On October 17, 2014, USCIS announced its intent to implement a Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program in early 2015. Last Wednesday, during a stakeholders teleconference, USCIS officials provided a broad overview regarding how the program would work.

Essentially, USCIS will offer certain Haitian beneficiaries (living in Haiti) of already approved family based immigrant visa petitions the option of coming to the United States up to two years before their immigrant visa priority dates become current. Specifically, in early 2015, the Department of State National Visa Center (NVC) will contact certain U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents with approved petitions for Haitian family members regarding their eligibility for the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program, and provide instructions on how to apply. Only individuals who receive a written notification regarding their eligibility for the program from the NVC will be eligible to apply.

Finally, Haitians who are authorized parole to enter into the United States will be allowed to apply for work permits. They will not be eligible, however, for permanent resident status any earlier.