From USCIS: 08/19/2024
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the implementation of the “Keeping Families Together” process, effective August 19, 2024. This initiative allows eligible noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for lawful status in the U.S., aiming to promote family unity, strengthen communities, and enhance national security.
Individuals must file Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, online after creating a myUSCIS account. The filing fee is $580, and fee waiver requests for Form I-131F will not be accepted.
To be eligible, noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens must:
– Be in the U.S. without legal admission or parole.
– Have been continuously present in the U.S. since at least June 17, 2014.
– Have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen by June 17, 2024.
– Have no disqualifying criminal history and pass security vetting.
– Submit biometrics and undergo background checks.
Noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens must:
– Be under 21 and unmarried as of June 17, 2024.
– Be in the U.S. without legal admission or parole.
– Have been continuously present in the U.S. since at least June 17, 2024.
– Have a noncitizen parent married to a U.S. citizen by June 17, 2024, and before the stepchild’s 18th birthday.
– Have no disqualifying criminal history and pass security vetting.
– Submit biometrics and undergo background checks.
This process is aligned with existing policies, including those for family members of U.S. military personnel. Additional details and guidance are available on the USCIS website.
