Afghan Nationals Can Now Apply for Fee-Exempt Re-Parole and Employment Authorization Documents Through a New Streamlined Process
Beginning June 8, 2023, Afghan nationals paroled into the United States on or after July 31, 2021, with an “OAR” or “PAR” class of admission can now apply for an additional two-year period of parole, or re-parole, and for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (or EAD renewal) without paying a fee. The new streamlined and fee-exempted application process is available only to self-filers through the USCIS online account or by filing a paper application.
What You Need to Know
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What form should I use to file for re-parole under this streamlined fee-exempt process?
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File Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, either online or on paper and indicate that you are filing on behalf of yourself (Part 2, Item 1.e. on the paper form). If you are filing on paper, use Form I-131 with an edition date of 06/06/23 or 10/31/22. (Note that after 08/08/2023, you may only file the 06/06/23 edition of Form I-131.)
For detailed instructions on how to file, visit the Re-Parole Process for Certain Afghans webpage. We have also developed an informational video on how to file for re-parole through the USCIS online account.
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How much is the filing fee for re-parole under this process?
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There is no filing fee under this process available to self-filing Afghan nationals paroled from June 9, 2023, through July 31, 2024.
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Can I request an EAD at the same time I apply for re-parole?
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Yes, if you are self-filing (Item 1.e. in Part 2).
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Do I need to file a separate Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request an EAD?
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No. If you are self-filing, you can request an EAD on Form I-131 without a filing fee.
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Do I need to file any other forms to apply for re-parole?
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No. If you are self-filing, you only need to file Form I-131 to apply for re-parole. We have revised Form I-131 so you do not need to file a separate Form I-765.
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What if I already submitted (or someone submitted on my behalf) a Form I-131 to request re-parole?
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You may submit a new request using the streamlined process announced in this message to receive the fee exemption and concurrent EAD processing. If you submit a new request under this streamlined process, you may withdraw your pending request by emailing HumanitarianParole@uscis.dhs.gov. Please include your receipt number that begins with “IOE” and put “Afghan Re-Parole” in the subject line of your message.
If you choose not to withdraw your previous request, your pre-June filing for re-parole may take longer to process, and you will need to submit a separate Form I-765 to request a new EAD only after we first approve your Form I-131.
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What if I have submitted an asylum application or an application to adjust my status to that of a lawful permanent resident?
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Afghan parolees who apply for asylum or for adjustment to lawful permanent resident status (such as adjustment of status as a special immigrant) before the expiration of their initial parole period do not need to apply for re-parole under this streamlined process. DHS will consider, on a case-by-case basis, providing an extension of your original parole period based on your pending asylum or adjustment of status application. If approved, we will also extend your original employment authorization and send a Form I-797C, Notice of Additional Action, to your last address of record with USCIS. If you want an actual updated EAD card, you may file Form I-765, using category c(11), which will be fee-exempted and processed as part of this streamlined re-parole application process.
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What Documents Do I Need to Apply?
You must submit at least one government-issued identity document that shows your photo, name, and date of birth. Examples of acceptable documents include:
- A copy of both sides of a Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document, from USCIS or a driver’s license from the state government where you are living.
- A copy of your passport, including the biographical page and visas issued from any country.
- A copy of both sides of your Tazkira.
If you do not have any government-issued identity document, either because you lost your document or never received one, list your father’s and mother’s first names and explain why you cannot provide a Tazkira.
If you submit any document containing a foreign language to USCIS, you must also submit a full English language translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, with certification from the translator that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
Consider Applying Online
By applying for re-parole through a USCIS online account, you can prevent common mistakes such as a missing signature, missing pages, or an incomplete application. These issues may be why we reject some applications filed on paper. Through a USCIS online account, you can check the status of your case, access notices sent by USCIS, communicate with USCIS, update your address, and respond to Requests for Evidence.
We have resources in Dari and Pashto to guide you through the steps to set up your free online account.
If you need technical support with your new account or an existing account, please visit my.uscis.gov/account/v1/needhelp.
Top 3 Questions
Q1: How can I check if I have an OAR or PAR class of admission to apply for re-parole through the new fee-exempt application process?
A1: If you received Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, when you were paroled into the United States, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form I-94 website to view and print a copy of your Form I-94, which will show your class of admission. CBP has instructions on how to look up your current I-94 in Dari and Pashto.
If you are an Afghan national paroled into the United States on or after July 31, 2021, and you did not receive an “OAR” or “PAR” class of admission on your Form I-94, please email CBP at oawi94adjustments@cbp.dhs.gov to update your class of admission, if appropriate, before submitting your re-parole request.
Q2: I have a pending application for asylum. Can I still apply for re-parole?
A2: Afghan parolees who apply for asylum or for adjustment to lawful permanent resident status (such as adjustment of status as a special immigrant) before their initial parole period expires do not need to apply for re-parole under this streamlined process. In recognition of the continued urgent humanitarian reasons and significant public benefit underlying your original parole grant and the time necessary for you to accomplish the purpose of your parole and regularize your immigration status, DHS plans to consider you on a case-by-case basis for an extension of your original parole period. If approved, we will extend your original employment authorization and send a Form I-797C, Notice of Additional Action, to your last address of record with USCIS. If you want an updated EAD card, although your I-797C will already serve as employment authorization, you may file Form I-765 using category c(11), which will be fee-exempted and processed as part of this streamlined re-parole application process.
Q3: I filed Form I-765 before the new streamlined application process was ready. Do I still need to apply for re-parole?
A3: Yes. Form I-765 only assesses your eligibility for an EAD and does not grant you re-parole. You must file Form I-131 under this streamlined application process to request re-parole. Please note that after your initial parole expires, you no longer have authorization to be present in the United States unless you have been granted re-parole or another status such as asylum or Temporary Protected Status. Individuals with pending asylum applications or applications to adjust their status to lawful permanent residence may remain in the United States until their case is adjudicated and they receive their decision.
Beware of Scams
We do not want you to become the victim of an immigration scam. With any new initiative or process, be on alert for anyone asking you for your personal information, to pay for forms, or misleading offers and scam websites.
If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Only an attorney or accredited representative working for a Department of Justice recognized organization can give you legal advice. Visit the USCIS Avoid Scams page for information and resources. We have flyers in Dari and Pashto available.
Address Change
As a reminder, Afghan nationals must also update their address each time they move to receive important documents and notices from USCIS, even if they are moving to a temporary location.
Important Resources
Find more information about re-parole for certain Afghan nationals on our new Re-Parole Process for Certain Afghans webpage.
For additional information for Afghan nationals and possible immigration options, visit uscis.gov/allieswelcome.
For more information on USCIS and our programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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