One Big Beauty Bill Act Introduces Another New Fee: $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a notice in the Federal Register, officially implementing the immigration parole fee mandated by the “One Big Beauty Bill Act.” Effective October 16, 2025, all individuals approved for parole or re-parole—unless exempt—must pay a $1,000 fee. This fee will automatically adjust annually for inflation.

What Is Immigration Parole?

Simply put, parole is not a visa or a green card. It is a temporary entry permit granted to individuals based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, allowing them to enter or remain in the United States for a limited period.

Examples include:

• Entering the U.S. to visit a critically ill relative.

• Temporary protection due to war or political persecution.

• Participation in a project serving the public interest or a scientific mission.

  
  

When Do You Pay the Fee?

The $1,000 fee is not paid when filing Form I-131 (Application for Parole). Instead, it is paid only after USCIS or CBP decides to approve your parole request. Before approval, you will receive an official payment notice specifying the payment instructions and deadline. You must complete the payment within the given timeframe—otherwise, your parole will not be approved.

Where Do You Pay?

This fee is collected at the stage of parole approval or entry, depending on how your case is processed:

• For domestic USCIS processing: If USCIS grants parole or re-parole, you will receive a payment notice before approval. Failure to pay by the stated deadline will result in denial.

• For CBP processing at ports of entry (POE): If parole is granted by Customs and Border Protection at an airport, seaport, or land border, the $1,000 fee must be paid each time you are paroled into the United States.

  
  

Who Is Exempt?

Fee exemptions apply to certain humanitarian and exceptional cases, including:

1. Individuals entering for emergency medical treatment.

2. Guardians accompanying a critically ill minor patient.

3. Organ or tissue donors.

4. Those entering to visit a terminally ill immediate relative.

5. Those entering to attend a funeral of an immediate relative.

6. Children awaiting adoption who need urgent U.S. medical care.

7. Applicants adjusting status to permanent residence (Form I-485).

8. Individuals returning to the U.S. for immigration court hearings after being removed.

9. Cuban or Haitian entrants.

10. Persons assisting U.S. government law-enforcement operations.

Policy Implications

Though described as a “technical fee,” this measure represents a significant tightening of the immigration system. For low-income individuals relying on humanitarian parole, the $1,000 charge may become a substantial barrier to entry. However, those applying for adjustment of status (green card applicants) and using Advance Parole to re-enter the U.S. are not affected by this new requirement.