USCIS Introduces New Form I-131F for Parole in Place Requests: What You Need to Know

By admin From my Desk August 28, 2024

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an important update for families of U.S. citizens, especially for noncitizen spouses and stepchildren. Starting on August 19, 2024, USCIS began accepting requests for parole in place through a new electronic form—Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens. Here’s everything you need to know about this new process and how to prepare for it.

What is Form I-131F?

Form I-131F is the new, exclusive form that USCIS accepts for parole in place requests under the Keeping Families Together initiative. This form is specifically designed for noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens who wish to apply for parole in place, a process that allows eligible individuals to remain in the United States under specific conditions.

Important Dates and Filing Information

Availability: Form I-131F is available on the USCIS website starting August 19, 2024. It is crucial to note that no other forms are accepted for this process, and any requests filed before this date shall not be considered.

Online Filing Only: Form I-131F must be filed online, and each requestor, including minors, must have their own USCIS online account to submit their application. Paper forms are not accepted for this process. USCIS has provided detailed instructions on how to create an online account on their website.

Separate Forms for Each Requestor: Every individual applying for parole in place must file a separate Form I-131F. This requirement applies to minors as well, meaning that each family member must submit their own application through their respective USCIS online accounts.

Resources to Help You File

USCIS is committed to helping applicants navigate the new process. To assist with the filing of Form I-131F, a Filing Guide will be published on the Keeping Families Together webpage. This guide will offer step-by-step instructions to ensure your application is completed correctly. Additionally, USCIS has updated the Key Questions and Answers section on the same webpage, providing further clarity on the process.

Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams

With the introduction of any new process, it’s important to stay vigilant against potential scams. USCIS has highlighted several common scams to be aware of:

Government Impersonators: Beware of individuals pretending to be USCIS officials. USCIS will never contact you through personal social media accounts or ask for payment through non-official channels.
Scam Websites: Ensure that the information and resources you are using come directly from USCIS or other official government websites ending in .gov.
Payments by Phone or Email: USCIS will never ask you to transfer money via Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, or gift cards, nor will they ask for payments by phone or email.
Notarios Públicos and Unauthorized Practitioners: In the United States, a notario público is not authorized to offer legal services related to immigration. Only U.S.-licensed attorneys or accredited representatives working with DOJ-recognized organizations can provide legal advice on immigration matters.

For more detailed information on how to protect yourself from scams, visit the Avoid Scams webpage on the USCIS website.

Stay Informed

As more information becomes available, including an official Federal Register notice, USCIS will continue to update their Keeping Families Together webpage. Make sure to regularly check the USCIS website for the latest updates.

Conclusion

The introduction of Form I-131F marks a pivotal change in the way noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens can apply for parole in place. At ALO, we are here to help you navigate this new process with confidence. If you have questions or need assistance with your application, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are committed to helping families stay together and ensuring that your application is handled with the utmost care.

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).