Starting February 27, 2024, Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members, who have been displaced due to the Russian invasion and were granted parole into the United States on or after February 11, 2022, are now eligible to apply for an extended period of parole, known as re-parole, for up to two years. This initiative is aimed at providing relief on humanitarian grounds or for significant public benefit, and each application will be assessed on a discretionary, case-by-case basis.
Applicants seeking re-parole are advised to submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, along with the required filing fee, through a USCIS online account. This method not only saves time but also minimizes the common errors seen in paper submissions that often lead to processing delays. Once re-parole is granted, individuals may proceed to apply for either an initial or a renewal Employment Authorization Document with USCIS.
The decision to extend this parole opportunity stems from the ongoing crisis in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022, which has led to significant civilian casualties and sustained humanitarian challenges. Recognizing the continuing extraordinary circumstances, USCIS will consider these factors when evaluating re-parole requests. It’s important to note that both Republican and Democratic administrations have historically exercised parole authority to address urgent humanitarian needs or to offer significant public benefits.
To qualify for re-parole, applicants must:
-Be a Ukrainian citizen or an immediate family member of one who was paroled into the U.S. on or after February 11, 2022;
-Demonstrate ongoing urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit for the issuance of a new period of parole;
-Show that they warrant a favorable exercise of discretion;
-Be physically present in the United States;
-Have adhered to the conditions of their initial parole; and
-Pass biographic and biometric background checks.
-Applicants can find their initial date of parole on the Form I-94, Arrival/Departure -Record, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Individuals must apply for re-parole before their current parole period expires. If possible, USCIS recommends submitting the re-parole application at least 60 days before the end of the initial parole period to ensure timely processing.
[For further details, including information on the application process, fees, and required forms, please visit the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney.]
