USCIS Begins Accepting Applications for Parole in Place: Everything You Need to Know.

USCIS has started accepting online applications for Parole in Place through Form I-131F.

The online application system will ask each applicant for the specific documents they need to provide for their case.

August 19, 2024, marks an important date for many families in the United States. USCIS has begun accepting applications for Parole in Place, a crucial benefit aimed at spouses and children of U.S. citizens who wish to regularize their immigration status without having to leave the country.

What is Parole in Place?

Parole in Place is an immigration tool that allows certain immediate family members of U.S. military members, as well as other U.S. citizens, to obtain special permission to legally remain in the country. Although temporary, this permission provides a significant solution for those who might otherwise face deportation or family separation.

Application Process for Parole in Place: Key Points

Here’s a breakdown of the most important aspects you need to know about the application process:

1. Online Application Submission: Starting August 19, 2024, Form I-131F, required to apply for Parole in Place, can only be completed and submitted online through the USCIS website. It's crucial to note that applications sent by postal mail will not be accepted.

2. Filing Fee: The cost to submit Form I-131F is $580. USCIS has clarified that no fee waivers or reductions will be offered for this application, so it's important to be prepared to cover this cost when submitting your application.

3. One Application Per Person: Each applicant, regardless of age, must submit a separate Form I-131F. This means that if you are a U.S. citizen applying for parole in place for your spouse and children, you will need to complete an individual application for each of them. Additionally, each applicant must have their own USCIS online account.

4. Required Documentation: As you complete the online form, the USCIS system will automatically indicate which additional documents you need to provide to support your application. This process helps ensure that you don't miss any essential documents.

5. Biometric Appointment: After submitting the application, beneficiaries will need to attend a biometric appointment at a USCIS-designated center. During this appointment, fingerprints and other biometric information will be collected for security and verification purposes.

6. Approval and Parole Documentation: If your application is approved, the non-citizen spouse or stepchild will receive a Form I-94, which will serve as proof of their permission to remain in the country (parole).

7. Important Travel Warning: It’s crucial to understand that Form I-94 does not authorize reentry into the United States after leaving the country. If someone who has received parole in place leaves the U.S. without first obtaining an Advance Parole document, they will automatically lose their parole status and may not be able to return to the country.

Parole in Place offers a valuable opportunity for the spouses and children of U.S. citizens who need to regularize their immigration status without leaving the United States. However, it's crucial to carefully follow each step of the application process to ensure a successful submission. If you have questions or need assistance with your application, we recommend contacting an immigration attorney who can guide you through this process.