Humanitarian Parole

Humanitarian Parole

What is Humanitarian Parole?

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security may, in his discretion, parole into the United States temporarily, under such conditions as he may prescribe on a case-by-case basis, for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, any alien applying for admission to the United States.

What types of Humanitarian Parole cases are adjudicated at the Parole and Humanitarian Assistance Branch?
The Parole and Humanitarian Assistance Branch adjudicates all requests for humanitarian parole.

How will I be notified if my request is approved?
If you are the petitioner, you will receive a written notice once your application has been adjudicated.

How long are Humanitarian Paroles approved for?
Humanitarian paroles are granted for a period of time to coincide with the duration of the emergency or humanitarian situation that forms the basis for the request. There is a maximum time limit of 1 year.

What can I do if my case is not approved?
The denial of a request for humanitarian parole is a discretionary determination based upon a comprehensive review of all of the circumstances in each case, as presented in the documentation. There is no statutory provision for appeal. If there are new facts that you would like considered however, a new submission may be sent to the Parole and Humanitarian Assistance Branch as a new case for consideration, with a new filing fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to adjudicate an application?
  Parole applications are generally adjudicated within 60 - 90 business days.
• Can Humanitarian Parole applications be adjudicated for individuals currently in the United States?
  Request for humanitarian parole can only be accepted for individuals who are currently outside of the United States.
• How do I file a request for humanitarian parole?
• Provide information on EACH prospective parolee; this should include:
  • Complete name, date, and place of birth of the prospective parolee.
  • The prospective parolee's occupation and current address abroad.
  • The prospective parolee's relationship to his/her Sponsor.
  • The length of time for which parole is requested. (REMINDER: Parole is limited to a maximum time of 1 year).
  • A fee (in the form of a cashier's check. NOTE: personal checks are not accepted).
  • Completed Application for Travel Document for each prospective parolee.
  • Provide information about the sponsor of the prospective parolee(s); this should include:
    • Complete name, date, and place of birth of the Sponsor
    • Indication of sponsor's United States citizenship or immigration status.
    • Sponsor's full and complete current address.
    • Sponsor's occupation
    • Statement of why a U.S. visa cannot be obtained instead of having to apply for humanitarian parole, including when and where attempts were made to obtain visas.
    • Statement of why a waiver of excludability cannot be obtained, including when and where a waiver was sought.
    • Copies of any approved visa petitions for the sponsor (Form I-171)
    • Evidence of relationship between the sponsor and the prospective parolee.
    • Statement of emergent (urgent) reasons why a parole should be authorized. (i.e. documentation verifying medical condition, letter from treating physician etc.)
    • Statement of how, and by whom, medical care, housing, transportation and other subsistence needs will be met for each prospective parolee.
  • Completed Affidavit of Support for each parolee