Frequently Asked Questions About the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans

Q1. Is the U.S. Government limiting how many individuals are allowed to enter the United States under these processes?

The U.S. government will provide travel authorization for to up to 30,000 individuals to come to the United States each month across the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan parole processes. This allows for a steady pace of operations and arrivals of individuals seeking parole. DHS removed the prior 24,000 limit on Venezuelan beneficiaries to conform with this new approach.

The U.S. government is implementing these comprehensive efforts to reduce the irregular migration of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, to lawfully and safely bring qualifying individuals into the United States on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. DHS is not setting a limit on the overall number of beneficiaries or anticipated duration of these processes at this time and will continue to monitor the processes and their impact. The U.S. government is also committed to providing eligible individuals with access to a full range of lawful pathways, including parole, immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, and the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, in accordance with U.S. laws.

Q1. How can attorneys fill out Form I-134A for their clients who would like to become a supporter?

There is no option at this time for an attorney or accredited representative to use an online representative account to file a Form I-134A on behalf of a supporter or submit travel authorization information on behalf of a beneficiary after confirmation of the Form I-134A.

Q2. I’m an attorney assisting a supporter with Form I-134A. If the supporter fills out the preparer declaration on the form, can I get information about the supporter and/or beneficiary?

No. The preparer declaration simply reflects that you assisted an individual with completing the declaration (form filling). If you are a legal representative, you must submit a Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative to USCIS if you wish to receive information about your client’s (supporter) Form I-134A. USCIS does not currently allow representatives to complete Form I-134A online on behalf of a supporter using a representative account. However, a representative who has submitted a valid G-28 to USCIS separately through a representative account may inquire about their client’s (supporter) case by contacting the USCIS Contact Center.             

Q3. Can you submit Form I-134A by paper?

No. Supporters filing under the processes may only submit Form I-134A online through the USCIS online account.

Q4. Is there a cost to file Form I-134A?

No. There is no fee to file Form I-134A, and supporters may not ask for a fee from a beneficiary to file the Form I-134A on the beneficiary’s behalf. Neither the supporter nor the beneficiary is required to pay the U.S. government a fee for the request. Beware of any scams or potential exploitation by anyone who asks for money for the Form I-134A or for participation in these processes.

Q1. How long will it take between the time a supporter submits Form I-134A and when a beneficiary is granted travel authorization under these processes?

USCIS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are committed to reviewing and processing cases as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible. During the process, several steps must be completed and will depend on action taken by supporters and beneficiaries. In the initial part of the process, we will review and provide responses to the supporter’s Form I-134A as quickly as possible. Once we confirm the Form I-134A, we will contact the beneficiary via email with instructions for creating a USCIS online account and adding their case. In the online account, the beneficiary reviews their biographical information and completes the necessary attestations (including attestations for eligibility and vaccine requirements) for themselves and travel group members and submits the information to CBP.

The beneficiary must also submit their live photo on the CBP One mobile app. Once the photo has been submitted, the process transitions to CBP. CBP will vet available biographic information and the facial photograph to determine whether to authorize the beneficiary’s travel to the United States to seek parole. CBP will then send the travel authorization determination to USCIS to be posted to the beneficiary’s USCIS account. If the application for travel authorization is approved, the beneficiary is responsible for arranging and funding their own travel to the United States. If CBP approves travel authorization, it is generally valid for 90 days, and will post to the beneficiary’s USCIS online account.

The status of a travel authorization may change at any time as a result of the vetting process. Individuals should monitor their USCIS online account frequently for messages and notices from USCIS, and for the most current travel authorization status.

Q1. I have a pending immigration case (i.e., asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS)). Am I eligible to apply to become a supporter?

No. If you have a pending immigration case such as a pending asylum application or pending initial TPS application but do not hold a lawful status in the United States, or are not a parolee or recipient of deferred action or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), you are ineligible to become a supporter.

In general, to serve as a supporter, an individual or an individual representing an entity must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident; hold a lawful status in the United States such as TPS or asylum; or be a parolee or recipient of deferred action or DED; 
• Pass security and background vetting, including for public safety, national security, human trafficking, and exploitation concerns; and
• Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to receive, maintain, and support the individual they are agreeing to support for the duration of their parole period.

For more information about who can be a supporter, please visit our Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans page.

Q2. I was granted an initial TPS and have re-registered for TPS but am waiting for final approval from USCIS. Can I apply to be a supporter?

Yes. If you were granted initial TPS and have a pending re-registration for TPS, you are eligible to be a supporter. In general, to serve as a supporter, an individual or individual representing an entity must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident; hold a lawful status in the United States such as Temporary Protected Status or asylum; or be a parolee or recipient of deferred action or Deferred Enforced Departure.

For more information about who can be a supporter, please visit our Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans page.

Q3. Do I need to be a family member of a beneficiary to submit a Form I-134A on their behalf under the process?

No. Anyone who meets the requirement to become a supporter and is confirmed by USCIS under the processes may support eligible beneficiaries, or their immediate family members, without regard to whether the supporter is related to the beneficiary.

Q4. Can organizations serve as supporters? 

Although an individual is required to file and sign the Form I-134A, they can do so in association with or on behalf of an organization, business, or other entity that will provide some or all the necessary support to the beneficiary. 

Individual supporters filing with or on behalf of an entity should submit evidence of the entity’s commitment to support the beneficiary when they file the Form I-134A. This can be demonstrated through a letter of commitment or other documentation from an officer or other authorized representative of the organization, business, or other entity describing the monetary or other types of support (such as housing, basic necessities, transportation, etc.) the entity will be providing to the specific beneficiary (reference the USCIS Policy Manual for more information). Individuals who are filing in association with an entity do not need to submit their personal financial information, if the level of support demonstrated by the entity is sufficient to support the beneficiary. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov/CHNV.

Q5. How does the process work when there is more than one supporter for a beneficiary?

Multiple supporters may join together to support a beneficiary. In this case, one supporter should file a Form I-134A and include supplementary evidence demonstrating the identity of, and resources to be provided by, the additional supporters and attach a statement explaining the intent to share responsibility to support the beneficiary. These supporters’ ability to support a beneficiary will be assessed collectively.

Organizations, businesses, and other entities based in the United States can also support individuals arriving through the process. Although an individual is required to file and sign the Form I-134A, they can do so in association with or on behalf of an organization, business, or other entity that will provide some or all of the necessary support to the beneficiary. Individual supporters filing with or on behalf of an organization, business, or other entity should submit evidence of the entity’s commitment to support the beneficiary when they file the Form I-134A. This can be demonstrated through a letter of commitment or other documentation from an officer or other authorized representative of the organization, business, or other entity describing the monetary or other types of support (such as housing, basic necessities, transportation, etc.) the entity will be providing to the specific beneficiary (reference the USCIS Policy Manual for more information). Individuals who are filing in association with an organization, business, or other entity do not need to submit their personal financial information, if the level of support demonstrated by the entity is sufficient to support the beneficiary.

Q6. I want to support a family of four. Can I file one Form I-134A for the entire family?

No. Supporters must file a separate Form I-134A for each beneficiary, including minor children. Note that children under the age of 18 must be traveling to the United States in the care and legal custody of their parent or legal guardian.

Q7. Can a supporter agree to support more than one beneficiary?

Yes. An individual may submit a separate Form I-134A for each beneficiary for whom the individual wants to agree to support. While there is no limit on how many beneficiaries a supporter may agree to support, USCIS will determine if a supporter has the financial ability to support all beneficiaries for the duration of the parole period, which is up to two years.

Q8. I’m a U.S. citizen, but I live abroad. Would I be eligible to become a supporter?

To be eligible to become a supporter, you must be based in the United States.

Q9. If my Form I-134A is not confirmed, will USCIS explain why?

Once USCIS completes our review of Form I-134A and determines that the potential supporter does not meet the requirements to be a supporter, we will send a non-confirmation notice to both the supporter and beneficiary. If we need additional information, we may send a Request for Evidence. If a supporter believes they meet the requirements to be a supporter under the process, they may file a new Form I-134A and submit additional information as evidence. An alternative potential supporter may also file a Form I-134A for a beneficiary who was included in a prior non-confirmed Form I-134A.

Q1. Is there a specific income requirement for Form I-134A?

No. Each potential supporter’s circumstances are unique, and we review financial information provided by them on Form I-134A about all assets and resources. We use the Federal Poverty Guidelines, as outlined by the Department of Health and Human Services, as a general guide in determining the supporter’s ability to support the beneficiary for the duration of the beneficiary’s anticipated period of parole. When we use the Federal Poverty Guidelines, we consider a supporter’s household size to include the beneficiary listed on the supporter’s Form I-134A, even if they do not intend to live with the supporter.

Q2. What type of financial proof must I provide? Do I need to provide my tax filings, proof of employment, and bank statement, or can I submit only one of these documents?

Supporters should determine what financial information they have about their assets to help USCIS determine their financial suitability. Some examples of financial evidence may include your federal income tax filing, bank statements, Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, from your employer, pay stub or pay statements from the past few months, and any proof of income coming into your household.

Q1. Can a beneficiary under the processes be in the United States?

No. To be eligible under the processes, the beneficiary and their immediate family member must be outside the United States. The Form I-134A should record the beneficiary’s current physical address outside of the United States.

Q2. Some individuals reside in another country with a Temporary Protection Permit (Permiso de Protección Temporal). Does this temporary permit disqualify the individual from being considered for advance travel under the process?

A Temporary Protection Permit is a temporary status. Having been granted this status does not mean you are a permanent resident of the third country and does not block you from the process. You would be considered ineligible for the process if you are a permanent resident or a dual national of any other country or hold refugee status in any country.

Q3. Does the beneficiary have to live with their supporters after being paroled into the United States?

No. The beneficiary is not required to live with their supporter; however, the types of support beneficiaries may need in addition to financial support for the duration of their parole period include safe and appropriate housing, health care, transportation, obtaining initial basic necessities, assistance with submitting forms such as the employment authorization application, learning English, securing employment, and enrolling children in school.

Q4. Can minor children have dual citizenship?

Yes. Minor children of eligible beneficiaries may have dual citizenship.

Q5. I meet the requirements to be considered for a travel authorization under the process, but my husband is a dual national of another country. Can I be the primary beneficiary to allow him to qualify for the process?

Yes. While eligible beneficiaries under the process may not be a permanent resident or be a dual national of any other country, and not currently hold refugee status in any country (unless DHS operates a similar parole process for the country’s nationals) this requirement does not apply to immediate family members. Immediate family members in this process include a spouse or common-law partner of an eligible beneficiary under the process and their unmarried child(ren) under the age of 21.

Q6. Can children under the age of 18 years old be paroled into to the United States without their parent or legal guardian under the process?

No. Children under the age of 18 years old cannot travel without an accompanying parent or legal guardian. If unaccompanied, children are not eligible for parole under this process. Upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, a child who is not traveling with their parent or legal guardian may be transferred to the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as required by law under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA), to protect the child from human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. For more information, please visit the HHS Unaccompanied Children webpage. Children who are not traveling with a parent or legal guardian but are coming to the United States to meet a parent or legal guardian may instead seek parole through the standard Form I-131 parole process. 

Q7. I lived abroad for some time and returned to my country of nationality recently. Is there any residence time length requirement to be eligible under this process?

There is no required length of time that you must have resided in your country of nationality prior to your supporter submitting Form I-134A on your behalf.

Q8. I understand that having a pending immigration case with USCIS will not make me ineligible for the process; however, if I am paroled into the United States under the process and my pending immigration case is approved, will that impact my ability to adjust status at a later time?

If you are paroled into the United States under the process and have a separate immigration case pending with USCIS, your ability to adjust status will not be impacted directly by your parole under this process.

Q9. Am I obligated to repay my supporter for financially agreeing to support me under this new process?

Beneficiaries are not obligated to repay, reimburse, work for, serve, marry, or otherwise compensate their supporter in exchange for filing Form I-134A on your behalf or for providing financial support while you are in the United States. Access to this process is free. Neither the supporter nor the beneficiary is required to pay the U.S. government a fee for the Form I-134A or participation in the process. Beware of any scams or potential exploitation by anyone who asks for money associated with applying to this process.

For more information, visit our Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans page and reference the section called ‘Resources for Victims of Abuse, Violence, or Exploitation.’

Q1. My passport is expired. Do I need to request an extension, or will my expired passport be accepted?

The beneficiary must have a valid, unexpired passport. Certified extensions of passport validity serve to meet this requirement. If a beneficiary’s passport validity has been extended, the expiration date of the extension should be reflected as the passport expiration date. CBP will not authorize travel if the beneficiary's passport or extension is expired.

Q2. Can children travel under the passport of their parents?

Minor children traveling with their parent must have their own passport and may not be included on a parent’s passport.

Q1. Where will my biometrics be taken?

Individuals must submit certain biographic and biometric information to DHS for screening and vetting purposes. If an individual receives authorization to travel to the United States, upon arrival to a U.S. port of entry, each individual will be required to submit additional information, to include fingerprints, for further biometric vetting.

Q1. What if I do not have access to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration COVID-19 vaccine?

Before traveling to the United States, you must attest that you have completed vaccine requirements or are eligible for an exception to vaccine requirements for measles, polio, and the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Emergency Use Listed (EUL) by the World Health Organization.

Previews of the required attestations can be found on our Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans page.

Q1. My travel authorization will expire soon, and I have been unable to arrange travel to the United States. Can I request an extension?

If, for reasons beyond your control, you cannot travel within the 90-day travel authorization validity period, your supporter may submit a one-time request for a 90-day travel authorization extension to USCIS. Only confirmed supporters who have filed Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support (previously the Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support) on behalf of an eligible beneficiary or their immediate family member may request a one-time extension of a previously approved travel authorization. Beneficiaries may not request an extension of their travel authorization on their own behalf.   

Supporters must submit the extension request no more than 30 days before, and no more than 30 days after, the expiration date of the original approved travel authorization period. Supporters must request a separate extension for each beneficiary by following the steps below.

To submit the request:

• Step 1: Log in to your online account.
• Step 2: From the top of the webpage, select the “My Account” drop-down menu and select “Inbox”.
• Step 3: Click on the “New Message” button.
• Step 4: For the subject, select “A case already filed online” from the drop-down menu, and for your case receipt number, select your receipt number for Form I-134A.
• Step 5: In the message field, state your continued interest in supporting the named beneficiary who has not yet traveled to the United States and that you are requesting an extension of the beneficiary’s travel authorization, then click Send.

USCIS will review the supporter’s request for a travel authorization extension and submit the request, along with the beneficiary’s information, to CBP to conduct additional vetting. If CBP approves the request the beneficiary will receive an email notification when the extended travel authorization notice has been posted to their account. Please note that for privacy reasons, only the beneficiary will be able to view their extended travel authorization notice in their online account. The beneficiary should notify you when they receive their extended travel authorization notice.

If the beneficiary's original approved travel authorization expired more than 30 days before or after the submission of the extension request, or if the beneficiary cannot travel to the United States during the one-time 90-day extension, the supporter must submit a new Form I-134A on the beneficiary’s behalf to obtain a new travel authorization.

Q2. I (a beneficiary) mistakenly submitted incorrect information about myself and my minor children to CBP and was denied travel authorization. What should I do?

Your supporter will need to submit a new Form I-134A on your behalf.

Q3. If my travel authorization is denied, can CBP tell me why?

Due to the secure nature of the vetting and screening process, CBP cannot offer additional information about the process, or provide details about the status and/or result of a beneficiary’s travel authorization review. If travel authorization is denied, CBP is unable to disclose information as to why the denial occurred. If travel authorization is pending, CBP asks that applicants remain patient while the review continues.

Q1. If approved to travel to the United States as a beneficiary under this new process, when can I apply for employment authorization?

After you are paroled into the United States, you are eligible to apply for discretionary employment authorization from USCIS. To apply for an Employment Authorization Document, you must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, using the (c)(11) category code with the required fee or apply for a fee waiver. You may submit Form I-765 through your USCIS online account with the required fee. If requesting a fee waiver, you must file by mail Form I-912, Request for a Fee Waiver, and Form I-765. Form I-912 cannot be submitted online through the USCIS online account.

Q2. How long will it take to approve my employment authorization application?

While processing times will vary depending on the complexities of each case, USCIS encourages online filing because it prevents delays associated with mailing, provides an immediate receipt, and by filing online, an applicant can establish a USCIS account to track the progress of their case. Paper filed employment authorizations can also be added to the individual’s online account. Whether applications are submitted by mail or electronically, USCIS is employing technological solutions and efficiencies to reduce processing times.

Q1: I received an error code in the CBP One mobile app that says “Record cannot be found: Check your date of birth, passport and A-number in your myUSCIS account to ensure they are correct.” What do I do?

To address the error and check that your attestations have been properly submitted:

• Log into your USCIS online account and check that your attestations were submitted to CBP. You should see an alert that says: “Your information and attestations were successfully submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).”
• Next, select “View your biographic information” and ensure your date of birth is in the MM/DD/YYYY format and that your passport number is correct. 

If you require corrections to your passport information or date of birth, or if all your information appears correct and you are still unable to proceed, you should use your USCIS account to:

• Upload a copy of your valid, unexpired passport as Unsolicited Evidence in your Notices tab; and
• Send USCIS a message from your Inbox. In the message, you must identify the information that needs to be corrected or indicate that your information appears correct but you are unable to proceed in the CBP One mobile app.

Q2. I’ve already submitted Form I-134A to USCIS to become a supporter, but need to correct or update information. How do I do that?

If a supporter needs to correct information on Form I-134A, they should send a secure message using their USCIS online account. If a beneficiary has a technical issue such as account access or needs a password reset, they should use our webform: my.uscis.gov/account/v1/needhelp. For general questions or inquiries about the status of a Form I-134A, individuals can send a secure message from their USCIS account or call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).

Q3. If a beneficiary needs to submit an inquiry on their case or has a general question about their account, how can they contact USCIS?

The best way to contact us depends on the type of inquiry. If a beneficiary needs to correct information on Form I-134A, they should send a secure message using their USCIS online account. If a beneficiary has a technical question such as an issue with account access or needs a password reset, they should use our online webform: my.uscis.gov/account/v1/needhelp. For general questions individuals can call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or 212-620-3418 for calls outside the United States.

Q4. If a supporter entered an incorrect email address for the beneficiary on Form I-134A, what is the fastest way to submit the correction and get USCIS to resend the Account Access email to the beneficiary?

The supporter should log in to their USCIS online account, go to the Notices tab, and use the Unsolicited Evidence feature to upload a letter they have signed by hand (not electronically). The letter should:

• Explain that the email address for the beneficiary they entered on Form I-134A was incorrect; and
• Request that USCIS update the beneficiary’s email address and send the USCIS Account Notice to the beneficiary’s correct email address. 

Note: The supporter’s letter should list both the original, incorrect email address provided on the Form I-134A and the updated, correct email address for the beneficiary. The supporter also must keep the original signed letter in case we ask for it later.  

The supporter should then send a secure message from their USCIS online account:

• Log in to your online account, select the MyAccount dropdown, then select Inbox;
• Select “New message,” then “A case already filed online;”
• Select your receipt number for Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support from the drop-down menu; and
• State in your message that the beneficiary’s email address needs to be changed and that you have uploaded unsolicited evidence. Your message should include both the original, incorrect email address and the updated, correct email address for the beneficiary.

We will review the request, make appropriate updates, and issue the beneficiary a copy of the USCIS Account Notice using the updated, correct email address. We will also notify the supporter by email that the issue has been resolved.

Q5. All Forms I-134A that I submitted are showing as confirmed in my account. However, the head of the household did not receive confirmation instructions for opening their online portal from USCIS, even though their spouse and children did. What should I do?

To ensure you have not missed a notification from USCIS, please check your spam and junk mail folders. While we cannot address case-specific questions, in general, in situations where the beneficiary has not received their Account Notice, call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or +1-212-620-3418 for calls outside the United States. Alternatively, the beneficiary’s supporter can send USCIS a secure message regarding the issue through their own USCIS online account, and after we complete the verification process, we can email the Account Notice to the beneficiary's email that we have on file.

Q6. How can I correct my passport information on Form I-134A?

If the Form I-134A submitted by your supporter has already been confirmed and your passport information is incorrect, you will need to use your online account to:

• Upload a copy of your valid, unexpired passport as Unsolicited Evidence in your Notices tab; and
• Send USCIS a message from your Inbox. In the message, you must indicate that you have submitted evidence to correct passport information.

You will receive a response in your inbox. Do not submit your attestations to CBP until we respond to the request to update your passport information. Submitting the attestations before you receive a response from USCIS could affect the travel authorization and request for parole.

Q7. My Form I-134A has been confirmed, but you have not contacted my beneficiary yet. What should I do?

If your beneficiary has not received the emailed notices, you should review the Form I-134A and ensure that you provided the correct email address. If the email address is incorrect, log in to your USCIS online account, go to the Notices tab, and use the Unsolicited Evidence feature to upload a letter you have signed by hand (not electronically). The letter should:

• Explain that the email address for the beneficiary you entered on Form I-134A was incorrect; and
• Request that USCIS update the beneficiary’s email address and send the USCIS Account Notice to the beneficiary’s correct email address. 

Note: Your letter should list both the original, incorrect email address provided on the Form I-134A and the updated, correct email address for the beneficiary. You must also keep the original signed letter in case we ask for it later.  

If a beneficiary still cannot find the notices, they should call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. The number for those outside the United States is 212-620-3418.

Q1. Are parolees who came to the U.S. through these processes eligible for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or identification cards?

Eligible beneficiaries under the process and their immediate family members paroled into the U.S. are not eligible for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card because parole is not included in the REAL ID Act (PDF) as a category authorized to receive a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. This does not apply to Afghan parolees who fall within the scope of section 2502(b)(3) of the Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Act. However, parolees with another eligible category covered under the REAL ID Act, such as an approved or pending application for Temporary Protected Status or asylum, can potentially qualify for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. In addition, many driver’s license issuing authorities allow parolees to apply for a driver’s license or ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant.  For more information, please see REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions and guidance from the Department of Motor Vehicles for the jurisdiction where you live.