This section addresses every individual question within each FAQ segment regarding the “Keeping Families Together” initiative and the parole in place process for specific noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens.

1. The “Keeping Families Together” Process

• What is the “Keeping Families Together” process?
  • The “Keeping Families Together” process is an initiative by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for parole in place. Parole in place, a discretionary authority granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), allows individuals who are present in the United States without having been formally admitted to remain temporarily. This process enables them to pursue lawful permanent resident status without leaving the country for consular processing, promoting family unity and stability.

• Why was this process created?
  • This process was created to promote family unity and provide a pathway to lawful permanent resident status for eligible individuals without requiring them to leave the United States, which can cause significant hardship.

• What is Parole in Place?
  • Parole in Place is a discretionary action that allows certain undocumented individuals to stay within the United States. It is not granting any legal status, but it allows for the individual to apply for adjustment of status, without having to leave the USA.

2. Eligibility to apply for parole

• Who is eligible to apply for parole in place under this process?
  • To be eligible, an individual must meet the following criteria: be the spouse or stepchild of a U.S. citizen, have a qualifying marriage date (if applicable), be physically present in the United States without having been formally admitted or paroled, have maintained continuous physical presence in the U.S. since at least June 17, 2014, and have no disqualifying criminal history.

• What are the specific requirements for spouses?
  • Spouses must have a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen that occurred on or before June 17, 2024.

• What are the specific requirements for stepchildren?
  • Stepchildren must have a stepparent-stepchild relationship established before their 18th birthday, with a U.S. citizen stepparent.

• What does “continuous physical presence” mean?
  • “Continuous physical presence” means that the individual has been physically present in the United States without any significant or unauthorized departures since June 17, 2014, through the date of application.

• What criminal history would disqualify an applicant?
  • Disqualifying criminal history includes felony convictions and certain misdemeanor convictions that indicate a threat to public safety, national security, or border security.

3. Application for parole

• How do I apply for parole in place under this process?
  • Eligible individuals must file Form I-131F, “Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens,” electronically through their myUSCIS online account.
• Can I file a paper application?
  • No, USCIS will only accept the I-131F form filed electronically through myUSCIS. Paper applications will be rejected.

• Where can I find Form I-131F?
  • The I-131F form can be found on the USCIS website, and can be filled out online, through a myUSCIS account.

4. Evidence with application

• What evidence do I need to submit with my application?
  • Applicants must submit evidence demonstrating their familial relationship to a U.S. citizen, proof of marriage (if applicable), proof of continuous physical presence, evidence of the U.S. citizen’s citizenship, and evidence of the absence of a disqualifying criminal history.

• What documents are required to prove my relationship to a U.S. citizen?
  • Documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and step-relationship documentation are required.

• What documents are required to prove continuous physical presence?
  • Documents such as utility bills, lease agreements, employment records, school records, and medical records are required.

• What documents are required to prove the U.S. citizen’s citizenship?
  • Documents such as birth certificates, passports, and naturalization certificates are required.

• What documents are required to prove the absence of a criminal record?
  • Background checks, and court records are required.

5. Fee for applying parole

• Is there a fee to apply for parole in place under this process?
  • Yes, there is a filing fee associated with Form I-131F. Applicants should consult the USCIS website for the most current fee schedule.

• Where can I find the current fee schedule?
  • The most current fee schedule can be found on the USCIS website.

6. Will I be required to provide biometrics?

• Yes, applicants will be required to attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photographs, and signatures for identity verification and background checks.

7. Does being eligible guarantee that I will be granted parole in place?

• No. Parole in place is a discretionary authority granted by DHS on a case-by-case basis. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval.

8. Can I work while on parole in place?

• If parole is granted, individuals may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization.”

9. Can I travel outside the United States while on parole in place?

• Generally, no. Travel outside the United States while on parole in place is strongly discouraged and may result in the termination of parole.

10. How long is the parole in place granted?

• The duration of parole in place is determined by DHS on a case-by-case basis. It is typically granted for a specific period, and individuals must comply with all conditions of their parole.

11. Can my parole in place be terminated?

• Yes. Parole may be terminated at any time at the discretion of DHS. It can also be terminated if the individual departs the United States or upon the expiration of the authorized parole period.

12. What happens if my parole in place is terminated?

• If parole is terminated, the individual will be considered to be in the United States without lawful status and may be subject to removal proceedings.

13. Does parole in place grant me lawful permanent resident status or citizenship?

• No. Parole in place does not grant lawful permanent resident status or citizenship. It is a temporary authorization to remain in the United States. However, it can facilitate the process of adjusting status to lawful permanent resident without leaving the country.

14. What are the benefits of obtaining parole in place under this process?

• The primary benefit is that it allows eligible individuals to pursue lawful permanent resident status without the need to leave the United States for consular processing, thus preventing family separation and mitigating potential hardships.

15. Duration to process my application

• How long will it take to process my application?
  • Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances and USCIS workload. Applicants can check the USCIS website for current processing times.

• Where can I find the current processing times?
  • The current processing times can be found on the USCIS website.

16. Are there any fraud prevention measures in place?

• Yes. USCIS implements rigorous measures to prevent fraud, including thorough review of all submitted evidence, background checks, and potential interviews. Also check out our page for Recognizing Scams: US Immigration Process for more details.

17. Can I file a paper application?

• No. USCIS will only accept the I-131F form filed electronically. Paper applications will be rejected.

18. Will USCIS interview me?

• USCIS has the right to interview the applicant. The interview is not always required, but if USCIS feels it is necessary, they will schedule an interview.

19. How do I know if I have been approved?

• USCIS will send a notice of action to the applicant, and the applicant can track the status of the case online through their myUSCIS account.