The U.S. government has officially implemented a new immigration parole fee of $1,000 that started being collected in late and is now in full effect. Thousands of travelers, including some who should never have to pay it, have already received confusing USCIS notices about this immigration parole fees. This article explains exactly who must pay the immigration parole fee, who is 100% exempt, and how to avoid problems at the border.
What is the New Immigration Parole Fee?
Starting November, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced a $1,000 immigration parole fee every single time a foreign national is granted parole into the United States under INA Section 212(d)(5).
This immigration parole fee applies to:
- Initial parole from outside the U.S.
- Re-parole (extension of existing parole)
- Parole in place (including military PIP and certain family reunification programs)
- Parole granted after being in DHS/CBP custody
The fee is separate from any Form I-131 or program-specific costs you may have already paid.
Official DHS announcement: DHS Imposes $1,000 Fee on Certain Parole Authorizations
How and When Do You Pay the $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee?
In most cases, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers collect the immigration parole fee directly at the port of entry (airport, land border, or seaport) when you arrive and are granted parole.
For Parole in Place cases approved inside the U.S. USCIS will notify you separately when and how to pay the immigration parole fee.
Important: The fee must be paid in U.S. dollars and usually by credit/debit card or other electronic means accepted by CBP. Cash is rarely accepted for this specific fee.
Who is Completely Exempt from the Immigration parole Fee?
Good news several large groups are explicitly exempt from paying the immigration parole fees:
1. Adjustment of Status Applicants (Pending I-485) with Advance Parole
If you have a pending Form I-485 (green card application) and are traveling on a valid Advance Parole Document (I-512L or combo card), you are 100% exempt from the immigration parole fee.
Carry these documents when returning to the U.S.:
- Your original Advance Parole document
- I-485 receipt notice (I-797C)
- Passport with valid visa (if any)
CBP officers have been instructed not to charge this category.
2. Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
Many green card holders received the USCIS notice by mistake because they once had advance parole before getting their green card. The immigration parole fee does NOT apply to lawful permanent residents ever.
Travel with your valid green card as usual. Your old advance parole became void the moment you became a permanent resident.
3. Other Official Exemptions
The following categories are also exempt (list continues to be updated by DHS):
- Certain Afghan and Ukrainian parolees under specific programs
- Some humanitarian parole programs explicitly exempted by DHS
- Diplomats and certain international organization officials
What Should You Do If a CBP Officer Asks for the $1,000 Fee by Mistake?
It has happened frequently since November. If you believe you are exempt:
- Politely inform the officer that you fall under one of the exempt categories
- Show your supporting documents (I-485 receipt, green card, etc.)
- Ask to speak with a supervisory CBP officer if needed
- Do Not pay if you are clearly exempt — you can request secondary inspection for clarification
Final Recommendations for Travel
The new immigration parole fee is one of the biggest changes to U.S. entry procedures in years. Before any international travel:
- Double-check your exact immigration status
- Carry all proof of exemption if you have pending I-485 or are a green card holder
- Allow extra time at the port of entry — processing can be slower while officers get used to the new rule
- Consult an experienced immigration attorney if your case is complex
The immigration parole fees only affects a specific group of parole beneficiaries. The vast majority of regular visa holders, green card holders, and pending adjustment applicants with advance parole are completely unaffected.
Stay informed, travel with the right documents, and you’ll have nothing to worry about.
READ MORE: Visa Free Entry to the United States in 2026: Complete Update List and Requirements
