The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented a new $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee starting October 16, 2025, in accordance with One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). The fee applies to most individuals who are paroled into the United States, unless a statutory exception applies. The fee is $1,000 for FY 2025, adjusted for inflation each fiscal year.

While this new rule has sweeping implications for many foreign national applicants, it notably does not apply to one important group:

• Adjustment of Status (AOS) applicants returning to the U.S. using Advance Parole.

Overview of the New Parole Fee

In an implementing guidance published in the Federal Register (90 FR 48317), the DHS has provided clarity on how the government will collect the new fee. Pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1804, the DHS can assess this fee when they grant parole at their discretion, which includes the following forms of parole:

• Initial parole from outside the U.S.
• Re-parole.
• Parole in place.
• Parole from DHS custody.

When the Fee Is Triggered

The new parole fee is only triggered when parole is granted or effectuated. It is not assessed at the time the application is filed. The fee is NOT due when the application is filed with USCIS/CBP/ICE, or when the travel document (e.g., Advance Parole) is issued. The DHS will assess the fee:

• At a port of entry (CBP).
• Inside the U.S. after the grant of parole (ICE).
• After approval of parole in place or re-parole (USCIS).

Failure in paying the fee by the due date specified in the notice means that parole won’t be granted.

The Most Important Exception: Why AOS Applicants Using Advance Parole Are Exempt

Section 1804(b)(7) provides a clear statutory exception for lawful applicants for adjustment of status under INA §245 returning to the United States after temporary travel abroad. Which means there’s no $1,000 fee for:

• Individuals with a pending I-485 Adjustment of Status application.
• Travelers using Advance Parole (Form I-512L).
• Returning to the U.S. after short-term travel.

Why this exemption Exists

Advance Parole for Adjustment of Status applicants is not discretionary humanitarian parole. It is a procedural mechanism granted as a matter of course directly through the pending I-485 petition under INA §245. Adjustment of Status applicants are “lawful applicants” and thus are statutorily exempt.

What to do if you are sent a parole fee notice in Error

Whatever you do, do NOT pay the fee. When traveling, use the following:

• Your I-485 receipt notice.
• Your Advance Parole Approval document.
• A copy of the DHS notice if you received one.

If you’re questioned at re-entry by an immigration officer, refer them to:

• 8 U.S.C. §1804(b)(7) – AOS Exception.
• The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may, as normal, send the individual to secondary inspection to verify that your I-485 remains pending.

How USCIS and DHS Will Collect the Fee

Effective October 16, 2025, USCIS will begin collecting parole fees from applicants who are physically located inside the U.S. and receiving parole grants or re-parole. Applicants will receive a notice containing:

• Payment Instructions.
• A deadline by when the payment must be received.
• Confirmation that missing said deadline means denial of immigration parole.

CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will also be collecting fees where applicable. DHS confirms that all three agencies (USCIS/ICE/CBP) will issue guidance on how to pay.

Impact on Employers and Foreign Nationals

The new parole fee should have minimal impact on the following groups:

• AOS employees.
• Employees already working inside the U.S. on adjustment of status (employment-based or family-based) and using Advance Parole to travel.

The new parole fee affects the following groups most:

• Parole applications at ports of entry for individuals without a visa.
• Humanitarian parole applicants.
• Parole in Place requests.
• Re-parole applicants.
• Foreign nationals in ICE or CBP custody.

Practical Guidance for AOS Applicants

If you are traveling on Advance Parole with a pending I-485 application, keep the following documents on hand:

• Advance Parole document (I-512L).
• I-485 receipt notice.
• A Passport.
• Any fee notice you may have mistakenly received.
• Expect and prepare for secondary inspection.
• Secondary inspection is typical for CBP to confirm AOS status before admission.

Conclusion

The new $1,000 immigration parole fee represents a fundamental shift in DHS policy on parole. It is part of a much larger, all-encompassing legislative overhaul to nearly every category of immigration benefit. Individuals with pending Adjustment of Status applications who travel on Advance Parole remain fully exempt from this fee. Moving forward, as DHS continues to roll out the far-reaching H.R. 1 changes, we can expect much confusion and inconsistent notices being sent to the public. Immigration USA is continuing to monitor these developments and help clients navigate this extremely complex situation.

As always, Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, please contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws and policy updates. In an ever-evolving immigration landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.