Ready to Take Advantage of the New Keeping Families Together Process?

UPDATE: A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Keeping Families Together program as of August 26, 2024. While this means that applications for the program cannot be processed by the Department of Homeland Security, they can still be submitted. Please contact Scott D. Pollock & Associates for more information.

Electronic Form I-131F Explained for Families

USCIS  introduced the filing guide for electronic Form I-131F, “Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens.” USCIS’s “Keeping Families Together” Parole in Place (PIP) initiative is a significant step in supporting noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens, and this form is an important part of its expansion.

Please note:

• There is no paper version of this form; this is the only form for Keeping Families Together.
• Each individual, including minor children, must complete a separate Form I-131F.
• Each individual, including minor children, must have their own USCIS online account.
• USCIS published a Filing Guide for Form I-131F.
• The Form I-131F filing fee is $580, with no waivers or exceptions.

What Is “Keeping Families Together”?

Keeping Families Together is a USCIS process that enables some noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for parole in place (PIP). This process allows them to apply for lawful permanent resident status without leaving the United States for processing, thus keeping the family together.

Who Can File Form I-131F?

To file Form I-131F, an individual must be a noncitizen spouse or stepchild of a U.S. citizen. Additional criteria include:

• Presence in the United States without admission or parole.
• Continual physical presence in the United States:
  • Since June 17, 2014, if a spouse of a U.S. citizen.
  • Since June 17, 2024, if a stepchild of a U.S. citizen.
• Having a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024, if a spouse.
• Having a noncitizen parent who had a legally valid marriage to a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, and before the stepchild’s 18th birthday, if a stepchild of a U.S. citizen.
• No disqualifying criminal history.
• No threat to national security or public safety.
• It’s important to note that even if you meet all the criteria, USCIS may still deny your request if it determines that parole is not warranted. Having an attorney assist you with the process means a better chance of approval.

Tips for Completing Your Electric Form I-131F

1. Complete the information in the “Getting Started” section first, as these answers customize the rest of the online form.
2. Provide as many responses as possible because missing information will slow the process after submitting the form.
3. Required documents will be assessed as you complete the form. Depending on your circumstance, these could include a birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, other photo ID, marriage certificate, tax returns, utility bills, and more.
4. Responses are automatically saved as you navigate through the form. All information is saved for 30 days after your most recent work on the form.
5. You can sign in and out anytime to work on the form.

What Happens After You’ve Submitted the Form?

After you submit your form,  USCIS will email you to notify you that they received it. You can track your form through your USCIS account.

If USCIS needs more information, you will receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Request for Information (RFI) to which you should promptly respond. You may also receive a request for an interview. At an appointment, you will be required to provide biometric information.

If approved, you will receive a Form I-797, Approval Notice, indicating the grant and validity period of parole in place. It will include a copy of your Form I-94, Approval/Departure Record.

If you are not approved, you cannot appeal the decision, but you can reapply with new or additional evidence and pay the fee again.

Protect Yourself With Representation by Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C.

Our experienced attorneys can assist you in filing Form I-131F, giving you and your family a better chance of staying together. In any immigration matter, only follow the advice and guidance of a licensed U.S. attorney or government official regarding immigration matters. Doing so means avoiding potential scams that can include:

• Government impersonators
• Websites claiming to be associated with USCIS
• Payments requested by phone or email
• Unauthorized practitioners of immigration law claiming to be experts

Our attorneys help keep families together in the United States. Contact our office to ensure you receive proper legal advice and to schedule a consultation.