On Oct. 12, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security announced a new migration process for Venezuelan nationals. Eligible Venezuelan nationals and their immediate family members may request advance authorization for travel and temporary parole for up to two years in the United States, including work authorization. Parolees must have a supporter in the United States who will provide financial and other support, among other requirements. In order to start the process, the supporter must file a Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, with USCIS for each proposed beneficiary. The form includes information on the income and assets of the supporter.

If the Form I-134 is deemed to be sufficient, the beneficiary will be contacted by USCIS to continue the request process, proving additional information and attestations of eligibility to USCIS. In order to be eligible for advance travel to the United States to request parole at the border, a person must:    

• Be a national of Venezuela or be an immediate family member (spouse, common-law partner, or unmarried child under the age of 21) of an eligible Venezuelan and traveling with them;

• Possess a passport valid for international travel;

• Be outside the United States;

• Have a U.S.-based supporter who filed a Form I-134 on their behalf that USCIS has vetted and confirmed;

• Provide for their own commercial travel to a U.S. airport and final U.S. destination;

• Undergo and clear required screening and vetting;

• Not be a permanent resident or dual national of any country other than Venezuela, and not currently hold refugee status in any country;

  • This requirement does not apply to immediate family members (spouse, common-law partner, or unmarried child under the age of 21) of an eligible national of Venezuela who they are traveling with.

• Not be an unaccompanied child;

  • Children under the age of 18 must be traveling to the United States in the care and custody of their parent or legal guardian.

• Not have been ordered removed from the United States within the past 5 years or be subject to a bar based on a prior removal order;

• Not have crossed irregularly into the United States, between ports of entry, after Oct. 19, 2022;

• Not have unlawfully crossed the Mexican or Panamanian borders after Oct. 19, 2022; and

• Comply with all additional requirements, including vaccination requirements and other public health guidelines.

When the Venezuelan national arrives at the United States port of entry, there will be additional screening and vetting. If granted parole, it will typically be for two years. Once granted parole, Venezuelan nationals may apply for employment authorization and request a social security number.   Parolees should note that their parole will be terminated if they depart from the United States without obtaining advance authorization to travel, among other restrictions. Venezuelan nationals wishing to request permission for advance travel and parole may wish to contact an immigration attorney to discuss the eligibility requirements. Additional information is also available on the USCIS website.

Jessica DeNisi also contributed to this article.