Humanitarian Parole
Humanitarian parole is permission from the US government for a person who is otherwise not eligible for a visa to enter and stay in the United States temporarily, for urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit. It is not a visa or a legal status.
How it works
Requests are filed on Form I-131 with USCIS, usually by or for someone outside the US, with evidence of the emergency, such as needed medical treatment or a dying relative. Parole is granted case by case for a set period, and parolees may be able to request a work permit.
Parole does not lead to a green card by itself. Some people later qualify through another route.
Several group parole programs have ended. The CHNV program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans was terminated in 2025. See CHNV parole ended, advance parole, and US humanitarian options. Talk to a lawyer before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How long does humanitarian parole last?
It is granted for a specific period tied to the reason for the request, often up to one year.
Is humanitarian parole the same as advance parole?
No. Advance parole is for people already in the US who want to travel and return.
Can parolees work?
Many parolees can apply for an EAD, depending on current rules.
Official sources
- USCIS: Humanitarian paroleuscis.gov
- Federal Register: Termination of CHNV parolefederalregister.gov
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.