2026 US Immigration Fee Increases: Impact on Indian Travelers and Visa Applicants

The parole fee will increase to $1,020 from $1,000 on January 1, 2026.

New Delhi:

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an increase in immigration and border-related fees effective January 1, 2026. These adjustments come as part of the mandatory annual updates required under the "One Big Beautiful Bill," formally known as HR-1, which mandates yearly fee revisions to account for inflation.

The department has revealed inflation-adjusted costs for the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS), the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), and the parole charge for non-citizens temporarily permitted entry into the United States. Travelers in these categories should anticipate a modest increase in travel expenses when visiting the US.

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While not all Indian tourists will be affected by these adjustments, certain categories will face higher prices. Individuals applying for parole to enter the United States will encounter slightly increased fees beginning January 2026.

Parole Fee Increase

The parole fee, which permits foreign nationals to enter and remain in the US for a limited duration without a visa or official admission status, will rise from $1,000 to $1,020 on January 1, 2026.

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to temporarily parole any immigrant applicant seeking admission to the country on urgent humanitarian grounds or for significant public benefit.

ESTA Fee Increase

The ESTA fee will see an increase of $0.27, rising from $40 in fiscal year 2025 to $40.27 in fiscal year 2026. However, this change will not impact Indian citizens, as India is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program.

ESTA is only required for travelers from countries participating in the program.

The Electronic Visa Update System fee will increase from the current $30 to $30.75. This system applies exclusively to Chinese citizens holding B-1 or B-2 visas who need to periodically update their information.

No Change to Form I-94 Fee

The DHS has confirmed that the fee for Form I-94 applications, known as Arrival and Departure Forms, will remain unchanged at $30. This form is mandatory for certain foreign visitors seeking entry into the US.

Inflation-Related Changes

The fee increases are part of the annual adjustments mandated by law to reflect inflation. The H1 law established minimum fees for the fiscal year 2025, requiring future costs to be adjusted annually according to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers.

Inflation-related measures are now being implemented for the upcoming fiscal year. These changes will impact travelers and immigration service applicants, who will experience a slight increase in their travel expenses.