Keeping families together is a top priority for many immigrants in the United States. If you are a noncitizen spouse or stepchild of a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for parole in place (PIP) under the Keeping Families Together initiative. This blog will guide you through submitting Form I-131F online, including what documents you need to prove eligibility and how to navigate the application process.
1. Submitting Form I-131F: Key Requirements
To start your request under the Keeping Families Together initiative, you must submit Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place. This form must be filed online; the applicable filing fee is $580. Any paper filings will be rejected by USCIS, meaning you would need to resubmit the form online.
Important Note: Each individual, including stepchildren, must have their own USCIS online account to file Form I-131F. For minors, a parent, legal guardian, or primary caregiver can create the account on their behalf.
2. Documentation Needed for Your Application
You must include several documents to prove your eligibility when submitting your request. Here’s a list of the required documents:
Proof of Identity
- Valid ID: State or country driver’s license, identification card, or passport.
- Birth Certificate: Must include a photo ID.
- Other Government-Issued Documents: Any U.S. government document that includes your name, date of birth, and photo.
Note: Foreign documents must be officially issued and accompanied by a certified English translation.
Proof of Marriage (for spouses and stepchildren)
- Marriage Certificate: Showing a legally valid marriage on or before June 17, 2024.
- Termination of Previous Marriages: Divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate, if applicable.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship (for spouse or stepparent)
- U.S. Birth Certificate
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- Form FS-240: Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
- Biographical Page of U.S. Passport
Proof of Continuous Physical Presence
For spouses: Proof of physical presence in the U.S. since at least June 17, 2014.
For stepchildren: Proof of physical presence since June 17, 2024.
Examples of Acceptable Proof:
- IRS tax transcripts
- Utility bills, mortgage statements, or rental contracts
- School or medical records
- Attestations from religious or community organizations
- Bank or credit card statements
Proof of Qualifying Relationship (for stepchildren)
- Birth Certificate: Listing the noncitizen parent.
- Marriage Certificate: This shows that the marriage between the noncitizen parent and the U.S. citizen stepparent occurred before June 17, 2024, and before the stepchild’s 18th birthday.
3. Additional Evidence for Favorable Discretion
USCIS will consider the totality of circumstances when reviewing your case. If there are any negative factors (e.g., a final removal order or non-disqualifying criminal history), you should provide additional documentation to demonstrate why your parole is warranted.
Examples of Positive Factors:
- Strong community ties
- Vulnerability due to age or health
- Caregiver responsibilities for U.S. citizen family members
- Length of time spent in the U.S.
- Any mitigating factors related to previous issues
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. You can submit any evidence that may help your case.
4. Final Steps and Additional Resources
Once you have gathered all your documents, submit them online through your USCIS account. Double-check that all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays.
Conclusion
The application process for parole in place under the Keeping Families Together initiative can be challenging, but with the proper preparation, it is achievable. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, gather the required documents, and submit them online to avoid delays. For more complex cases, it’s advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer to ensure all aspects of your application are correctly handled.
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We Can Help!
If you have questions regarding Parole in Place for Noncitizen Spouses, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
