Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program

The Cuban Family Reunification Permit (CFRP) allows certain individuals to apply for permission to enter the US for their family members in Cuba.

Additionally, this program avoids the wait for an immigration priority date. If you are looking to reunite with your Cuban family members, our immigration attorneys in Los Angeles are here to help. Call us today.

Resumption of the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program in 2025

Since its creation in 2007, the Cuban Family Reunification Program has allowed US citizens and lawful permanent residents to request parole for their relatives in Cuba. 

This permit makes it easier for family members to come to the United States without having to wait for their immigrant visas to become available. 

Likewise, while managing the process to obtain the Green Card, these relatives can apply for an employment authorization.

Modernization of the family reunification program for Cubans

There is currently a modernization process that proposes several key changes to this program:

• Legalizes the existing CFRP program;
• Allows American citizens or lawful permanent residents to request permission for a Cuban family member to enter the US;
• Authorizes the use of the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base to conduct in-person interviews with Cuban applicants;
• Asylum applications are not permitted at Guantanamo, as it is not a port of entry;
• The naval station commander may stop consular operations if security is compromised;
• Ensures an orderly and safe process.

Eligibility requirements for the Cuban family reunification program

To qualify for the CFRP program, several specific requirements must be met by both the sponsor and the beneficiary:

Sponsor Eligibility

• Being a US citizen or lawful permanent resident;
• You must have filed and obtained approval of Form I-130 for US residency through a family petition for your Cuban relative;
• Have received an invitation from the National Visa Center (NVC) to participate in the CFRP program.

Beneficiary Eligibility

• Principal: The Cuban relative for whom Form I-130 was filed must be the spouse, unmarried child, or adult sibling of the petitioner;
• Derivatives: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of the principal beneficiary;
• Additional derivatives: Spouse or children under 21 years of age born or married after approval of Form I-130.

General criteria

• Meet all immigrant visa requirements;
• Conduct background checks and medical examinations;
• Be admissible to the United States;
• Justify why this parole should be granted.

How to apply for the family reunification program for Cubans?

To apply to the CFRP program, follow these key steps:

1# Request Form I-131

If the application was filed before August 11, 2023, the CFRP petitioners must file Form I-131 with USCIS for their Cuban relative. 

If you need to add additional beneficiaries, you must file Form I-131 before your scheduled appointment date. To do so, write “CFRP ADD-ON” at the top of the form.

2# Wait for the appointment notification

Following a conditional approval, USCIS will send the petitioner an appointment notice for the principal beneficiary and derivatives. 

3# Complete the medical examination

The Cuban relative must undergo a medical examination, following the instructions provided in the appointment notification.

4# Attend the appointment with USCIS

The beneficiary must appear at the appointment with USCIS bringing all required documents. 

5# Wait for the USCIS decision

USCIS will make a decision on the application:

• If approved, a notice of approval will be issued;
• If you get a denial, a notice of ineligibility will be issued. 

In some cases, USCIS may send a Request for Evidence (RFE) to obtain additional information.

6# Obtain the travel document

If approved, the principal beneficiary will pick up a Form I-512L at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba. This document authorizes travel to the US and is valid for 90 days.

Note: Minors under 18 years of age must travel to the US with a parent or legal guardian and present documentation confirming the relationship.

7# Entering the United States

Upon arrival in the US the beneficiary must submit Form I-512L to CBP. Once in the country, he or she may apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) using Form I-765.

What documents do I need to attend the family reunification appointment for Cubans?

On the date of the interview, beneficiaries must bring the following documents:

• Government-issued photo identification;
• Valid and current passport;
• Original civil documents proving your eligibility for the program, along with English translations;
• Documents establishing the relationship between the CFRP beneficiary and the petitioner; 
• Police certificates or court records;
• Medical examination results;
• Copy of the scheduled interview notification.

What happens after the interview for the family reunification permit for Cubans?

After the interview for the family reunification program for Cubans, two scenarios can occur:

• If travelling is approved: USCIS will send Form I-512L to the beneficiaries in Cuba, allowing them to travel to the US. Beneficiaries must pay for their own travel; or
• If travel is not approved: The petitioner will be notified of the beneficiaries whose application was denied. The decision cannot be appealed, but some beneficiaries may be eligible for a family-based visa.

Which countries qualify for family reunification?

Apart from Cuba, the family reunification process is available to petitioners who have filed an approved Form I-130 on behalf of beneficiary nationals of:

• Colombia;
• Ecuador;
• El Salvador;
• Haiti;
• Guatemala; and
• Honduras.

These processes allow eligible beneficiaries to receive parole in the US while awaiting visa availability. Participation in these processes is by invitation only.

If you do not qualify for Cuban Family Reunification, you may be eligible for Family Unity Parole in Place .

Can I leave the United States with the CFRP program?

You can leave the United States under the CFRP program. However, if you receive advance authorization to travel, you can use it only once to enter the country and request parole.

What happens if I am in the United States undocumented?

There are several consequences of unlawful presence or being undocumented in the US. For example, if you have been in the country illegally, you may not be eligible to adjust your status.

Additionally, if you have been illegally present for more than 180 days, you could face a 3 to 10 year bar from returning unless you obtain some waiver of inadmissibility.

How long does the family reunification process take?

The family reunification process under the CFRP Program may vary in time, but once the interview is scheduled, NVC will send the notification with the appointment date and time approximately 60 days before the interview. 

Although there are efforts to improve efficiency, it is not possible to accurately predict how long the entire process will take, as it depends on appointment scheduling and other factors.

Modernization of the family reunification process for Cubans

On August 10, 2023, DHS modernized the family reunification processes for Cubans and Haitians (CFRP and HFRP). 

Now, most steps are done online, reducing time, travel and paperwork. Additionally, eligible beneficiaries no longer need to be in Cuba or Haiti. 

How to apply for CFRP renewal?

To renew the CFRP, you must file Form I-131 with USCIS and pay the applicable fees.

Be sure to include “CFRP re-parole” in the header and attach Form I-134 along with supporting documentation for your renewal. Then, mail the request to the address listed in the “Permit Renewal” section.

Who qualifies to enter the United States with a family reunification?

To enter the United States under family reunification, you can qualify in two main categories:

• Immediate relatives: This includes spouses, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and parents of US citizens. There is no limit on the number of visas for these cases.
• Family Preference: Applies to relatives such as married children or siblings of US citizens. Also applies to spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of lawful permanent residents. Visas in this category are limited.

How can the family reunification program for Cubans in the US be cancelled?

The family reunification program for Cubans will be automatically canceled if the beneficiaries leave the United States or if their period of temporary stay (advance parole) expires.

Additionally, DHS may decide to terminate your temporary stay permit at its discretion for other reasons, such as violation of US laws.

How to obtain a Green Card under the Family Reunification Program for Cubans?

To obtain a Green Card under the Family Reunification Program for Cubans, you must follow these steps:

1. Be present in the United States for one year;
2. Check visa availability;
3. Apply for a Green Card. To do so, you must file Form I-485 with USCIS to adjust your status;
4. Consider Renewing Your Parole: If your visa processing is not completed before your parole expires, you must apply for a renewal of your parole. If your parole has already expired and you have not applied for a renewal, you may lose your eligibility for a Green Card.

For more information about the process of adjusting status and becoming a lawful permanent resident as a Cuban, check our blog on the Cuban Adjustment Act.

Frequently asked questions about The Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program

Can family members of Cuban family reunification applicants travel to the United States?

Family members of CFRP holders can travel to the United States if they have been approved for family parole. The process has 2 parts: 

• The parole holder files a request for a family member to be processed on parole, and upon approval, the family member must attend an interview.
• On the day of the interview, the family member must bring certain documents such as a photocopy of the parole holder’s visa, passport and others. 

If everything is approved, the family member will be able to travel to the United States under parole.

How to apply for a work permit under the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program?

To apply for a work permit under family reunification for Cubans, you must first submit Form I-765 to USCIS.

This form has a fee that you must pay or request a fee waiver using Form I-912. 

What recommendations exist regarding the CFRP program?

Recipients of CFRP are advised not to make any permanent decisions. 

For example, selling property, leaving their job or abandoning their studies, until they have the appropriate travel document.

Will I automatically get a Green Card by completing the CFRP program?

No, obtaining permission to enter through the CFRP program does not automatically grant you a Green Card. 

This permit is temporary and allows you to be legally in the United States during its validity.

How to get a social security number after obtaining the CFRP?

To obtain a Social Security number (SSN) after receiving the CFRP, you must apply for one on Form I-765. 

If your application is approved, USCIS will send the information to the Social Security Administration (SSA), which will assign you an SSN and send the card to the address provided.

Cuban immigration lawyers in Los Angeles, California, experts in the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program

If you are looking for support in the family reunification process for Cubans in the United States, our immigration attorneys at Lluis Law are here to help. 

With over 50 years of combined experience and Cuban origins, David and Ramiro deeply understand the complexities of the immigration system and are dedicated to facilitating family reunification for Cubans.

We are committed to guiding you through every step of the process. Contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation and receive the legal guidance you need.