Parole Categories and Green Card Eligibility

Parole is a temporary permission to enter or remain in the United States that does not constitute a formal admission. Various parole programs exist, including humanitarian parole, parole in place (for military families), and the CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela) parole program. Parolees who are eligible for a green card must file Form I-485 to adjust status.

Eligibility for adjustment of status as a parolee depends on the specific parole program and other factors. Consult an immigration attorney to determine whether you are eligible to file I-485 based on your parole status.

Medical Exam Requirement for Parolees

All I-485 applicants, including parolees, must complete an immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submit Form I-693. The medical exam requirement applies regardless of how you entered the United States.

Parolees did not undergo an overseas medical exam before entering the United States (unlike some visa holders), so a full civil surgeon examination is required. There are no exemptions based on parole status.

Humanitarian Parole and I-485

Individuals who entered on humanitarian parole may be eligible to file I-485 if they have an approved immigrant petition or qualify under a specific program. If you are eligible to file I-485 as a humanitarian parolee, you must complete the standard immigration medical exam.

Bring your parole documentation (Form I-94 or other entry documents) to the medical exam appointment. The civil surgeon will need to verify your identity and immigration status.

CHNV Parole Program and Medical Exams

The CHNV parole program (for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela) allows eligible individuals to enter the United States on parole for up to two years. CHNV parolees who are eligible for a green card must complete the standard immigration medical exam when filing I-485.

CHNV parolees may have limited vaccination records from their home countries. The civil surgeon will review available records and administer any missing required vaccines.

Parole in Place (Military Families) and Medical Exams

Parole in place (PIP) allows certain undocumented family members of U.S. military personnel to remain in the United States without being removed. PIP recipients who are eligible to file I-485 must complete the standard immigration medical exam.

Military families should contact ImmigrationMedicalExams.com to discuss scheduling. We understand the unique circumstances of military families and can accommodate your needs.

What to Bring If You Entered on Parole

Bring your Form I-94 (arrival/departure record), your passport or other travel document, any vaccination records you have, and any relevant medical records. If you do not have a passport, bring whatever identity documents you have. The civil surgeon will work with you to complete the exam with the documents available.