Author: Rachel Thompson, U.S. Immigration Policy Analyst
Traveling to the United States in early 2026? A new round of immigration fee changes will take effect from January 1, 2026, and several commonly used travel and immigration services are getting more expensive. These adjustments come directly from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through its official inflation-indexed update under the H.R.1 legislation.
Whether you’re planning a vacation, renewing a work permit, or preparing your documents for higher education abroad, here’s the quick guide you need.
🔍 What’s Changing From January 1?
DHS confirmed the fee updates in the official Federal Register notice. Several key services used by travelers, students, and workers will now cost slightly more.
1️⃣ Parole Into the United States
- Old fee: $1,000
- New fee: $1,020
This is the most significant increase and applies each time parole is granted.
2️⃣ ESTA (Visa-Waiver Travel Authorisation)
- Old fee: $40
- New fee: $40.27
This applies mainly to travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries. Full details are confirmed by CBP here.
3️⃣ EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System)
- Old fee: $30
- New fee: $30.75
4️⃣ Form I-94 (Land Border Entry)
The I-94 fee remains at $30. The inflation increase rounds off without affecting the total.
5️⃣ USCIS Benefit Fees (Selective Increases)
USCIS also confirmed minor adjustments to some application categories, including:
- EAD (Work Permit) – Initial: $550 → $560
- EAD – Renewal: $275 → $280
- TPS Application: $500 → $510
These figures are listed in the official DHS document: FY26 USCIS Fee Notice.
🧭 What This Means for Travelers
If you’re planning a U.S. trip, studying abroad, or filing immigration paperwork in early 2026, prepare for the updated pricing. Even a small difference in the payment amount can delay or reject your application.
Most of the increases are modest, but higher-value services—especially parole applications—will feel the impact. Students and work-permit applicants should double-check the updated charts before filing.
Helpful guide: If you’re preparing for overseas studies, here’s a useful resource:
Study Abroad Visa Rules 2025 – What Changed for Students
✈️ Should You Worry?
For most travelers, the fee hike is small and manageable. However:
- Frequent visitors should budget for slightly higher processing charges.
- Parole applicants should prepare for the updated $1,020 fee.
- Students applying for work authorization should note small EAD increases.
The good news? These adjustments are routine inflation updates — not a major policy overhaul, and nothing drastic is expected beyond July 2026 unless new legislation is passed.
