Form I-131F – Application for Parole in Place – All You Need to Know

Form I-131F, or the application for parole in place, has been a critical option for certain undocumented family members of United States military service members. The application, if approved, provides protection from deportation. It can even authorize work permits as well as parole. Parole essentially equates to lawful entry into the country for a time. Without this protection, many families may be split up at the border. If you or someone in your family is in this situation, you need to know about this form.

All You Need to Know About Form I-131F

Parole in place (PIP) protection was expanded in June 2024 to include undocumented spouses and stepchildren of United States citizens who may not even have military connections. The goal was to allow more families the opportunity to stay together until a long-term immigration solution is found. Additional legal developments have halted this extension indefinitely.

A person can apply for parole in place by filing Form I-131F, which can only be filled out online via the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. In addition, each person seeking parole in place must fill out their own separate form, with a filing fee of $580 that cannot be waived. Benefits of parole in place include:

• You will receive authorized status that protects you from being deported.
• You can apply for a work permit.
• You will satisfy a vital requirement for your green card application.

Who Is Eligible for Parole in Place?

With the new Form I-131F that includes spouses and stepchildren, it is important that you understand the differences in requirements between the two. Certain spouses and children may not need to apply at all. Others may only be considered if they meet certain crucial requirements for parole in place consideration.

For spouses, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must already be present in the United States without admission or parole. Essentially, you must already be in the country illegally without a visa.
• You must have been consistently present in the United States since June 2014 and never left the country.
• You must be legally married to a United States citizen as of June 2024. This marriage must be recognized as legally valid in the U.S. You may have to prove this with the marriage certificate.
• You have no significant criminal history and are not deemed a threat to the citizens of the United States. Not every criminal offense will disqualify you from consideration for parole in place, but harsher offenses most likely will. If you are worried about losing consideration, reach out to an immigration lawyer to help with your application.
• You must be willing to submit to a background check and vetting for national security.

For stepchildren, some of the requirements are similar, but others may be different. The requirements include:

• You must be under the age of 21 and unmarried as of June 2024. USCIS considers anyone under 21 and unmarried to be a child in the eyes of the law.
• You must already be present in the United States without admission or parole. Essentially, you must already be in the country illegally without a visa.
• You must have been consistently present in the United States since June 2014 and never left the country.
• You must have a non-citizen parent who has been married to a United States citizen as of June 2024. The stepchild must also be under the age of 18 at the time of the marriage.
• You have no significant criminal history and are not deemed a threat to the citizens of the United States. If you are worried that this could disqualify you, you should speak with an immigration lawyer.
• You must be willing to submit to a background check and vetting for national security.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does Form I-131F Take to Approve?

A: Generally, there is no set processing time for Form I-131F. USCIS takes as much time as it needs to fully vet an application and reach a decision regarding approval or denial. After 90 days of waiting, if the applicant has still not been notified, you can follow up with USCIS to see where your case stands. It can sometimes take months to fully process an application. Every case is different.

Q: What Do You Need for Form I-131F?

A: To fill out Form I-131F, you will need to provide a great deal of personal information that USCIS can use to determine your eligibility for parole in place. This information can include your:

• Full name
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Email
• Country of birth
• Photo ID
• Recent photographs
• Proof of marriage
• Biometrics

Possibly, USCIS may need even more information. This can be a very involved process with many steps.

Q: What Is Parole in Place for Form I-131F?

A: Parole in place, also referred to as PIP, is a benefit that certain qualifying immigrant applicants could use to stay in the United States on a temporary basis. PIP protection is granted on a case-by-case basis, so there are no guarantees that you would be considered. To apply for PIP protection, you can fill out Form I-131F with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Q: Can I Apply for Parole in Place Protection Online?

A: Yes, you can apply for parole in place protection online. You would apply through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website and pay a non-waivable filing fee. As of 2024, you can only apply for parole in place protection online. If you require assistance with filling out the application, it is recommended that you reach out to an immigration lawyer who can help you figure out your next steps.

Reach Out to an Experienced Immigration Lawyer Today

Applying for parole in place protection can be a difficult process, with no guarantee of success once the application is filled out. If you or a loved one may qualify for PIP protection, you might want to consider reaching out to an immigration lawyer for assistance.

Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, knows what you need to fill out a thorough application. We can help you gather the documents you will need, sit with you to fill out the application accurately, and make sure nobody takes advantage of you. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our firm today.