Military parole in place

Certain family members of U.S. military personnel may qualify for military parole in place, a special measure that allows them to live lawfully in the United States even if they entered without a visa.

Its goal is to keep the families of those who serve or have served the country together, preventing immigration status from affecting stability at home.

Unlike other programs, military parole in place is requested inside the United States, directly with USCIS. When it is approved, the family member receives a temporary status that allows them to:

• Not accrue unlawful presence.
• Apply for work authorization with Form I-765.
• And in some cases, access benefits that require a prior lawful entry.

As of October 16, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charges $1,000 for every parole granted. This includes military parole in place, unless the applicant qualifies for a specific humanitarian fee exemption.

This benefit is not a visa and not an automatic path to a Green Card, but it is a real tool to avoid removal.

Those who already have an open removal case should first review how to stop removal proceedings before filing their request.

Below we will show you in detail how military parole in place works, who qualifies, what benefits it offers, and how you can apply step by step before USCIS.

Military parole in place: clear definition and how it differs from humanitarian parole

When people search for military parole in place, they often find confusing or outdated information.

In reality, it is a temporary permission to remain inside the United States that USCIS grants, in its discretion, to certain family members of U.S. military personnel.

It is not a visa and it does not allow travel abroad; it only authorizes the person to stay lawfully in the country for one year, with the possibility of renewal.

How to apply for military parole in place

To request this benefit, the family member must file Form I-131 and write “Military PIP” at the top. Along with the form, the applicant must include:

• Birth or marriage certificate proving the relationship to the service member.
• DEERS record or military documents (such as DD-214 or a service letter).
• Valid ID and two passport-style photos.
• (Optional but recommended) a letter from the service member requesting the benefit and proof of the applicant’s good moral character.

These are the basic requirements for military parole in place that USCIS will review before deciding whether to approve the request.

Differences between military parole in place and humanitarian parole

Military parole in place for relatives of service members is different from humanitarian parole mainly in where it is filed and the reason it is granted:

• Humanitarian parole is filed from outside the U.S. for urgent or significant public benefit reasons.
• Military parole in place is processed inside the U.S. and is granted because of the military service or contribution of the sponsoring family member.

To compare both programs in detail, you can review the article dedicated to the humanitarian parole program.

What military parole in place can cure

Military parole in place makes it possible for certain military family members to obtain a lawful admission inside the U.S. even if they originally entered without inspection.

However, it does not waive other grounds of inadmissibility, such as:

• Criminal records,
• Immigration fraud,
• Fraudulent marriages, or
• Multiple unlawful entries.

In these situations, an attorney can determine whether it is necessary to file a waiver of inadmissibility or another type of relief.

Note on USCIS processing times

Processing times may vary depending on the local field office and on the complexity of the case. Further below you will find a complete section on “How long military parole in place takes and what happens if my child is in the military” so you have the updated reference.

Who qualifies today: spouses, parents and children of active-duty, reservist or veteran service members

Currently, military parole in place for military family members continues to be one of the few options that allows certain undocumented immigrants to remain lawfully in the U.S. without leaving the country.

However, it only applies to a very specific group of people. To qualify, the applicant must:

• Be the spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 of:
  • An active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces,
  • The Selected Reserve, or
  • A veteran (who was not discharged dishonorably).

• Be physically present in the U.S. and have entered without inspection (without a visa or prior parole).
• Have no serious criminal record and show good moral character.
• Provide evidence of the family relationship and the military link, such as:
  • Marriage certificate or birth certificate,
  • DEERS record, DD-214 or military service letter.

If these criteria are met, USCIS may grant an initial one-year parole, renewable. The beneficiary then gets:

• Temporary lawful status inside the country,
• The possibility to apply for a work permit, and
• In some cases, the option to later move forward with an adjustment of status.

When a family does not qualify for this benefit, another alternative may be a form of relief in immigration court, especially if there is already a pending notice to appear (NTA).

Who does not qualify and why the 2024 civil program (“Keeping Families Together”) was struck down

Military parole in place is not available to everyone. USCIS reviews each case on a discretionary basis and applies strict inadmissibility criteria.

In general, the following do not qualify:

• Those who entered lawfully with a visa and overstayed. This group does not need military parole in place because they already have a lawful admission.
• Those with serious criminal records, drug-related offenses, immigration fraud or who pose a threat to public or national security.
• Those who have been previously removed or reentered the country illegally after removal.
• Those who cannot prove a direct link to an active-duty service member, reservist, or U.S. veteran.

There is also no military parole in place for spouses or relatives of U.S. citizens who have no military connection.

In 2024, the government tried to expand the benefit through the civil program “Parole in Place for Family Unity”.

However, on November 7, 2024, a federal judge struck it down after determining that the Department of Homeland Security lacked legal authority to create it. Since then, USCIS suspended Form I-131F and closed all pending applications.

Real scope of military parole in place: what it does fix and what it does not

Many families ask what military parole in place forgives because this benefit has a very specific effect under U.S. immigration law.

What it does forgive

Military parole in place only cures the unlawful entry into the country.

Legally, it transforms an entry without inspection (EWI) into a “paroled” entry under section 212(a)(6)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Thanks to this change, the person can meet the requirement of having been “inspected and admitted or paroled” that the law demands to apply for lawful permanent residence inside the U.S. under INA section 245(a), as long as the person meets the other requirements.

What it does not forgive

This benefit does not erase other grounds of inadmissibility. The applicant must still be admissible in all other respects. Military parole in place does not forgive:

• Serious crimes or multiple criminal convictions.
• Immigration fraud, use of false documents or misrepresentations.
• Unlawful presence after a removal order or illegal reentry after removal.
• Drug-related or national security issues.

In these situations, it may be necessary to request a separate immigration waiver (such as Forms I-601, I-601A or I-212), if the law allows it.

Foreign nationals with criminal convictions should consult our attorneys about the possibility of seeking post-conviction relief for immigration purposes.

Requirements for military parole in place: 2025 document checklist + discretion letter

To apply for military parole in place, the applicant must be physically inside the United States and meet the requirements set by USCIS.

This benefit is requested through Form I-131, checking the option “Military Parole in Place (Military PIP)” or, if not listed, selecting “Other” and writing “Military PIP.”

Documents that must be included

• Properly completed Form I-131.
• Copy of valid passport or ID.
• Birth certificate or marriage certificate proving the direct relationship with the service member.
• Military service document of the relative: this can be a DD-214 (veteran), NGB-22 (National Guard) or DEERS enrollment for active-duty service members.
• Two color passport-style photographs.
• Favorable discretion letter explaining why the applicant deserves the benefit.
• Additional proof of good moral character or ties, such as police clearances, reference letters, community service, or family stability.

Importance of the discretion letter

The discretion letter is key because military parole in place is approved on a discretionary basis. In this letter you should explain:

• The family story and the role of the service member.
• How a possible removal would affect the service, or the family’s emotional or financial stability.
• Humanitarian reasons or public benefit reasons that justify approval.

Additional considerations in 2025

• USCIS continues to review these applications under the standard of “urgent humanitarian reason or significant public benefit.”
• There is no filing fee for Form I-131 when it is requested under military parole in place.
• If documents or evidence are missing, USCIS may issue an RFE. It is important to respond correctly and within the deadline.

How to apply for military parole in place step by step with USCIS

Military parole in place (PIP) is filed directly with USCIS and, although it is a relatively straightforward procedure, it must be done following the official instructions of Form I-131 and the immigration rules in effect.

Currently, the overall process remains the same, but background checks and discretionary factors are reviewed strictly and each case is evaluated individually. To apply, you must:

1. Complete Form I-131

In the appropriate section, you must select or indicate “Military Parole in Place” (according to the current form version).

USCIS may update the form, so it is important to follow the most recent official instructions.

2. Gather supporting documents

This section usually includes:

• Proof of identity (valid passport or ID).
• Marriage certificate or birth certificate proving the relationship to the service member.
• Document evidencing the family member’s military service (DD-214, NGB-22 or DEERS record).
• Two passport-style photos.
• Discretion letter explaining why the applicant deserves the benefit.
• Additional evidence of good moral character or ties (optional but recommended).

3. Submit the application to the USCIS office that corresponds to your place of residence

Some applications are mailed to the local field office, but USCIS may instruct you to use a different address. You must verify the filing guidance in effect.

4. Wait for the receipt notice (Form I-797C)

Once USCIS receives the application, it sends the receipt notice and, later, the biometrics appointment.

5. Respond if USCIS asks for more evidence

If the officer deems it necessary, they will issue an RFE, which must be answered within the stated deadline.

6. Case decision

If it is approved, the beneficiary receives an updated Form I-94 with the annotation “Parole” or “MIL (Parole in Place – Military).”

This document allows, in certain cases, to move forward with processes such as adjustment of status. Keep in mind that consular processing is the comparable procedure to adjustment, but done outside the country.

How long military parole in place takes and what happens if my child is in the military and I applied for PIP

The processing time for military parole in place (PIP) is not the same for every case. In 2025, USCIS does not publish an exact official timeframe, but according to immigration attorneys and local field office data, the process usually takes between 4 and 6 months.

However, in some jurisdictions it can extend to 8 to 12 months, especially if there is high demand or the file is incomplete.

What happens during that time?

• After filing, USCIS sends a receipt notice (Form I-797C).
• Then it schedules a biometrics appointment to take fingerprints and photos.
• The case goes through background and discretionary review.
• If the office needs more documents, it may issue an RFE, which can add 30 to 60 more days.

If my child is in the military, is the PIP process faster?

Having a child in the military does not guarantee a shorter time, but it is a positive factor because the program was created precisely to protect the family stability of those who serve the country.

However, the timeline still depends on:

• The local USCIS office processing the case.
• The quality and organization of the file.
• The applicant’s immigration or criminal background.

What if USCIS does not respond after several months?

• If the case exceeds average times, you can submit an e-request or contact USCIS.
• Only in excessive and unjustified delays, and with legal assistance, could you consider a writ of mandamus, which is not an automatic procedure but an exceptional judicial remedy.

Validity, renewals and the new $1,000 fee effective October 2025

Military parole in place is valid for one year and can be renewed:

• To extend it, you must file Form I-131 again with updated documents proving the family link to the service member and the discretionary factors in favor of the applicant.
• Since October 2025, DHS requires payment of $1,000 for every parole granted.
• This fee also applies to military parole in place, except when the applicant qualifies for one of the limited humanitarian exemptions.

If the beneficiary obtained an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), it must be renewed before it expires in order not to lose work authorization. It is also important to keep employment documentation current in accordance with I-9 compliance.

How to use military parole in place to adjust status inside the U.S. without leaving

When military parole in place is approved:

• It places the person in “parole” status, and
• It satisfies the requirement of having been “inspected and admitted or paroled” to apply for adjustment of status.

In practice, this makes it possible to apply for a Green Card from inside the United States when there is (or will be) a valid family petition, avoiding consular processing and therefore not triggering the 3- or 10-year bars associated with leaving after accruing unlawful presence.

PIP is not automatic permanent residence; it is the step that enables adjustment if the applicant is otherwise eligible and admissible.

Military parole in place vs. deferred action for military families: which option is better?

Military parole in place (PIP) and deferred action are both discretionary tools that offer protection against removal to certain military family members.

However, their legal effects are different and may lead to different immigration outcomes.

Feature	Military Parole in Place	Deferred Action
Who can apply	Spouse, parent or child of active-duty, reservist or veteran service member	Spouse, parent or child of service member or veteran (no dishonorable discharge)
Legal basis	INA §212(d)(5)(A)	DHS/USCIS prosecutorial discretion
Duration	1 year (renewable)	2 years (renewable)
Main effect	Grants “lawful entry” and allows future immigration filings	Temporarily suspends removal
Work permit	Yes, with Form I-765	Yes, with Form I-765
Path to Green Card	Possible (case by case)	No direct path

If you currently have a court case or want to pause scheduled hearings, you can review the guide on administrative closure, which is sometimes combined with PIP requests.

Special programs tied to military service: IMMVI and parole for Filipino WWII veterans

In addition to military parole in place, there are other initiatives connected to service in the U.S. Armed Forces:

Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI)

Launched in 2021, it coordinates DHS, VA and DoD to support noncitizen service members, veterans and their families.

Under this initiative, the government may consider parole (including for deported veterans) to help them return to the U.S. and access VA benefits, health care and legal guidance.

Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program (FWVP)

In effect in 2025, it allows certain family members of Filipino WWII veterans (or surviving spouses) who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to request parole.

This is to enter and reside in the U.S. while they wait for their immigrant visa to become available. When their priority date becomes current, they can adjust status to permanent residence if they meet the other requirements.

Frequently asked questions about military parole in place (FAQ 2025)

Before we finish, many families have practical questions about processing times, costs, travel or what happens in special situations such as the service member’s death.

To provide clear answers and avoid confusion, here are the most frequently asked questions about military parole in place:

What benefits does military parole in place offer?

It grants lawful entry inside the U.S., work authorization and protection from removal while it is valid.

How long does military parole in place take in 2025?

USCIS usually responds in 4 to 5 months. If there is no response after six months, you can file a follow-up or a mandamus.

What happens if the service member dies before the PIP is approved?

If the applicant was the spouse, parent or child of a service member who died without a dishonorable discharge, they may retain eligibility. USCIS will review it case by case.

How much does it cost to request military parole in place?

There is no filing fee for Form I-131 for PIP, but since October 2025 there is a $1,000 fee if the parole is approved.

Can I travel outside the U.S. with this permission?

No. PIP does not authorize international travel. Leaving without advance parole causes the person to lose the benefit.

Does PIP forgive all immigration violations?

No. It only cures the unlawful entry; it does not erase criminal convictions or fraud.

Can I combine it with other programs?

In some cases, yes, especially with deferred action or with motions to reopen in court.

How Curbelo Law in Ridgewood, NJ can help you

The team at Curbelo Law, led by attorney Carolina T. Curbelo, has more than a decade of experience in military and humanitarian immigration cases.

• We help families nationwide prepare and file military parole in place requests, review backgrounds, draft discretion letters and respond to RFEs.
• Our firm also advises on alternatives such as deferred action, immigration waivers and reopening cases before immigration court.
• If you want to start your application or confirm your eligibility, you can schedule a consultation with our attorneys today.

We serve clients in English and Spanish from our office in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and we assist families across the United States remotely.