Trump’s new immigration fee shakes up parole permits — What immigrants must know
Living legally in the United States could soon become a financial challenge for many immigrants, as the Trump administration imposes a new $1,000 fee as part of its latest immigration measures.
An alert from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the decision regarding a key immigration procedure, following federal reforms proposed under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the rule in the Federal Register, confirming that the new immigration fee took effect on October 16, 2025. The notice explains the applicable exemptions and the consequences of nonpayment.
Bad news for parole applicants
The new measure affects temporary stay permits (known as parole), which now require payment of the $1,000 fee mandated by the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Act.
According to USCIS, the fee for fiscal year 2025 is $1,000 and will be adjusted annually for inflation. “You must pay this fee when you are granted temporary permission to stay in the United States, unless you qualify for an exception,” the agency stated.
The immigration fee applies to individuals physically present in the United States who apply for parole or request a new period of parole (also known as renewal or re-parole).
READ MORE: Trump’s order shakes up IRS refunds — What taxpayers must know “Beginning October 16, 2025, if we determine that we can approve your application for temporary parole or renewal of parole, and payment of the applicable immigration fee is required, we will notify you that you must pay the fee before we can approve your case,” USCIS clarified.
“Temporary stay permission will not be granted unless the fee is paid according to the instructions and within the established deadline,” it added.
Higher costs under Trump
Since July, USCIS has implemented a series of new mandatory fees for various immigration procedures as part of Trump’s H.R. 1 law, passed by Congress that same month.
The changes affect foreign nationals applying for key benefits, such as asylum, work permits and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
They also impact tourists traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, as the cost of Form I-94 and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) has increased.
The Trump administration also introduced an additional $250 charge, called the “visa integrity fee,” for international visitors. Officials have repeatedly referred to U.S. visas as a “privilege” for those who receive them.
These new costs come at a difficult time for immigrant communities, who are already facing greater barriers to legal status, federal benefits, and access to stable employment.
This story was originally published October 22, 2025 at 2:05 PM.
