Humanitarian Parole: Temporary Permission to Enter for Urgent Cases

Humanitarian Parole is a discretionary authority exercised by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows certain individuals who are otherwise inadmissible or unable to obtain a visa to temporarily enter the United States due to urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit considerations.

Humanitarian Parole is not a visa, does not confer immigration status, and is granted only in exceptional, time-sensitive circumstances.

What Is Humanitarian Parole?

Humanitarian Parole allows an individual who is outside the United States to be paroled into the country for a specific, limited purpose and duration when no other appropriate immigration option is available within the required timeframe.

Parole is authorized under INA §212(d)(5) and is granted solely at USCIS’s discretion.

Being granted parole does not constitute formal admission to the United States for immigration purposes.

When Is Humanitarian Parole Considered?

Humanitarian Parole is reviewed one case at a time and is reserved for exceptional situations. The applicant has the responsibility to show, with clear and reliable evidence, that parole should be granted.

USCIS will approve a request only if the evidence shows that:

• There is an urgent humanitarian need or an important public benefit that requires the person to be in the United States; and
• The person deserves a favorable decision after USCIS reviews all the circumstances.

Situations that may be considered include, but are not limited to:

• Urgent medical treatment unavailable or inaccessible abroad
• Serious illness or death of an immediate family member in the United States
• Immediate need to escape armed conflict, violence, or unsafe conditions
• Participation in a legal, governmental, or law-enforcement matter constituting a significant public benefit
• Exceptional circumstances involving the welfare of a child

Having a difficult situation alone is not enough. USCIS must be convinced, based on the evidence, that parole is justified.

Duration of Parole

Humanitarian Parole is granted for a limited and temporary period, based on the specific purpose of the request.

• Parole ends on the earliest of the following:
  • The date the authorized parole period expires;
  • The individual leaves the United States; or
  • The individual obtains an immigration status.
• In most cases, parole is granted for up to one year, depending on the circumstances.
• USCIS may place conditions on parole, such as reporting requirements.
• USCIS may revoke parole at any time, with or without notice, if it determines that parole is no longer appropriate or if the individual does not comply with the conditions.

If additional time in the United States is needed, a new parole request must be filed and approved. A prior approval does not guarantee future approval.

How to Apply for Humanitarian Parole

Humanitarian Parole may be requested for yourself or for someone else by filing Form I-131.

• File Form I-131 for each person requesting parole (with the filing fee or a fee waiver request).
• The request may be filed by the individual beneficiary or by another person or organization on their behalf. The third party petitioner does not need to be related to the beneficiary or reside in the United States.
• Submit Form I-134 to show how the person will be financially supported in the United States.
• Include a written explanation and supporting documents showing the urgent humanitarian need or significant public benefit.

USCIS reviews each request based on the information and evidence provided and has sole discretion to decide whether an expedition request will be accepted or approved.

Employment Authorization

Individuals granted Humanitarian Parole may apply for employment authorization by filing Form I-765. Employment authorization is not automatic and is granted only at USCIS’s discretion.

Travel Limitations

• Humanitarian Parole generally authorizes a single entry into the United States
• Departure from the U.S. typically terminates parole, unless a new authorization is granted
• Parole does not permit unrestricted international travel

How Can We Help?

Humanitarian Parole decisions are highly discretionary. The outcome often depends on how clearly the situation is explained and how well the evidence is presented.

At the Law Offices of Metin Serbest, we assist clients by:

• Evaluating whether the case meets USCIS parole standards
• Preparing and filing Form I-131 and Form I-134
• Preparing employment authorization applications, when available and appropriate
• Clearly presenting the urgency and purpose of the request
• Organizing strong, credible supporting evidence
• Reducing the risk of common filing and documentation errors

Schedule a Consultation

Contact the Law Offices of Metin Serbest to discuss whether Humanitarian Parole may be an option in your case and to receive clear guidance on the application process.