How do I apply for humanitarian parole in the U.S.?

Summary

This guide is for people who:

• Have a sponsor in the U.S. who will assist them in applying for Humanitarian Parole, and 
• Who face urgent humanitarian needs.

Humanitarian Parole

Humanitarian Parole lets people enter the U.S. temporarily because they are in danger, need medical treatment, or for other urgent reasons. Most applications are rejected. The U.S. government approves Humanitarian Parole requests only  where people have no other legal option to enter the U.S.

Examples where Humanitarian Parole may be appropriate include:

• Someone who needs life-saving medical treatment only available in the U.S.
• Someone who has a family member in the U.S, cannot get a U.S. visa, and is in danger.

Important Things to Know:

• Anyone can apply for Humanitarian Parole, including a person outside the U.S.
• Entry into the U.S. is temporary. The maximum parole period is 365 days.
• After you enter the U.S., you can apply for another immigration status, including by filing for asylum. If you are not successful, you may be required to leave the U.S.

To apply for Humanitarian Parole, send the following documents:

• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with a filing fee of $575 (US)
  • A copy of your passport and two passport photos.
  • An original (wet ink) signature. However, USCIS has announced that it will accept a copy of an original signature during the COVID-19 National Emergency.
  • Include:
    • If you are applying for more than one person, submit a separate Form for each person (including children). Submit a filing fee of $575 for each person.
    • If you do not have enough money, you can apply for an exception by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.  
       
• Form I-134, Affidavit of Support
  • A sponsor in the U.S. must complete this form to prove that you will not get certain public benefits in the U.S. The sponsor must prove that they have enough money to support you and any other people included in your application.
  • Include an original (wet ink) signature. However, USCIS has announced that it will accept a copy of an original signature during the COVID-19 National Emergency.
  • Your sponsor must provide evidence of their finances. This can include: 
    • Copies of income tax returns for the last two years. 
    • Proof of their job and salary.
    • Proof that they own a house or car.
    • Bank accounts.
    • Other information of assets or income.
  • Your sponsor must also provide a passport copy.
  • Signing the form does not mean that the sponsor will need to pay for or provide housing for you if you are granted parole. It just means the sponsor will support you financially if you need it.
  • If you do not know if your sponsor has enough money to satisfy the requirement, you can look at this U.S. government website. 
    • To calculate the “household size,” count your sponsor, the family members that they support, you, and anyone else on the application.
    • For example: Your sponsor is married with two children. You and your spouse are applying for Humanitarian Parole. The household size is 6.
    • The sponsor’s income should be more than the dollar amount listed on the website for that household size.

• Also include a written statement saying:
  • Why you should be granted Humanitarian Parole. Give as many details as you can about your situation and why you need to travel to the U.S.
  • Why you can’t travel to the U.S. on a different kind of visa. If you applied for a visa before, say when and where you applied. If you never applied for a visa, say why.
  • If your case relates to medical issues, include medical records. They should: 
    • Describe your issue.
    • Describe the treatment that you need
    • Explain why you need treatment in the U.S. 
    • You must also say who will provide and pay for your medical treatment and all of your expenses while in the U.S.
  • If you are applying because you were in the U.S. as a refugee, asylee, or Green Card holder, but left the U.S. more than a year ago and lack documentation that would permit you to reenter, say why you left the U.S. Explain why you didn’t apply to come back sooner. Explain any changes in your life since you left the U.S.
  • You can include letters from family members, friends, and Congressional representatives in the U.S. who support your case.

Send your application to:

Check the correct address on this USCIS website to make sure that it has not changed.

For U.S. Postal Service:

USCIS

P.O. Box 660865

Dallas, TX 75266

For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:

USCIS

Attn: HP

2501 S. State Hwy. 121

Business Ste. 400

Lewisville, TX 75067