1. What is the purpose of Form I-131?

Form I-131 is an application used by U.S. immigrants to apply for various forms of travel documents, such as a Reentry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, or Advance Parole.

2. What are the requirements to qualify for humanitarian parole?

In order to qualify for humanitarian parole, an individual must demonstrate that they are facing an emergency situation that requires them to travel quickly to or from the United States. The applicant must also show that their presence in the United States is of significant public benefit and that they intend to depart from the United States upon completion of their activities. Additionally, the individual must not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

3. What must I show to prove that my stay in the U.S. is necessary for a compelling humanitarian reason?

To prove that your stay in the U.S. is necessary for a compelling humanitarian reason, you must provide evidence that staying in the U.S. is necessary to protect your life or safety, or to protect the life or safety of a family member or other person with whom you have a close relationship. This could include evidence such as: medical records, police reports, court orders, or other documents showing a reasonable fear of persecution; evidence of a lack of access to medical care; evidence of a lack of access to critical social services in the home country; or evidence of a risk of harm due to civil conflict, natural disaster, or other extreme circumstances.

4. What is the required fee to submit Form I-131?

The filing fee for Form I-131 is currently $575.

5. How long does it take to process a Form I-131 request?

The processing time for Form I-131 requests can vary depending on the type of application and the complexity of the case. According to the USCIS website, processing times are updated monthly. Generally, processing times range from 4 to 6 months.

6. How do I check the status of my Form I-131 application?

You can check the status of your Form I-131 application through the USCIS website. On the homepage, click on “Check the Status of Your Case” and then enter your receipt number. You will be able to see the status of your application, as well as any updates or changes.

7. Can I apply for an extension of my humanitarian parole?

Yes, you can apply for an extension of your humanitarian parole as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and provide evidence of your continued need for humanitarian parole. Generally, an application for an extension of humanitarian parole must be filed with the USCIS at least 45 days prior to the expiration of the original period of parole. It is important to keep in mind that extensions are not automatically granted and may be denied if it is determined that the applicant does not continue to meet the criteria for parole or there are other factors which suggest that granting an extension is not in the best interests of the United States.

8. Can I work while on humanitarian parole?

Yes, you can work while on humanitarian parole, as long as you have obtained an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

9. What happens if I violate the terms of my parole?

If you violate the terms of your parole, you may face consequences. Depending on the severity of the violation, consequences may range from warnings to extended parole or supervised release, or even revocation of parole and reinstatement of the original sentence.

10. Can I travel while on humanitarian parole?

Yes, you can travel while on humanitarian parole as long as you have an advance parole document or a valid re-entry permit.

11. What documents do I need to provide when applying for humanitarian parole?

When applying for humanitarian parole, you will need to provide a complete application including a cover letter outlining your reasons for requesting parole, evidence of your identity, proof of familial or other relationships you may have in the U.S., evidence of your ties to your home country, evidence of any medical condition or other special factors that warrant an exception to normal immigration law, and any other supporting documents that may be relevant to your request.

12. Is there a way to expedite the processing of my Form I-131 application?

Generally, no. Applicants can check their application status online through the USCIS website, but there is no way to expedite the processing of this form.

13. Can I apply for a change of status while on humanitarian parole?

Yes, you can apply for a change of status while on humanitarian parole. However, your application for a change of status will only be approved if you meet the eligibility requirements for the new immigration status and USCIS finds that you are not inadmissible to the US.

14. What is the difference between a Form I-131 and an Advance Parole Document?

A Form I-131 is an Application for Travel Document that allows certain non-citizens of the United States to travel outside of the United States and return without having to go through the standard visa process. An Advance Parole Document is a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows certain foreign nationals to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad without having to obtain a visa.

15. Can I bring my family members to the U.S. with me while on humanitarian parole?

No. Humanitarian parole is generally granted for a single individual for a temporary period of time, and does not permit the parolee to bring family members to the U.S. with them. If you are interested in bringing family members to the U.S., you may consider applying for a different visa type, such as a family-based immigrant visa.

16. Do I need to have a valid passport or other travel document in order to apply for humanitarian parole?

Yes, the applicant must possess a valid passport or travel document from his/her home country in order to apply for humanitarian parole. Depending on the applicant’s country of origin, additional documentation may be required.

17. Will my stay in the U.S. under humanitarian parole be counted towards my permanent residency status?

No, your stay in the United States under humanitarian parole will not be counted towards your permanent residency status. Humanitarian parole is a temporary form of admission and does not confer any immigration benefits, such as the right to work or remain in the United States permanently.

18. How long is my humanitarian parole valid for?

The length of time for which humanitarian parole is valid varies from case to case. The period of validity is generally determined by the amount of time necessary to accomplish the purpose for which parole was granted. Generally, parole is valid for up to one year, but it can be extended if needed.

19. Can I renew my humanitarian parole after it expires?

Yes, you can renew your humanitarian parole after it expires. However, you will need to submit a new application with additional documentation to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements for a humanitarian parole renewal.

20. How can I extend my stay in the U.S. beyond the time period authorized by my humanitarian parole?

You will need to apply for a change of status to another nonimmigrant visa category. To do this, you must file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You may include your family members on the same form if they are all eligible for the same classification and are included in your original parole documentation.