Humanitarian Parole is a temporary programme allowing Cuban citizens access to the United States without a visa for two years. This has been in force since 6 January this year benefiting also citizens of Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The Humanitarian Parole procedure is handled by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here you can find out about the benefits of Parole for Cubans abroad.
How does it differ from similar programmes?
Unlike the family reunification programme, the State does not commit the beneficiaries here, but rather the financial sponsor is the only one bound to ensure the protection and security of the beneficiary’s needs, as long as the beneficiary’s legal status does not improve.
This new kind of Parole does not operate like an immigrant visa, i.e. it does not imply Permanent Resident status.
Cuban Adjustment Act
However, there is a special benefit that does not cover citizens of the other countries included in the new programme. Cubans have a major advantage: when a Cuban reaches 1 year and 1 day after arriving in the United States under the Parole program, he or she can claim Permanent Residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act.
The automatic change of legal status enables Cubans to simplify many of the processes for settling in the North American country. In addition, the sponsor’s obligations vis-à-vis the US government are relieved.
What does Parole mean in terms of benefits?
First, citizens of programme countries are now automatically eligible for work permits, driving licences and national insurance numbers.
With these documents, Cubans can apply for health insurance, either individually or by simply enrolling in the sponsor’s policy.
The authorities also informed us that there would be no long waiting times for any of the required procedures. This applies to the visa application at the consulate.
In general terms, Parole’s benefits also include access to the following services
- Vaccines and basic medical services
- Short-term non-cash support
- School breakfasts and lunches for children whose parents are beneficiaries of the programme.
- Free English courses (accessible at all Miami County libraries)
Which are the requirements to take part in the Parole programme?
- Being outside of the United States
- Being a Cuban citizen or a first-degree relative (spouse or unmarried children under 21) travelling with a Cuban citizen
- Have an eligible sponsor in the U.S.
- Hold a valid passport
- Overcoming criminal background research
- Comply with public health requirements
Please note that there is no financial assistance programme to cover travel costs. The transfer from the beneficiary’s home country to the United States must be on a direct flight on a commercial airline.
About Us
Opapeleo is your agency for procedures 100% online or by telephone. We are in Washington DC 150 meters away from the Cuban Consulate. We provide services for the Extension and Renewal of Cuban passports, legalisations, powers of attorney of all kinds, authorisation for minors to leave the country, DVT, visas to Cuba, top-ups, applications for Cuban certificates, delivery of official documents and all kinds of procedures related to Cuba.
