Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program

The Cuban family reunification parole program allows certain U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to request an early entry permit or parole for their qualifying relatives in Cuba.

This lets them come to the United States without waiting for an immigrant visa to become available. Once in the country, beneficiaries may live and work lawfully while they complete the process to obtain the Green Card.

This immigration tool, officially called the Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP):

• Makes legal entry easier; and
• Gives thousands of families a way to reunite in the United States.

If you want to know how to access this relief or combine it with other legal options, our immigration lawyers in Los Angeles are ready to help.

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Below you will find the most recent changes to the new family reunification program for Cuba, the requirements, documents and updated steps to file a CFRP request successfully.

2025 update on the cuban family reunification parole program

In 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and USCIS keep CFRP in place and are using a faster, more organized digital system. This modernization is cutting wait times and allows applicants to complete much of the process online.

• The benefit applies only to relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents with an approved Form I-130.
• The National Visa Center (NVC) sends the official invitations to eligible sponsors.
• The financial sponsorship is now filed online through Form I-134A.
• Interviews take place at the U.S. Embassy in Havana and are scheduled case by case by USCIS.
• Anyone paroled into the U.S. may apply for a work permit and, after one year, adjust status under the Cuban Adjustment Act.

Short example: A U.S. citizen in Miami with an approved I-130 for his sister in Cuba receives the NVC invitation. After he submits Form I-134A online and is approved, she travels to the U.S. on parole, applies for a work permit and later adjusts status to permanent resident.

Eligibility requirements for the cuban family reunification parole program

To participate in CFRP, both the sponsor in the United States and the beneficiary in Cuba must meet clear criteria set by USCIS. The program is designed to achieve legal, controlled reunification through a form of humanitarian parole.

Requirements for the sponsor

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Have filed and obtained approval of Form I-130 for the Cuban relative.
• Receive an official NVC invitation to take part in the CFRP program.
• Agree to provide financial support to the beneficiary (Declaration of financial support through Form I-134A).

Requirements for the beneficiary

• Be one of the relatives listed in the I-130 petition: spouse, unmarried child, parent or sibling depending on the category.
• Be currently residing in Cuba and have a valid Cuban passport.
• Meet U.S. admissibility requirements (no serious criminal history, no major immigration violations, no fraud).
• Pass the medical exam and all biometric and security checks.

Derivative beneficiaries

The spouses and unmarried children under 21 of the principal beneficiary may be included in the request if they appear in the I-130 or qualify as derivatives under the immigration category. All of them must meet the same medical and admissibility requirements.

Short example: Marta, a lawful permanent resident in California, received a CFRP invitation for her mother in Havana. After filing the I-134A and clearing all checks, her mother was paroled into the U.S. and traveled legally while she waited for her Green Card.

Required documents for Cuban family reunification in 2025

Preparing the documents for Cuban family reunification correctly is key to avoiding delays or denials. In 2025, USCIS and the U.S. Embassy in Havana require complete, digitized files in PDF format.

Updated 2025 document list:

• Official NVC invitation to the CFRP program.
• Valid Cuban passport for the beneficiary and all derivatives.
• Approval notice for Form I-130.
• Form I-134A filed online by the sponsor.
• Birth, marriage, divorce or adoption certificates with certified English translations.
• Police or background certificates, if applicable.
• Medical exam results from a panel physician.
• Recent passport-style photos.
• Proof of family relationship (photos, remittances, correspondence, etc.) if USCIS asks for it.

Important: Form I-864 (affidavit of support) is not filed at this stage. It will be used when the beneficiary applies for permanent residence under the Cuban Adjustment Act.

To avoid early mistakes, also review the marriage-based residence interview questions, which help you check the consistency of family information.

Differences between CFRP and the traditional consular process

Although both procedures start from an I-130 family petition, the CFRP program and the consular process take very different paths.

• Place of processing: CFRP starts with an NVC invitation and the interview in Havana; the consular process requires waiting for a turn at the National Visa Center and the embassy.
• Waiting time: with the CFRP program, processing often takes 1 to 2 years. Through the regular consular process it may take 3 to 8 years, depending on the family category.
• Entry to the U.S.: CFRP allows travel before a visa is available thanks to parole; the consular process only authorizes entry after the visa is issued.
• Final benefit: both lead to permanent residence, but CFRP gives work authorization from the start and allows adjustment of status inside the U.S.
• Risks: CFRP depends on a limited invitation; the consular path does not.

Practical example: a Cuban mother with an I-130 filed by her U.S. citizen son could wait 5 years through the consular route. With CFRP she can enter in about 18 months and, after a year, adjust status to resident.

How to apply for the cuban family reunification parole program step by step

The process is completely free before USCIS. Each stage has strict deadlines and requires uploading exact documents to the online portal.

1. Official NVC invitation

The NVC sends the invitation only to sponsors with an approved I-130. It includes the case number, the beneficiary’s ID and instructions to get started.

2. Filing the financial sponsorship (I-134A)

The sponsor opens a USCIS online account and files Form I-134A online. USCIS reviews whether the sponsor has enough resources to support the beneficiary during the initial stay.

Note: the old Form I-131 is used only for pre-digital cases. As of 2025, it is no longer the main path.

3. Beneficiary creates an account

If USCIS accepts the I-134A, it notifies the beneficiary so they can create their MyUSCIS account, confirm their data and upload digitized documents.

4. Registration in the CBP Link app

The beneficiary registers their photo and biographic information in CBP Link (formerly CBP One) for pre-travel identity checks.

5. Medical exam and security checks

The applicant must attend the exam with a physician authorized by the U.S. Embassy and complete fingerprints and security vetting. Missing one step may delay the case for months.

6. Travel authorization and entry to the U.S.

If everything is correct, USCIS issues an electronic travel authorization or the I-512L document. The final decision on entry and the grant of parole is made at the U.S. port of entry.

7. After entering the United States

• Apply for the work permit with Form I-765.
• Remain lawfully in parole status.
• After one year and one day of physical presence, apply for permanent residence through the Cuban Adjustment Act.

Summary example: Roberto, a U.S. citizen, received the invitation for his wife and child. He completed the I-134A, they uploaded their data in CBP Link, passed the medical exam and received travel authorization. When they arrived in Miami, they were paroled in, applied for work authorization and started counting the year to adjust status.

Common mistakes and practical tips in CFRP

• Not replying on time to the NVC invitation email. It has a deadline and once it expires, it’s hard to reopen.
• Uploading incomplete files to the USCIS portal. Each document must be a legible PDF and properly labeled.
• Translation errors. Civil records must be accompanied by certified English translations.
• Using an incorrect or inaccessible email address. USCIS and NVC send notifications electronically only.
• Not keeping digital and hard copies. Every file should be backed up to avoid loss of information.

Practical tip: log in to your MyUSCIS account and check the linked email regularly; the current system does not send repeated reminders if you stay out of the portal for several weeks.

Family reunification interview: what to expect

The family reunification interview is a key stage. Its purpose is to confirm that the family relationship is genuine and that the beneficiary meets admissibility requirements.

During the appointment, the immigration officer will review the documents and ask questions about the relationship with the sponsor, family history and plans after arriving in the United States.

• They will verify the authenticity of civil records and family photos.
• They will confirm that the Cuban passport and medical certificates are valid.
• They will check police records and any possible grounds of inadmissibility.
• They will compare oral answers with the information in the I-130 and I-134A.

Interview tips

• Arrive on time with documents grouped by category (civil, medical, financial).
• Bring originals and certified translations.
• Avoid contradictions in dates, addresses and family ties.
• Answer confidently; short, clear answers are better than long explanations.

Short example: A beneficiary showed her relationship with her sister through photos, certificates and messages. The officer found the dates consistent and approved the parole the same day.

Cost and average duration of the family reunification process

The Cuban family reunification parole program has no direct USCIS filing fee. However, there are indirect expenses you should plan for:

• Translations and legalizations: around USD 50–150 depending on the documents.
• Medical exam: varies, on average USD 200–350 per person.
• Police certificates: about USD 20–40.
• Photos and copies: USD 20–30.
• Travel expenses: airfare from Cuba and possible domestic travel in the U.S.

Altogether, an average family spends between USD 400 and 700 per beneficiary before traveling, not counting legal fees if they choose professional assistance.

How long the cuban family reunification parole program takes

Processing times vary by case and by the U.S. Embassy in Havana’s capacity. In 2025, average times published by USCIS range from 12 to 24 months from the invitation until the travel document is issued.

Factors that affect timing

• Date of the I-130 approval.
• NVC workload and interview availability.
• Medical or security delays for the beneficiary.
• Additional review if there are records or questions about the documentation.

Practical example: A petitioner in Florida with a complete file finished in 15 months; another case with missing certificates took almost 27 months.

If your case goes beyond the average times, you may check your case status on the USCIS portal or ask a lawyer to request an administrative review. If you must travel inside the U.S. while you wait, see “Can you travel within the United States without papers.”

For those who have not yet started a family petition, it is useful to understand the timing of the consular process and how it differs from CFRP, which is usually faster and more flexible.

Link between family reunification and Cuban adjustment of status

Once the beneficiary enters the U.S. with CFRP parole, they can apply for permanent residence after completing one year and one day of continuous physical presence, under the Cuban Adjustment Act.

• Wait at least one year from the date of entry on parole.
• File Form I-485 with the required evidence.
• Attach proof of lawful entry (I-512L, I-94 or entry stamp).
• Complete biometrics and wait for USCIS’ decision.
• If parole expires while the case is pending, request an extension and keep your work permit (I-765) current.

Short example: Luis entered with CFRP in 2023. In March 2025, once the year had passed, he filed the I-485 with proof of parole and obtained his Green Card without leaving the country.

This path can coexist with other benefits such as TPS in the United States or the U visa, as long as each program’s requirements are met. If there is a denial, an attorney may explore a new humanitarian parole request or an immigration appeal. See more in “Can you win an immigration appeal.”

What to do if your cuban family reunification parole program request is denied

A denial of the Cuban family reunification parole program does not always mean the end of the road. There are remedies and alternatives depending on the reason given in the USCIS or Department of State denial notice.

1. Review the denial notice

The notice explains whether a Motion to Reopen or a Motion to Reconsider is available. For parole cases there is not always a formal appeal, but a lawyer can evaluate whether a legal or procedural error was made.

2. Re-parole or new opportunity under CFRP

If the beneficiary is already in the U.S. on parole, they may request a re-parole or extension to keep their status. When the denial is tied to missing evidence or a fixable issue, an administrative review before NVC or USCIS can be requested, although approval is not guaranteed.

3. Legal alternatives if you do not qualify for CFRP

• Adjustment of status under the Cuban Adjustment Act: available only if the person manages to enter on parole and completes one year of continuous presence.
• Individual humanitarian parole: for urgent or significant public interest cases.
• Regular consular process: continue with the immigrant visa process based on the approved I-130.
• U visa, T visa, asylum or TPS: options that apply only if the person meets that specific category.

Short example: A beneficiary whose CFRP was denied for incomplete documentation later obtained an individual humanitarian parole. After entering lawfully, they waited a year and adjusted status under the Cuban Adjustment Act.

Frequently asked questions about the cuban family reunification parole program

These are the most common questions about the CFRP program, updated with current information.

Who sends the invitation to the CFRP program?

The National Visa Center (NVC) sends invitations progressively according to the approval date of I-130 petitions. There is no form to request it directly.

How much does it cost to take part in CFRP?

There is no USCIS filing fee, but there are indirect expenses: translations, certificates and the medical exam. These amounts usually range from USD 400 to 700 per person.

Can invitations expire?

Yes. If the sponsor does not respond within the period indicated by the NVC, the invitation will expire and cannot be retrieved. It is important to check the email linked to the case frequently.

What happens if the sponsor dies?

In some situations, another family member may assume the sponsor role through a substitute sponsorship. This requires proving the family relationship and the new sponsor’s financial ability.

Can derivative relatives also travel?

Yes. The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of the principal beneficiary can be included if they meet admissibility requirements and appear in the NVC invitation.

Can I work in the U.S. with CFRP?

Yes. Beneficiaries may apply for Form I-765 and get a temporary work permit while waiting to adjust status.

Can I leave the U.S. while on parole?

Only if you get advance parole beforehand. Leaving without it may cause you to lose your status.

Does CFRP grant a Green Card automatically?

No. CFRP only gives you a temporary parole. To get permanent residence you must complete one year in the U.S. and file for adjustment of status under the Cuban Adjustment Act.

What if my case has no response after a year?

You may submit a case inquiry through the USCIS portal or have an attorney file an administrative review request. You can also contact the NVC to make sure the invitation has not expired.

Cuban immigration lawyers in Los Angeles: legal help for your family reunification

The Cuban family reunification parole program is an invaluable opportunity, but success depends on handling every detail properly: forms, deadlines, exams and electronic responses.

The Lluis Law immigration attorneys, with broad experience in Cuban cases and over 60 years of combined practice, can guide you from the I-130 petition all the way to adjustment of status or permanent residence.

• We review your eligibility and your NVC invitation.
• We prepare your documents and translations properly.
• We assist you with interviews, work permits and adjustment of status.

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Contact us today for a confidential consultation with our Cuban immigration lawyers in Los Angeles and learn the best strategy to reunite with your family in the United States.