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 Background and Evolution
Immigration parole was created under Section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) in 1952, giving the U.S. government flexibility to respond quickly to emergencies.
Key historical milestones:
- 1952 INA: Introduced parole authority for case-by-case humanitarian use.
- 1956 – 1970s: Used for groups such as Hungarian and Cuban refugees.
- 1980 Refugee Act & 1996 IIRIRA: Clarified that parole must be for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
- 2003: Authority moved to DHS, implemented through USCIS, CBP, and ICE.
This evolution shows parole’s dual role: a humanitarian lifeline and a national-interest tool.
If you want to understand how USCIS processes immigration requests, visit our USCIS Processing Times resource for up-to-date case estimates.
Agencies That Grant Parole
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): Handles most parole requests filed from abroad.
- CBP (Customs and Border Protection): Decides parole cases at airports or land borders.
- ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): Approves parole for detainees or law-enforcement purposes.
In FY 2023, CBP granted over 1.24 million of the 1.34 million paroles issued (DHS 2023 data).
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 |
Does Immigration Parole Help You Get a Green Card?
Not directly. Parole does not grant lawful status or guarantee permanent residence. However, under INA § 245(a), individuals who were “inspected and admitted or paroled” may apply for adjustment of status if they meet other eligibility criteria (e.g., U.S. citizen spouse sponsorship).
However, certain parolees may later become eligible for a green card if they qualify through another legal pathway. For example:
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who entered on parole may adjust status if otherwise eligible.
- Parolees granted asylum can apply for a Green Card one year after approval.
- Special programs such as Parole in Place or congressional humanitarian initiatives may include adjustment provisions.
Even in these cases, adjustment can be complex. Always consult an immigration attorney to confirm eligibility. Remember, parole is a temporary humanitarian tool—not a permanent immigration benefit.
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.
Can Immigration Parole Be Revoked or Ended Early?
Yes. Parole is discretionary and temporary. DHS may terminate it if:
- The purpose for parole no longer exists.
- Conditions are violated (e.g., criminal activity or address change not reported).
- New information arises about inadmissibility or fraud.
- The program itself is discontinued.
Termination usually triggers a Notice to Appear before an immigration judge—not immediate deportation—but the person loses lawful presence.
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.
Working, Studying, and Traveling While on Immigration Parole
Being granted parole does not automatically give you the right to work, study, or travel freely in the United States. These rights require separate approvals from USCIS. Many parolees, especially humanitarian or family-based ones, are unaware of these extra steps.
If you wish to **work** while on parole, you must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) using Form I-765. Once approved, you can work legally until your parole ends. If your parole is extended, remember to renew your EAD too.
Be aware that EAD processing times are often long (currently averaging X to Y months, check the USCIS website for the most current data). Submitting your Form I-765 before your parole expires provides proof of filing, but generally does not grant you the right to work or guarantee lawful presence beyond your I-94 expiration date unless specifically noted by USCIS guidance.
Parolees are generally allowed to **study**, but you should confirm enrollment rules with your school or university. Some programs may require proof of lawful presence or EAD approval.
Travel requires extra caution. Leaving the U.S. almost always ends your parole unless you have advance travel authorization. If you plan to travel, consult an immigration attorney before booking any trip. Following these steps ensures you don’t lose your parole status by mistake.
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.
The period of uncertainty while waiting for a decision is a major source of anxiety. While every case is unique, **current processing for Humanitarian Parole applications (Form I-131) is averaging a wide range, often from 8 to 18 months. This timeframe can fluctuate wildly based on the applicant’s country of origin and the specific humanitarian crisis. You should plan for a lengthy wait and check the USCIS website’s Processing Times tool for the most up-to-date estimates, filtering by “I-131” and the office processing your case. - 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
Check the USCIS Fee Updates 2025 from our comprehensive guide.
Who Pays the Immigration Parole Fee and How Exemptions Work
Starting October 2025, most immigration parole applicants must pay a $1,000 fee after their parole is approved. This fee helps cover processing costs but can create financial stress for low-income applicants and families. Fortunately, there are limited fee exemptions for certain humanitarian situations.
Typically, the parole applicant or their U.S. sponsor pays the fee after USCIS or CBP approval and before the person’s entry. Exemptions may apply if the parole is granted for urgent medical reasons, funerals, or other emergency circumstances.
If you believe you qualify for an exemption:
- Review your approval notice to see if the fee is required.
- Keep documents such as hospital letters or death certificates to prove your eligibility.
- Contact USCIS or your attorney before paying to confirm your exemption status.
Understanding who pays and when helps prevent delays or confusion during your parole process.
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
What if My Sponsor’s Situation Changes?
A major concern for parole applicants is the long-term commitment of their financial sponsor (Form I-134). While the sponsor’s declaration is mandatory for initial approval, a later change in their financial situation (such as job loss or death) is generally not an immediate cause for your parole to be automatically revoked by DHS. Your parole status is based on the humanitarian or public benefit reason it was granted.
However, if you apply for re-parole (an extension), you will almost certainly need to submit a new Form I-134 from a financially stable sponsor to prove you will not become a public charge. It is wise to have a backup plan or potential new sponsor identified well in advance of your expiration date.
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.
What Should You Do Before Immigration Parole Expires?
Many people granted immigration parole do not realize it comes with a strict end date. When your parole expires, you lose legal permission to stay in the United States unless you renew or change your status. Ignoring this deadline can result in unlawful presence, which could make it harder to qualify for visas or green cards later.
Here’s a simple checklist to follow before your parole expires:
- Check your expiration date early. Review your I-94 record or approval notice for the exact end date.
- Apply for re-parole. File Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) before your parole period ends if your situation still qualifies.
- Explore other immigration options. Some parolees may qualify for asylum, family sponsorship, or humanitarian adjustment.
- Avoid travel. Leaving the U.S. usually ends your parole unless you have official permission.
By planning ahead and seeking legal advice, you can prevent gaps in status and keep your options open for future immigration benefits.
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.
