How US Immigration Fee Hikes in 2026 May Affect Indians

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced updated immigration-related fees effective January 1, 2026, as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR-1). This law requires annual fee revisions to reflect inflation rates.

Key changes include adjusted fees for the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS), the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), and parole applications for non-citizens temporarily allowed into the United States. While these increases may not impact all Indian travelers — especially since India is not part of the Visa Waiver Program — some, such as parole applicants, will notice a small cost hike.

Parole allows individuals to enter and stay in the U.S. temporarily without a visa, mainly for humanitarian or public interest reasons. The fee for parole will increase from $1,000 to $1,020 (approximately ₹90,300).

The ESTA fee will rise slightly by $0.27 in FY 2026, from $40 to $40.27 — not applicable to Indian citizens. EVUS, which applies only to Chinese B-1/B-2 visa holders, will also see an increase from $30 to $30.75.

The fee for Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, used by foreign travelers entering the U.S., will remain unchanged at $30 for the 2026 fiscal year.

These adjustments align with the HR-1 law, signed on July 4, 2025, which introduced several legislative reforms, including immigration fee structures based on the Consumer Price Index.

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