The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a $1,000 fee for advance parole applications, effective October 16. Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records, is a document that allows foreign nationals to re-enter the United States after traveling internationally.
Who does the $1,000 fee apply to?
According to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the $1,000 fee applies to any foreign national paroled into the United States, “for any initial application for employment authorization at the time such initial application is filed.” However, the Bill notes certain cases in which the fee may be waived, including:
The Bill grants DHS discretion to determine on a case-by-case basis whether a fee waiver is appropriate, particularly in cases involving medical emergencies. However, those with pending adjustment of status applications should not be required to pay the $1,000 advance parole fee.
If you have any questions regarding the I-131 fee requirement, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss this with you.
Note: Payment is not due when submitting Form I-131 but rather is due when being paroled into the United States.
To read the entire Federal Register notice, click here.