The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) will soon implement the Haitian Family Reunification Program (HFRP). The HFRP will give certain Haitian relatives of U.S. citizens the option to apply for parole in the United States to be reunited with their families before their immigrant visas become available. The goal of this program is to promote family unity, as well as safe, legal, and orderly migration from Haiti to the United States. DHS plans to begin the program in early 2015.

Eligibility to Apply for Haitian Family Reunification Program (HFRP):

• Sponsor of immigrant visa must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must have filed an I-130 and received approval notice.
• Must have received invitation to apply from the Department of State National Visa Center.
• The relative must be a Haitian national currently residing in Haiti. Haitian nationals not residing in Haiti will not be eligible.
• The immigrant visa must be scheduled to be become available in approximately 2 years.

How HFRP Beneficiaries will be selected

• Once the U.S. Citizen applies for parole for their Haitian relative, they will not automatically be approved.
• HFRP approvals will be on a case by case basis.
• Beneficiaries must meet all eligibility requirements.
• The qualified relative must pass a security check and background check.
• The relative must not be inadmissible, according to USCIS.
• The government anticipates interviewing roughly 5,000 Haitians.

After Approval

• After approval, the government will issue the Haitian national’s travel documents.
• Upon entry to the United States, customs and border patrol will review the travel documents.
• The Haitian national will be able to come to the United States for approximately 2 years while awaiting their visa.
• HFRP does not lead to legal status.
• Once the Haitian national enters the U.S., they can apply for work authorization.
• The relative can apply for an Adjustment of Status as soon as his/her visa becomes available.

Please be informed

• Parole will not be available for immediate relatives who have current priority dates.
• Only U.S. citizens that receive a written notice from DOS will qualify.
• A relative in Haiti cannot initiate this process.
• USCIS is not currently accepting applications.