Ukrainian refugees will have to pay a fee to extend their stay in the U.S.

Starting October 16, Ukrainian refugees in the United States will have to pay $1,000 to remain in the country under the “Uniting for Ukraine” program.

This information appeared on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

According to the agency, the new measure is part of efforts to protect lawful immigration, despite temporary U.S. government shutdowns. The fee is intended to maintain legal order and ensure the financial sustainability of the refugee program.

The fee applies to all recipients of humanitarian parole, including Ukrainian refugees.

If a Ukrainian citizen currently resides in the United States under the Uniting for Ukraine program and their parole expires after October 16, 2025, then when applying for an extension (re-parole), USCIS will send a notice with payment instructions and the required $1,000 fee per participant (adult or child).

Some exceptions are available for low-income individuals, but these are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

For those whose parole expires later, U.S. authorities recommend submitting extension requests no earlier than 180 days before the expiration date.

The new rule means that every Ukrainian refugee planning to stay in the U.S. under the Uniting for Ukraine program must account for an additional $1,000 expense. Failure to make timely payment could result in denial of the extension, even if all other program requirements are met.