What Is Immigration Parole?
Immigration parole is a temporary permission granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that allows certain non-citizens to enter or remain in the United States even though they are not formally admitted under normal visa procedures.
It is discretionary, decided case-by-case, and used only when:
- there are urgent humanitarian reasons, or
- a person’s presence provides a significant public benefit.
Parole gives flexibility in emergencies—such as medical treatment, family reunification, or national-interest cases—but it does not grant lawful status, permanent residence, or citizenship. Think of it as special, temporary permission, not a visa or green card.
Legal Basis and Authority
Section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
This law gives DHS the power to “parole into the United States temporarily under such conditions as [the Secretary] may prescribe on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.”
DHS Agencies That Grant Parole
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): Handles most requests from people outside the U.S.
- CBP (Customs and Border Protection): Decides parole cases at airports and land entry points. In FY 2023, CBP granted over 1.24 million of the 1.34 million paroles issued (Source: DHS 2023 data).
- ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): Approves parole for detainees or law-enforcement needs.
If you want to understand how USCIS processes immigration requests, visit our USCIS Processing Times resource for up-to-date case estimates.
What Immigration Parole Is — and What It Is Not
A parolee is not formally admitted into the U.S.; they remain an “applicant for admission.” Here’s the difference:
| Immigration Parole IS | Immigration Parole IS NOT |
|---|---|
| Temporary permission to enter or stay in the U.S. | Formal admission to the United States |
| Protection from immediate removal | A visa or lawful immigration status |
| Eligibility to apply for a work permit (Form I-765) | Automatic path to a green card |
| Requires a financial sponsor (Form I-134) | Permanent residence or citizenship by itself |
Why Does Parole Exist?
Parole was added to U.S. immigration law in the 1950s to give the government flexibility in urgent situations. It has been used for:
- Medical or family emergencies
- People fleeing wars or disasters
- Witnesses or participants in law-enforcement cases
- Groups admitted for humanitarian programs or special U.S. initiatives
Who Can Apply for Immigration Parole?
You may qualify if you:
- Need to enter the U.S. for emergency medical treatment
- Must visit or care for a seriously ill relative
- Are required to appear in court or assist a U.S. agency
- Are a refugee or asylee family member waiting for visa processing
- Are an undocumented family member of a U.S. military member or veteran
Parole is not for those simply seeking to immigrate permanently or work long term in the U.S.
Types of Immigration Parole
1. Humanitarian Parole
For people who need to enter or stay in the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons such as:
- Life-threatening medical issues
- Attending a funeral or caring for a critically ill relative
- Escaping imminent harm in their home country
Applicants must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and include a sponsor’s Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, along with evidence explaining the urgent need.
To learn more, see our step-by-step guide to Form I-131, which explains eligibility, filing tips, and required documents.
2. Significant Public Benefit Parole
Granted when a person’s presence serves a U.S. interest, such as:
- Testifying in a criminal case
- Assisting national security investigations
- Supporting critical public health or research efforts
3. Advance Parole
Available to individuals already in the U.S. with a pending green card application (Form I-485) or certain temporary statuses like DACA or TPS. It lets them travel abroad and return without abandoning their application.
Before applying, it’s helpful to review our Advance Parole Travel Rules guide to understand eligibility, travel risks, and re-entry conditions.
4. Parole in Place (PIP)
Designed for spouses, parents, and children of U.S. military members or veterans who entered without inspection. PIP allows them to remain temporarily and can sometimes help them adjust their status later.
5. Program-Specific or Group Paroles
Used for designated groups (e.g., Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan programs) or for entrepreneurs under the International Entrepreneur Rule.
How to Apply for Immigration Parole
Each application is reviewed individually. Follow these steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Confirm that your case fits a recognized category (humanitarian or public benefit).
- Prepare Forms and Documents
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
- Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support
- A personal letter explaining why you need parole
- Supporting documents such as medical records, affidavits, court summons, or proof of relationship.
Your U.S. sponsor must complete Form I-134, showing they have the financial means to support you during your stay. You can find detailed instructions and document checklists in our Form I-134 Declaration of Financial Support guide.
- Submit Your Application to USCIS: Follow current filing instructions. Pay any standard filing fees (but not the $1,000 parole fee — see below).
- Await Decision: USCIS reviews your case and issues a written decision. Even strong cases may be denied since parole is discretionary.
- If Approved
- You’ll receive written notification of approval.
- You may apply for a work permit (Form I-765).
- The new $1,000 parole fee must be paid before entry or issuance.
New $1,000 Immigration Parole Fee (Effective October 2025)
Beginning October 16, 2025, DHS will charge a $1,000 parole fee for most cases under INA § 212(d)(5)(A), as required by H.R. 1.
Key Details
- Amount: $1,000 (adjusted annually for inflation)
- When to Pay: After approval — not with your initial Form I-131
- Collected By: USCIS, CBP, or ICE depending on which agency grants parole
- Effective Date: October 16, 2025
Exceptions to the Fee
You may be exempt if your parole is for:
- A medical emergency
- Attending a funeral of a close relative
- Parents or guardians of sick minors
- Cuban or Haitian entrants
- Law-enforcement assistants or witnesses
USCIS Fee Updates 2025
Rights and Limitations of Parolees
Rights and Benefits
- Permission to remain in the U.S. for the approved period
- Ability to apply for a work permit (Form I-765)
- No “unlawful presence” accumulates while parole is valid
Limitations
- Parole is temporary and may be terminated at any time
- It does not grant lawful status or guarantee re-entry
- It does not lead automatically to a green card or citizenship
- Remaining after parole expires can affect future immigration options
Common Questions About Immigration Parole
1. Does parole lead to a green card?
No. Parole is temporary. To obtain a green card, you must qualify through another immigration pathway (such as family or employment sponsorship).
2. How long does parole last?
Usually as long as needed for the stated purpose — often up to one year, sometimes renewable.
3. Can parolees work in the U.S.?
Yes. Once approved, you may apply for employment authorization (Form I-765).
4. What’s the difference between parole and a visa?
A visa is a formal entry document issued under U.S. immigration law. Parole is a temporary permission granted at the discretion of DHS.
5. Do I pay the $1,000 fee when I apply?
No. It is collected after approval and before your parole is finalized.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Immigration parole is a vital tool that lets the U.S. government respond quickly to humanitarian or public-interest needs. It offers temporary relief for those who cannot use regular visa channels—but it is not a path to permanent residency.
With the new $1,000 parole fee effective October 2025, applicants should plan carefully, understand eligibility, and consult a qualified immigration professional to avoid mistakes or delays.
For immigrants and families, especially older adults or non-English speakers, knowing your rights and the limits of parole is essential for making safe, informed decisions.
