Parole in Place for family of Military members and Veterans
What is parole in place?
Parole in place allows a foreign national who entered the
United States without authorization to stay for a certain period of time (usually
1-year increments). It is a lawful
immigrant status that allows immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to become
permanent residents (green card holders) or obtain other immigration benefits. These individuals include a U.S. citizen’s parents,
spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 21. Parole in place is granted on a case-by-case
basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Parole in place does not excuse any periods of
unlawful presence outside of the parole period.
Also, parole in place cannot act alone to provide immigration status or immigration
benefits. Why would I need parole in place?
Entering without inspection or a valid visa or travel
document might make you ineligible for several immigration benefits. If your request for parole in place is
approved, you:
• Do not accrue unlawful presence during the specified
period;
• May apply for a work permit for the specified period; and
• May be able to apply for an immigration benefit that
requires a lawful entry, including permanent residence, if you are eligible.
Am I eligible for parole in place?
You may be eligible for parole in place in one-year
increments if you are the spouse, widow(er), parent, son, or daughter of:
• An active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces;
• An individual in the Selected Reserve of the Rea
dy
Reserve; or
• A military veteran (whether living or deceased, as long as
he or she was not dishonorably discharged) who served in active duty or in the
Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.