For many seeking refuge or temporary entry into the United States, parole has long served as a lifeline, it has been a chance to stay in the country for specific reasons.
But as of October 16, 2025, this pathway is now tied to a price tag, $1,000. The US government’s decision to impose this fee on individuals granted parole or re-parole under the H.R. 1 “One Big Beautiful Bill” is part of an effort to overhaul the way America handles immigration and border security funding.
The new fee targets individuals who are granted temporary permission to enter or remain in the United States through discretionary parole programs.
These programs are often used in urgent humanitarian situations or for reasons of significant public benefit.
The fee is not applied to all visa applicants or asylum seekers, but specifically to those whose presence in the US is authorised under the parole framework.
Importantly, the $1,000 charge is not collected at the time of filing form I-131, the standard application for travel documents. Instead, the fee is required after the parole or re-parole has been approved, and before the individual is officially paroled into the country.
Failure to pay within the designated timeframe will result in a denial of parole, according to USCIS.
While broadly applied, the rule does include narrow exemptions. These cover individuals facing urgent medical emergencies, those with need to reunite with families, and persons assisting in law enforcement or national security efforts.
Other humanitarian exemptions may be granted at DHS’s discretion on a case-by-case basis.The fee is set at a flat $1,000 for now but will be indexed to inflation and reviewed annually for potential adjustments.