An overview of the parole process steps is as follows:
Step 1: Filing of Parole Request
The petitioner reads the instructions for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document and Form I-134, Affidavit of Support. Then, the petitioner files the following at the USCIS Lockbox in Dallas:
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (completed and signed);
Form I-134, Affidavit of Support (PDF, 540.52 KB) (completed and signed) (PDF, 540.52 KB);
All required evidence and supporting documentation (see Guidance on Evidence for Certain Types of Humanitarian or Significant Public Benefit Parole Requests); and
The filing fee (or Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver), unless you are not required to pay a filing fee. Find the fee information on Our Fees page, or use our Fee Calculator to help determine your fee.
Complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and clip it to the front of the application to get an email or text message when USCIS accepts your form.
Once USCIS receives your Form I-131 and Form I-134, you will receive a:
Receipt notice confirming that we received your forms;
Biometric services appointment notice, if applicable;
Notice to appear for an interview, if required; and
Notice of our decision.
Step 2: USCIS Humanitarian Affairs Branch (HAB) Reviews the Request for Jurisdiction and Urgency (Triage)
HAB initially reviews requests for parole to confirm jurisdiction and, if HAB has jurisdiction, to determine whether there is a particularly urgent or time sensitive reason for expedited processing. If the request is not within the jurisdiction of HAB, we will transfer it to ICE or another USCIS component that has jurisdiction over the request.
Step 3: USCIS Officer Makes a Decision
A USCIS officer considers the request. This includes:
Reviewing the request and all supporting documents;
Conducting all mandatory security checks and vetting;
Issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny, if necessary;
Documenting the basis for the decision; and
Preparing the decision notice(s).
Step 4: Supervisor Reviews the Decision
A supervisor reviews all parole decisions before any decision is finalized.
Step 5: USCIS Provides Notification of the Decision
If authorized: USCIS will mail an approval letter to the petitioner, the beneficiary and any representative of record. The letter provides notice of the decision and next steps for obtaining travel documents. They will also notify the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate closest to the beneficiary’s residence.
Step 6: Issuance of Travel Documents and Parole into the United States (Approvals Only)
If a request is approved, the beneficiary will receive an approval notice informing him or her that they must fill out a Form DS-160, Application for a Nonimmigrant Visa, and schedule an appointment with the Department of State consular section to verify their identity and collect biometrics for additional security vetting. Biometrics are required of all beneficiaries aged 14 and up. If no adverse information or new identification information is discovered throughout the vetting process, the US Consulate issues a boarding pass, which authorizes the recipient to travel to the US within 30 days of receiving it. The issuance of a boarding foil does not ensure parole, but it does allow for it.
Step 7: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Paroles into the United States (Approvals Only)
At the point of entry, a CBP official inspects the beneficiary. If the beneficiary is granted parole, CBP will issue an I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, detailing the duration of their parole. When CBP paroles the beneficiary at the port of entry, the period of parole begins. The parolee may apply for employment using Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, after landing in the United States.
Requesting Parole
To request parole you must:
Complete a Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and, for each parole beneficiary, include the filing fee or Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.
Complete a Form I-134, Affidavit of Support (PDF, 540.52 KB), for each beneficiary to show how each beneficiary will be financially supported in the United States.
a.If there is more than one sponsor, each sponsor must submit a Form I-134, Affidavit of Support (PDF, 540.52 KB).
Include a detailed explanation, as well as supporting documentation, of the reasons parole is being requested for the beneficiary.
Must include a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative, for USCIS to communicate with your attorney or representative.
Complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance and clip it to the front of the application.
Evidence Submission
The petitioner must prove that the beneficiary qualifies for parole and justifies a favorable exercise of discretion through the parole request and supporting documentation. Delays can be avoided by submitting all required supporting evidence. To get additional information, a USCIS official may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). The petitioner should submit the following proof to support their parole request in addition to the Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, Form I-134, Affidavit of Support (PDF, 540.52 KB), and the filing fee or request for fee waiver:
Detailed explanation of the reasons why the petitioner is requesting parole;
Detailed explanation of the length of time for which the beneficiary needs parole;
Detailed explanation of why the beneficiary cannot obtain a U.S. nonimmigrant or immigrant visa from the U.S. Department of State including:
a.When and where the beneficiary attempted to obtain visas, if applicable;
b.If a visa application was denied, include a copy of the denial letter; and
c.If applicable, a detailed explanation of the reasons why the beneficiary cannot obtain any required waiver of inadmissibility and a copy of any denial letter received.
Copies of any previously filed immigrant petitions (Forms I-130, I-140, I-360, etc.) or nonimmigrant petitions filed by or for the beneficiary, if available;
Copies of any documents that support the request, including a clear and legible copy of a government-issued identification that indicates the beneficiary’s citizenship.
a.If a birth certificate is provided, please submit a copy of the front and back of the original birth certificate.
Copies of a U.S. passport, lawful permanent resident card, birth certificate or other evidence of valid U.S. immigration status or citizenship for the petitioner and sponsor, where applicable.
