CBP Immigration Fees Rise Slightly, I-94 Stays Flat
Published Date: 10/1/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting October 16, 2026, some immigration fees will go up a bit to keep up with inflation. This affects people using parole into the U.S., travel authorizations (ESTA), and visa updates (EVUS). The fee for the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record stays the same this year, so no surprises there!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Parole fee rises to $1,050
If you are granted parole into the United States, DHS will charge a $1,050 HR-1 parole fee beginning October 16, 2026. This is an increase from $1,020 (a $30 increase). The fee is required each time parole is granted (including re-parole or parole in place), is collected in addition to any other applicable fees, and will not be charged if the alien qualifies for one of the statutory exceptions in Public Law 119-21 section 100004(b).
I-94 application fee stays $24 (total $30 at land border)
The HR-1 portion of the CBP Form I-94 fee remains $24 for FY 2027, so the total fee to apply for a CBP Form I-94 at a land border port of entry remains $30 (the $24 HR-1 fee plus a $6 land border fee). CBP will continue not to assess an I-94 application fee for arrivals at air or sea ports of entry.
ESTA authorization fee increases to $40.62
Travelers using the Visa Waiver Program who obtain an ESTA travel authorization will pay $40.62 per authorization beginning October 16, 2026, up from $40.27. The cost-recovery portion of the fee increases from $10.27 to $10.62; the full authorization fee is $17 + $10.62 + $13 = $40.62. If an ESTA application is denied, the fee charged for FY 2027 is $10.62.
EVUS enrollment fee rises to $31.75
Nationals required to enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) will pay $31.75 at enrollment beginning October 16, 2026, up from $30.75 (a $1.00 increase). The EVUS fee must be paid at the time of enrollment and is charged in addition to any other applicable fees.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17390, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo
Starting October 26, 2026, all rail cargo leaving the U.S. must have its export info sent electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This new rule helps Customs keep cargo safe and makes trade smoother for rail exporters. Rail companies and exporters should get ready because enforcement begins a year later, on October 26, 2027.
2026-12669, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process
Starting July 24, 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is stopping the $800 tax-free rule for mail shipments coming into the U.S. Instead, a new process will handle these packages to better track and tax imports. This change affects anyone sending or receiving international mail and aims to protect U.S. revenue from unpaid duties.
2026-12670, Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Merchandise Arriving Through All Modes Other Than the International Postal Network
Starting June 24, 2026, small shipments worth $800 or less arriving by anything but the international postal network will no longer skip customs checks. This means everyone importing these goods must follow formal or informal entry rules, which could mean more paperwork and possible fees. If you’re a shopper, seller, or shipper using other delivery methods, get ready for this change and share your thoughts by July 24, 2026!
2026-20171, Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision; Entry Summary
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is updating the paperwork they collect for entry summaries, which affects businesses and agencies involved in importing goods. They’re asking for public feedback by November 2, 2026, to make sure the process stays clear and efficient. No big cost changes are mentioned, but your input can help shape smoother trade paperwork!
2026-20170, Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision; Entry
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is updating a form they use to collect info from people and businesses entering the country. They want your feedback by November 2, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and efficient. This update won’t cost extra money but aims to keep things running smoothly at the border.
2026-19925, Accreditation and Approval of Intertek USA, Inc. (Chelsea, MA), as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory
Intertek USA in Chelsea, MA, just got the green light to measure and test petroleum products for U.S. Customs starting August 28, 2024. This means businesses dealing with petroleum can trust Intertek’s work for the next three years, with the next check-up in August 2027. No extra costs or changes for you—just smooth, official testing and gauging from a trusted pro!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20179, Notice of Availability of Proposed Policy Guidance for the Capital Investment Grants Program
The Federal Transit Administration is updating the rules for its Capital Investment Grants program, which helps fund big public transit projects. These changes aim to make the process faster, clearer, and hold project sponsors more accountable. If you’re involved in transit projects, get ready—comments are open until November 16, 2026, and the new rules will apply right away with no exceptions.
Next: 2026-20186, Certain DHS Immigration-Related Fees Required by HR-1: Fiscal Year 2027 Adjustments for Inflation
Starting October 16, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security is raising two immigration enforcement fees to $5,300 to keep up with inflation. These fees affect people caught by ICE after being ordered removed or those caught between ports of entry. If you’re involved, expect the new fees to kick in soon and plan accordingly!