The US introduces a fee for humanitarian stays: will the new charge affect Ukrainians?

A new rule will come into force in the United States in mid-October, which has already caused a storm of protest among migrants and human rights activists. The Department of Homeland Security is introducing a mandatory fee for humanitarian residence permits. Find out who will be affected by the new fee and whether there will be exceptions for participants in humanitarian programmes

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The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the introduction of a new mandatory fee for applying for humanitarian parole. The changes will take effect on 16 October 2025 and will affect all applicants who submit documents to obtain or extend their status.

What is parole

Parole is a temporary permit to stay in the US without a visa or green card. This status is granted to people who cannot obtain other types of legalisation but need temporary protection or are awaiting consideration of their immigration applications.

Now, a fee of $1,000 will have to be paid for the consideration of such applications. According to DHS representatives, the fee is being introduced to offset administrative costs and replenish the agency's budget.

Will the new rule affect Ukrainians

Ukrainians who entered the United States under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) programme also formally fall into the category of humanitarian parole recipients. Therefore, those who apply for re-parole may potentially be required to pay the new fee.

However, the agency's announcement emphasises that there are exceptions. Citizens who are in the United States as a result of humanitarian crises or government programmes may be eligible for a reduction or full exemption from the fee.

A specific list of exceptions has not yet been published, but it will be posted in the Federal Register. Until then, it remains unclear whether the new fee will apply to Ukrainians who are in the United States under the U4U programme.

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What programme participants should do

Experts advise Ukrainians who plan to extend their humanitarian permit to closely follow updates on the USCIS website and check the Federal Register section, where the official list of exemptions will be published.

Until further clarification, the imposition of a fee on Ukrainian citizens under the U4U programme is considered unconfirmed. Therefore, Ukrainians do not need to take any additional measures at this time other than to monitor official announcements from USCIS.

Need help with immigration issues?

Contact the lawyers at Visit Ukraine for advice.

Reminder! The Homes for Ukraine programme, which once symbolised the British people's support and sympathy for Ukrainians, is now increasingly causing disappointment. Hosts complain about bureaucracy, visa delays and lack of real help, while Ukrainian families complain about language barriers and difficulties in finding accommodation. Find out why a system designed to be a lifeline has become a source of new challenges for thousands of people.

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