Not just anyone can qualify for a humanitarian parole visa. You have to give USCIS adequate evidence that you need these travel documents and you should exhaust other options before applying. Our Fairfax County family immigration lawyers can tell you who is more likely to qualify for this type of visa and what you can do to increase your chances of submitting a successful application.
Who Can Apply for a Humanitarian Parole Visa?
Not just anyone can apply for a humanitarian parole visa. These documents are traditionally reserved for people who want to visit a sick family member or someone who is quite ill themselves. Some good candidates for this type of visa include:
- People who want to care for an extremely ill family member
- Applicants who want to visit the United States for the funeral service of a loved one
- Someone who is ill and could receive the medical care that they need in the United States
- Anyone who is called upon to be a witness in a trial that’s being held in the United States
If you think that you are a good candidate for this kind of visa, you would file Form 1-131 and give a written statement about why you need this type of visa. Any evidence you can give about the needs of you or your family member can help here.
What If I Have Other Visa Options?
It’s important to note that an application for a humanitarian parole visa will often be denied if you have other travel options available to you. You could be eligible for a B-2 visa, for example. This can be given to people who want to visit the United States for vacation or medical care. It’s a good idea to talk to an immigration lawyer and learn about all of your options.
Can I Appeal a Decision After Being Denied a Humanitarian Parole Visa?
Unfortunately, no. If you are denied for this type of visa there is no appeals process. You can apply again with more evidence and information about the emergency situation. You can also apply again if the situation gets worse and you believe that you have a more compelling reason to be given a humanitarian parole visa. If other applications aren’t successful, you may have to consider other visa options.
Can an Undocumented Immigrant Apply for a Humanitarian Parole Visa?
It doesn’t really make sense for an undocumented immigrant to apply for a humanitarian parole visa. If you need medical care or need to care for a loved one who is sick, you’re already in the country. This process is meant for people who are stuck outside of the United States and desperately need to get into the country.
Such a visa also won’t give an undocumented immigrant any kind of legal status. In fact, it could make USCIS think that you are trying to work around normal immigration procedures.
Talk to an Immigration Lawyer Today
If you have questions about immigration law or how you can help a loved one with their visa application, contact Goel & Anderson. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about what a lawyer can do to help you with your problem.
