What is re-parole and who can apply for it?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has offered the opportunity to extend humanitarian parole for Ukrainians who arrived after February 11, 2022, starting from February 27, 2024. This new program allows individuals to stay in the U.S. for an additional two years, and also includes relatives of those Ukrainians who do not have other grounds to remain in the country. This expands the group of individuals who can use this mechanism to continue their legal stay in the U.S., even if they have no other reasons for extending their stay besides humanitarian ones.
The new re-parole option is an important step for those seeking additional options for legal stay in the U.S. The program responds to the needs of those who cannot leave the U.S. or return to Ukraine due to the armed conflict and the difficult situation. Under this process, not only is the stay extended, but it also provides the possibility of employment and access to certain social services in the U.S. This is especially important for those who wish to continue their development and meet their basic needs in the U.S.
The re-parole application can be submitted online or by mail, depending on your preferences and availability. When submitting, copies of the relevant documents must be provided, and biometric verification may be required if necessary. This may include submitting fingerprints or other biometric data to confirm your identity, which is an essential step in the humanitarian parole process. The application fee is $630, but those with low income may qualify for a fee waiver by submitting an additional form to reduce the fee. This ensures access to the program for more people, especially those in financial hardship.
The re-parole application allows individuals to extend their stay in the U.S. and, as a result, provides additional security for those already in the country under humanitarian grounds. This process is important not only for those already in the U.S. but also for their relatives who want to join them. Thus, the program creates opportunities not only for extending stays but also for ensuring that relatives can stay together with those experiencing difficult times abroad.
Key points of the re-parole process
To understand if you are eligible to apply for re-parole and what is required, here are the key points of the process that you should pay attention to before applying:
- To apply, you must remain in the U.S. at the time of application. It is important not to leave the country during the application process, as this may affect the process.
- The application can be submitted online or by mail, and copies of documents must be provided. Attach copies of your passport, visa, or other documents proving your status, as well as additional forms related to the application fee.
- The application fee is $630, but low-income individuals may avoid this fee by submitting a special form for a fee waiver. This makes the process more accessible to individuals with limited financial means.
Benefits of the re-parole process for Ukrainians
The re-parole program offers numerous benefits to Ukrainians who have to stay in the U.S. due to the armed conflict in Ukraine. Here are some of them:
- The opportunity for legal stay in the U.S. for an additional two years. This gives you time to plan your next steps and find a more stable solution for your situation.
- Access to employment and some social services. With re-parole, you can officially work in the U.S., which helps you support yourself and your family.
- The possibility of extending stay for relatives who have no other grounds to live in the U.S. This allows you to reunite with your family, which is crucial for maintaining stability and psychological comfort.
Documents for submission. To apply for re-parole, you need to prepare copies of relevant documents, including proof of your status and additional forms related to the application fee.
Application process. The application for extending humanitarian parole can be submitted online or by mail, and biometric verification may be required if necessary.
Application fee. The application fee is $630, with the possibility of fee waiver for low-income applicants.
Questions and Answers
Question
How to apply for re-parole?
Answer
You can apply for re-parole online via the official USCIS website or by mail, attaching the required documents. It is important to stay in the U.S. at the time of application.
Question
Can I apply if my income is low?
Answer
Yes, if your income is low, you can avoid the fee by submitting an additional form for a fee waiver.
The re-parole program is an important opportunity for Ukrainians in the U.S. on humanitarian grounds. It allows them to extend their stay, offering a chance for stability and security. Stay informed about changes and consider consulting lawyers for proper document preparation. For those planning to stay in the U.S. or reunite with family, the re-parole program can be a decisive step toward a stable future. Preparation of legal conclusions, assessment of legal risks, legal justification, legal consultation, legal issue review, rights protection, legal expertise, Legal analysis, expert opinion, legal audit.