Afghan nationals paroled into the United States on or after July 31, 2021, through June 8, 2023, with an Operation Allies Refuge (“OAR”) or Parolee (“PAR”) Class of Admission (“COA”) are now eligible to re-parole for an additional two years and to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”) (or EAD renewal) without incurring any fees. Only self-filers are eligible for the new simplified and fee-exempt application process, which can be finished by submitting a Form I-131 using a USCIS online account or on paper. Applicants may obtain an EAD on their Form I-131 without paying a filing fee rather than having to submit a separate Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Application for re-parole through the USCIS online account is strongly advised. The USCIS website offers instructions for setting up an online account in Pashto and Dari. Information on the procedure and detailed guidelines for submitting an application for re-parole will be available on a new webpage titled “Re-Parole Process for Certain Afghans.” It is strongly encouraged that people check their form I94, Arrival/Departure Record, which is available on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) Form I-94 website, to see if they have an OAR or PAR class of entry in order to apply for re-parole using the new fee-exempt application process.
Afghan parolees do not need to apply for re-parole under this expedited procedure if they applied for asylum or adjustment to lawful permanent resident status (such as adjustment of status as a special immigrant) before the end of their initial parole period. On the basis of their ongoing asylum or adjustment of status applications, DHS will think about extending these people’s initial parole period on a case-by-case basis. In the event that they are authorized, DHS will additionally extend their initial employment authorization and mail a Form I-797C, Notice of Additional Action, to their most recent USCIS-recorded address. Form I-765, category c(11), will be fee-exempt and handled as part of this simplified re-parole application process for those who seek a real updated EAD card.
The simplified re-parole procedure was created in recognition of the need for re-parole in order to maintain one’s status as a lawful alien and to allow them to work and support their families while pursuing a more permanent immigration status, as well as the ongoing urgent humanitarian concerns and substantial public benefit that underpinned the original parole grant.
This article, under no circumstances, acts as legal advice; therefore, for any immigration questions, please contact your Attorney or the Ahluwalia Law Offices, P.C. (Team ALO).
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