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Recently, many applicants have been confused after receiving notifications about a $1,000 immigration parole fee in their USCIS accounts—even when the fee does not apply to their case.

If you’ve seen this notice, here’s what you need to know.

Why This Fee Is Causing Confusion

USCIS recently uploaded $1,000 parole fee notices to many online accounts.

These notices appeared even for individuals whose cases do not require the fee, leading many to believe a new cost applies to their immigration process.

What the $1,000 Parole Fee Actually Is

In late 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented a $1,000 fee under the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill.

This fee applies only when an individual is granted:

• Parole (temporary entry into the U.S.), or
• Re-parole (an extension of an existing parole)

Parole is typically used for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit—not for standard visa or green card processes.

What This Fee Is Not

It’s important to clarify what this fee does not cover.

The $1,000 parole fee is:

• Not a filing fee for visas or green cards
• Not paid with immigration forms like Form I-485 or I-130
• Not part of adjustment of status applications

Most applicants will never encounter this fee in their case.

When the $1,000 Fee Applies

The fee applies only in limited parole-related situations, including:

• Humanitarian parole or re-parole
• Parole in place (such as for certain military family members)
• Release from DHS custody under parole authority

If your case falls under one of these categories, DHS will notify you directly with payment instructions.

Timing Matters

The $1,000 fee applies only if parole is granted on or after October 16, 2025.

Even if an application was filed earlier, the date parole is granted determines whether the fee applies.

When the Fee Does Not Apply

For most applicants, the fee does not apply.

This generally includes individuals who:

• Entered the U.S. with a valid visa (such as H-1B, F-1, TN) and are applying for adjustment of status
• Are applying for a green card through a family-based petition after lawful entry
• Have advance parole through Form I-131 as part of a pending green card application
• Were granted parole before October 16, 2025

Who Is Exempt from the Fee

DHS has also outlined several full exemptions, including individuals who are:

• Entering for urgent medical treatment
• Accompanying a minor receiving medical care
• Organ or tissue donors
• Traveling for a funeral or end-of-life visits
• Certain adopted children with urgent medical needs
• Returning to the U.S. after temporary travel while adjusting status
• Certain Cuban and Haitian entrants
• Individuals whose parole serves a significant public benefit (such as law enforcement assistance)

These exemptions apply regardless of filing date.

Key Takeaway

The $1,000 immigration parole fee is limited in scope and applies only to specific humanitarian or public-benefit parole situations.

If you are applying for a visa, green card, or adjustment of status, you are unlikely to be affected—even if you received a notification about the fee.

Because immigration policies can change and each case is different, it’s always best to confirm how new rules apply to your specific situation.

To discuss how these developments may affect your travel or immigration plans, you may schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC by calling 630-262-1435 or emailing jacki@lentinivisas.com.