I am in the United States now with CAM parole status or my status ended – IRAP

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) provides free legal help to some refugees and displaced people.

IRAP decides to help people based on their need and eligibility for immigration status. IRAP does not decide to help people based on any other social or political or religious criteria.

This website provides general information about legal processes available to some refugees. It is not meant as legal advice for individual applications.

This information was revised in July 2021. Requirements may change. Always check for current requirements from the government or agency deciding your request.

Summary

Families who come to the United States on CAM parole status have permission to stay for a temporary period of time, generally for three years. In the past, CAM parolees were generally granted two years of parole. If you were granted one year of parole, you should contact the CAM Hotline for assistance at (917) 410-7546. This guide provides information on support and options available to CAM families who are in the United States.

See this pamphlet for helpful resources.

How long can I stay in the United States on CAM parole status?

CAM parole status lasts for a specific period of time. You can check when the status ends by looking at the stamp that the officer put in your passport at the airport or by getting an electronic copy of Form I-94 here.

As a CAM parolee, you are not a “refugee.” This means your current parole status does not give you a path to permanent status, nor will you automatically get a green card with this status. See below.

What can I do if I want to stay in the United States for longer?

You should find a lawyer as soon as possible after getting to the United States to ask about your options for applying for a more permanent status. There may be deadlines for applying for certain status like asylum.

You can also apply to renew your CAM parole status. This is called re-parole.

How can I apply for CAM re-parole?

If your CAM parole period has ended or is ending soon, you can apply for CAM re-parole. Applying for CAM re-parole means that you are asking the government to extend your parole period. The United States government has instructions on how to ask for CAM re-parole here.

If you traveled to the United States through the CAM program with additional family members and you all were granted parole, you can apply for CAM re-parole together.

Because of current government application processing delays, you should try to apply for re-parole at least 6 months before your CAM parole status ends. If you are planning to apply to renew your work authorization (see below), you cannot apply for work authorization application (Form I-765) until after you have been granted CAM re-parole.

To apply for CAM re-parole, you must include the documents listed below when you file your application with the US Government. Each individual must file a separate application for re-parole. So, if you are requesting CAM re-parole for multiple family members, you must fill out each of these forms, pay the fee, and provide documentation for each person.

**IRAP has translated each of the government forms into Spanish to help you understand the application process, but your entire CAM re-parole application must be in English and you must use the official English-language government forms. Do not submit the Spanish-language documents.**

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
- Write “CAM re-parole” across the top of your application.
- See IRAP’s Spanish translation of Form I-131 with guidance.
Application Fee or Fee Waiver
- The CAM re-parole application costs $575 per person, and you can pay with a money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or by credit card.
- If you are unable to pay the fee, you may ask the government to waive the fee in your case by submitting Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. See IRAP’s Spanish translation of Form I-912 with guidance.
Evidence of your identity
Copy of a government document with your photograph and your identifying information, for example, the photo page of your passport; your work authorization card (EAD) front and back; or your valid driver’s license.
Evidence that you were previously granted CAM Parole
Copy of a document demonstrating that you were previously granted CAM parole, for example, your passport page with the stamp you received from the government when you entered the United States showing your parole period; or your Form I-94 (Click here to get your Form I-94 online. Your passport number is your “Document Number”).
Evidence to support your request for CAM re-parole
- The government does not require evidence in a particular format, but one way to provide this evidence is using a cover letter and a statement about your personal situation.
- IRAP created a sample cover letter to assist you. (Spanish translation here as a guide—but your letter must be in English).
- IRAP created a sample statement to assist you (Spanish translation here as a guide—but your statement must be in English).
- Each person applying for CAM re-parole can submit their own cover letter and their own statement explaining why they need to stay in the United States.
Form I-134, Affidavit of Support from your sponsor, and supporting documents

Form I-134 must be completed by a person willing to sponsor you. Your sponsor must be someone who is willing to sign an official government document and provide documentation saying they are able to financially support you. The sponsor does not need to be your family member or friend. For example, the sponsor could be a person at your church or your job.
See IRAP’s Spanish translation of Form I-134 with guidance.
Your sponsor’s supporting documents can include their bank statements; W-2 form; pay stubs; most recent income tax return; or a letter from their employer confirming their job position and salary.

You do not need an attorney to apply for CAM re-parole. You may apply yourself or get assistance from someone who is not an attorney. But if you would like to find a lawyer to assist you with filing your CAM re-parole application, you can bring this note that explains your status and what you are requesting.

What if my CAM parole status ended and I don’t have any other status?

You are eligible for CAM re-parole. You should apply as soon as possible. When your parole period expires and if you have not obtained or applied for another legal status (such as asylum), then you no longer have legal permission to remain in the United States. Not having legal status puts you at risk of deportation and makes you ineligible for work authorization. See information above about applying for CAM re-parole.

Can I work in the United States while on CAM parole?

As a CAM parolee, you are not automatically authorized to work. You must apply for work authorization. The application is called Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. You should choose category (c)(11) – ‘Paroled in the Public Interest’ on the application. You can find a lawyer to help you with this.

If you are asked by potential employers or others for your “admission information,” you can get an electronic copy of Form I-94 here.

I have more questions about accessing benefits in the United States

If you have questions about other immigration pathways, please check our legal information website here.

See USAHello for resources in your region.

Here are community resources for CAM parolees in several regions of the United States. These guides are in English.