation. Legal representation is only established upon the mutual signing of a Legal Services Agreement and the prospective client’s payment of the required attorney's fee.