# Humanitarian Parole, Explained Learn about humanitarian parole and who’s eligible to apply ## Eligibility Requirements U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for granting humanitarian parole to individuals who have compelling reasons for entering the U.S. on a temporary basis, but who do not qualify for a visa or other immigration benefits. The U.S. government has broad discretionary power to interpret who is eligible for humanitarian parole. Although each case may vary, USCIS has indicated three important factors that it includes in its deliberations: - The level of suffering experienced if parole is not granted - The time pressure - The effect a rejection might have on the applicant’s well being A petitioner’s situation may be deemed urgent if it involves a strict timeline — for instance, if the petitioner is in dire need of medical treatment or if they have a family member who is nearing the end of their life. Therefore, examples of situations where humanitarian parole may be granted include providing urgent medical care, attending a funeral or visiting a critically ill relative, or assisting in a national disaster relief effort. ## Country-Specific Programs In addition to the general humanitarian parole process, there are several humanitarian parole programs for nationals from specific countries: ### Ukrainian Nationals USCIS’ new program, “[Uniting for Ukraine](https://www.uscis.gov/ukraine),” offers Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members an opportunity to enter the United States and remain there temporarily on parole for a two-year period. To qualify for parole, Ukrainian nationals must have a sponsor in the U.S. who is willing to provide financial support for them throughout their stay in the country. ### Afghan Nationals USCIS also provides specific guidelines for Afghan nationals seeking humanitarian parole. The application and approval process may differ depending on whether the applicant is in Afghanistan or outside of the country. More information on humanitarian parole for Afghan nationals can be found on USCIS’ detailed page [here](https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/humanitarian-parole/information-for-afghan-nationals-on-requests-to-uscis-for-parole). ### Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans The Biden administration recently launched a [new humanitarian parole program](https://www.boundless.com/blog/biden-announce-legal-status-migrants-title-42-expansion/) aimed at migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who are experiencing dangerous conditions, violence, or severe economic hardship in their home countries. This policy offers an alternative pathway for eligible migrants from these specific nations. The program allows eligible individuals to apply for U.S. travel authorization at U.S. Embassies or consulates without having to leave their home countries. Upon approval, they can enter the U.S. on parole status and legally reside and work in the country for up to two years. However, eligible applicants must find a financial sponsor in the U.S. and meet certain criteria, such as being at risk of serious harm in their home country. More information can be found [here](https://www.uscis.gov/CHNV). ### The Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program The Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) program allows certain eligible family members of Cuban nationals to come to the U.S. under humanitarian parole. The CFRP program is intended to [expedite the process](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/5-ways-to-speed-up-visa-processing) of family reunification for Cubans who have been separated from their families due to immigration restrictions. The program has its own eligibility requirements and application process, which you can learn more about [here](https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/humanitarian-parole/the-cuban-family-reunification-parole-program). ## How to Apply To apply for U.S. humanitarian parole, you must file two forms (namely Form I-131 and Form I-134), gather the required supporting documents, and pay a filing fee directly to USCIS. Here are the general steps to apply for humanitarian parole in more detail: 1. **Complete** [**Form I-131**](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/the-advance-parole-travel-document-explained) **(Application for Travel Document):** This form is used to apply for humanitarian parole. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information, including the reason for the request and any supporting documents. 2. **Complete** [**Form I-134**](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/form-i-134-explained) **(Declaration of Financial Support):** This form is used to demonstrate that the humanitarian parole applicant is able to financially support themselves during their stay in the U.S. The applicant can also enlist a financial sponsor to file Form I-134 on their behalf. **NOTE**: For those applying through a country-specific program, financial sponsors must file [Form I-134A](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/form-i-134a-explained) instead. 3. **Gather Supporting Documents:** Depending on the reason for your humanitarian parole request, you may need to submit supporting documents such as medical reports, death certificates, or proof of family relationship. 4. **Pay the Filing Fee:** Applicants must pay a $630 fee to [file Form I-131](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/the-advance-parole-travel-document-explained) for humanitarian parole. There is currently no application fee for Form I-134. 5. **File Your Application:** Once you have completed the forms and gathered all the necessary documents, you should submit your application to the appropriate USCIS office. It’s important to note that applying for humanitarian parole does not guarantee approval, and USCIS has broad discretion in deciding whether to grant it. Therefore, it’s important to provide as much information and documentation as possible to support your request. ### Humanitarian Parole FAQs **What is the processing time for humanitarian parole applications?** The Humanitarian Affairs Branch (HAB) of USCIS typically evaluates parole requests within [90 days](https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/humanitarian-parole/parole-processing) of receiving them. However, if additional information is required, the processing time will be longer. **How long does humanitarian parole last?** Once approved, the length of one’s humanitarian parole is determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally, humanitarian parole is granted for a limited period of time that is necessary to address the urgent humanitarian need or significant public benefit. **Can I apply for a green card under humanitarian parole?** It’s important to note that humanitarian parole is not a visa, nor is it a substitute for a visa. It grants temporary solutions for individuals who need to enter the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons but do not qualify for a visa. **What is the difference between humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?** [Temporary Protected Status (TPS)](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/temporary-protected-status/) is a form of humanitarian relief granted to foreign nationals who are unable to return home due to certain circumstances in their home countries. TPS differs from humanitarian parole in protection duration and work authorization.