Nationwide Humanitarian Visa Lawyers

Helping Clients Receive Assistance in Emergency Situations

Humanitarian visas are a particular type of visa available to individuals in emergency situations. Under United States immigration law, a humanitarian visa is only available in particular circumstances. Refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of human trafficking are just some of the people who may be able to apply for a humanitarian visa. Typically, these visas allow an individual into the United States for a certain period of time, even if they would not normally be eligible for a regular visa. This temporary status can be granted to those who provide sufficient evidence of their need for a humanitarian visa.

Obtaining a humanitarian visa is not easy, and many individuals require legal assistance throughout the application process. A humanitarian visa lawyer on our team can help you gather evidence of your need and file the correct paperwork to apply for a visa. We can also help you navigate any legal pitfalls along the way, including denials and appeals. For more information, call Elizabeth Rosario Law, PLC, at 616-530-0101

What Are the Requirements for a Humanitarian Visa?

Anyone in the world can file an application for a humanitarian visa, also called humanitarian parole. In the application, you must prove that there is a qualifying urgent and emergency circumstance that warrants this type of visa. The application can be filed by the individual seeking protection, or it can be filed by the applicant’s relative or attorney. Humanitarian visas cannot be used to circumvent the normal immigration services process and will not allow you to seek lawful permanent resident status.

Which Situations Qualify for Humanitarian Parole?

There are many different scenarios in which immigration law will grant a humanitarian visa. In general, the need for immediate and emergency aid is enough to grant an individual a humanitarian visa.

Below are some common examples that could qualify you for humanitarian parole:

• Seeking asylum
• Refugees
• Victims of human trafficking
• Victims of other severe crimes
• Emergency medical issues
• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ)
• Victims of domestic violence
• Victims of natural disasters

Immigration law allows officers to use their discretion when approving or denying humanitarian visa applications. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will assess these scenarios to determine whether emergency aid is warranted. Whether you are the applicant or a supporting family member, working with a humanitarian visa attorney on our team is the best way to expedite the process for a better chance of success.

What is the Humanitarian Visa Application Process?

There are several different forms and documents you must submit when applying for a humanitarian visa. All paperwork must be completed truthfully and entirely without any errors. Neglecting to include information or documentation can lead to an automatic denial of your visa.

You must include the following in your application:

• Form I-131, the official U.S. application for travel document
• Form I-134, the affidavit of support document
• All filing and application fees
• Copies of any previous immigration records, including immigration petitions

You must also include a detailed explanation of why you should be awarded a humanitarian visa and how long you need this temporary protected status. In this explanation, also include why you cannot obtain a U.S. visa through traditional routes. To back up your claim, submit supporting documents and evidence along with your explanation. For instance, if you have an emergency medical issue, you can include medical records and statements from your healthcare team as part of your application.

You can submit your forms and any evidence online or through the mail. The USCIS reviews all applications on a case-by-case basis, and the review process can take some time. If you would like to request expedited processing, you can include that request in Form I-131.

To view the status of your application, you can log onto the USCIS website. Generally, the USCIS will flag humanitarian visa requests that include urgent circumstances or that may be life-threatening. However, you can expect to wait multiple months before receiving a decision about your application. You will likely be notified via a letter in the mail.

Can You Appeal a Denied Humanitarian Visa?

After submitting your application, you will likely receive a decision in about 120 days. If the USCIS has to contact you for more information, this decision could take longer. If you have requested expedited processing, the timeline will vary depending on the USCIS’s availability.

Unlike other applications submitted to the USCIS, denials of humanitarian visas cannot be appealed. If your circumstances change or you find more evidence to submit along with your request, you may be able to file a new application. However, this restarts the process and costs both time and money. It is essential to work with an experienced legal team to submit a solid initial application.

Can an Immigration Lawyer Help Me?

A humanitarian visa can be life-saving for individuals in dangerous situations. Physical abuse, political unrest, enforced departure, and civil war are just some of the circumstances under which a humanitarian visa might be issued. If you are seeking humanitarian parole, it is vital to submit a strong application along with evidence of your emergency situation to be allowed into the United States.

At Elizabeth Rosario Law, PLC, we have years of experience helping people from around the world obtain visas to seek protection in the U.S. We can review your circumstances and help you gather evidence to prove that you deserve temporary protection in America. Please don’t feel like you must go through this challenging situation on your own. To learn more about our team and how we can help you, call our office today at 616-530-0101