PAROLE PROCESS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR CUBANS
U.S. EMBASSY HAVANA
How is the Cuban Family Reunification Program (CFRP) different than the new parole process?
The Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program (CFRP) allows immigrant visa beneficiaries with an approved immigrant visa petition filed by a qualifying family member to come to the United States without waiting for an immigrant visa number to become available. The new parole process does not require that a beneficiary have an approved immigrant visa petition or a qualifying family member in the United States. A person may be supported by any family member, friend, or individual representing an organization that meets the requirements to financially support the beneficiary through the duration of their parole period and is a U.S. Citizen.
If I am already in the application phase of the CFRP, can I also have a supporter apply for parole under the new process?
Yes, your petitioner or a different supporter may file on your behalf under the new process if you are already in the application phase of the CFRP. If a Cuban national with a pending CFRP application has been paroled into the U.S. under the new parole process, USCIS will deny the CFRP application and will send the petitioner a Notice of Ineligibility to Travel – Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program.
In the newly announced process, is the supporter in the United States also responsible for medical care?
Yes. Under the new process, the supporter is responsible for ensuring that the financial needs of a beneficiary are met throughout the duration of their parole period. These needs may include, but are not limited to, access to safe, adequate housing; health and medical care; assisting the beneficiary to apply for work authorization, access education, learn English, and enrolling children in school. Click here for information about the supporter’s responsibilities.
With the new parole process, can I work in the United States?
Yes. A beneficiary may apply for employment authorization after being paroled into the United States under the new process. After you are paroled into the United States, you are eligible to apply for discretionary employment authorization from USCIS. To apply for an Employment Authorization Document, you must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, using the (c)(11) category code with the required fee or apply for a fee waiver. You may submit Form I-765 through your USCIS online account with the required fee. If requesting a fee waiver, you must file by mail Form I-912, Request for a Fee Waiver, and Form I-765. Form I-912 cannot be submitted online through the USCIS online account.
While processing times will vary depending on the complexities of each case, USCIS encourages online filing because it prevents delays associated with mailing, provides an immediate receipt, and by filing online, an applicant can establish a USCIS account to track the progress of their case. Paper filed employment authorizations can also be added to the individual’s online account. Whether applications are submitted by mail or electronically, USCIS is employing technological solutions and efficiencies to reduce processing times.
We are seeing reports of fraudulent web sites and services in relation to the new parole process. How do we know which web site is correct?
For information about the process or to submit a sponsorship application, visit the USCIS website. Neither the U.S.-based supporter nor the Cuban beneficiary is required to pay a fee to file the form or be considered for travel authorization. Beware of scams by anyone who asks for money to participate in this process.
Could you explain about CBP One? How does that relate to the new parole process?
Once we confirm the Form I-134A, we will contact the beneficiary via email with instructions for creating a USCIS online account and adding their case. In the online account, the beneficiary reviews their biographical information and completes the necessary attestations (including attestations for eligibility and vaccine requirements) for themselves and travel group members and submits the information to CBP. The beneficiary must also submit their live photo on the CBP One mobile app. Once the photo has been submitted, the process transitions to CBP. CBP will vet available biographic information and the facial photograph to determine whether to authorize the beneficiary’s travel to the United States to seek parole. CBP will then send the travel authorization determination to USCIS to be posted to the beneficiary’s USCIS account.
What to do if you are already in transit to the United States?
Cubans may be eligible for this process from Cuba or another country, such as Mexico. However, if individuals have irregularly entered or attempted to enter the United States or have irregularly entered Mexico or Panama after the announcement of the new process, they will be ineligible to use this process. More information is available on the USCIS website.
Could you elaborate more on the eligibility criteria for dependents of those persons who have supporters and are applying to the parole program?
A supporter must file a separate Form I-134A for each individual beneficiary. A beneficiary must be a national of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, or Venezuela (or their immediate family member – spouse or unmarried child under age 21 – of any nationality) who is outside the United States. If a child is under 18, they must be traveling with a parent or legal guardian in order to use this process.
What program should you apply for if you already have an immigrant visa pending?
Entering the United States with an immigrant visa allows you to become a permanent resident upon arrival, while being paroled into the United States does not. The benefits of permanent residency are considerable. So, for those whose immigrant visa petitions are current, we strongly recommend applying for an immigrant visa. Your petitioner or a different supporter may submit an application on your behalf under the new process regardless of whether you already have an immigrant visa case pending. Applying for this process will not cancel that application.
