Humanitarian parole is a form of temporary entry into the United States granted to individuals who face urgent humanitarian circumstances or significant public benefit situations. It is not a visa or permanent status. However, it allows a person to remain in the country legally for a limited period of time. Many individuals who are granted parole face pressing needs, including the ability to earn an income. For this reason, understanding work authorization during humanitarian parole is essential.
What Humanitarian Parole Does and Doesn’t Provide
When someone is approved for humanitarian parole, they receive permission to enter and stay in the U.S. for a specific period, usually tied to the nature of the humanitarian concern. This could involve seeking urgent medical treatment, escaping violence, or reuniting with family under exceptional circumstances.
Parole does not automatically come with employment rights. That means you cannot start working legally unless you take additional steps to apply for work authorization.
Important Note on the Current Humanitarian Parole Landscape
The humanitarian parole system has undergone significant changes in recent years, and the legal landscape as of 2025 is rapidly evolving. Several humanitarian parole programs that were previously available — including programs for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan nationals (CHNV) — have been terminated or significantly curtailed by executive action. Some individuals who were granted parole under these programs have faced early termination of their parole status, and related litigation is ongoing in federal courts.
If you were granted humanitarian parole under a specific named program, it is critical that you verify the current status of your parole and any associated work authorization before taking action based on general guidance. The information in this blog reflects general legal principles that apply to humanitarian parole, but your individual situation may be affected by program-specific developments.
At Saavedra & Perez Law, we stay current on policy changes affecting our clients. If you are unsure whether your parole status or work authorization has been affected by recent policy changes, contact our office for guidance specific to your situation.
How to Apply for Work Authorization
To work while under humanitarian parole, individuals must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This is also known as a work permit.
The process requires filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. You must also include proof of your parole status. That means submitting a copy of your Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) showing that you were granted parole into the United States.
If your parole period is short, it is essential to submit your I-765 application as quickly as possible. EAD processing times fluctuate and can range from several weeks to several months, depending on current USCIS workload and your specific category. Premium processing is not available for humanitarian parole EADs, so there is no way to expedite the process by paying an additional fee.
For the most current processing time estimates, check the USCIS website at uscis.gov/processing-times before filing, so you can plan accordingly. Without a valid EAD in hand, you cannot legally begin employment — even if your parole status is current and valid.
Timing Matters
Work authorization is tied to your period of authorized stay. If your humanitarian parole expires in six months, your work permit will likely expire at the same time. That means renewing your parole—if possible—is necessary to continue employment eligibility.
Keep in mind that even if you apply for a renewal of your parole, that doesn’t automatically extend your existing work authorization. Each process is separate. You’ll need to apply to extend or renew your EAD if you are granted more time under parole.
Understanding the Role of Category Codes
When applying for a work permit, you must identify the correct eligibility category on Form I-765. For many humanitarian parolees, the applicable code is (c)(11) — but this category applies specifically to individuals paroled into the United States under INA § 212(d)(5) for a period of at least one year. If your parole was granted for less than one year, (c)(11) may not apply to your situation, and a different category may be required.
It is also important to know that specific humanitarian parole programs have at times had their own designated EAD guidance and category codes. For example, parolees under programs such as Uniting for Ukraine, the CHNV parole program, and Afghan parole initiatives received program-specific USCIS guidance on work authorization eligibility. If you entered under a named parole program, do not assume (c)(11) automatically applies — verify the current guidance for your specific program with an immigration attorney or directly through USCIS.
Choosing the wrong category code can lead to delays or denials. Given how program-specific this determination can be, legal guidance is strongly recommended when completing Form I-765.
Social Security Numbers and Work Authorization
Once you receive your EAD, you will also need a Social Security number to work legally and file taxes. The current Form I-765 allows you to request a Social Security number as part of the same application, which simplifies the process. However, there are important practical details to understand:
The EAD and the Social Security card are issued separately. Your EAD comes from USCIS, while your Social Security card is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Even if you requested an SSN through your I-765, you may receive your EAD before your SSN card arrives. This gap can create delays in starting work, as many employers require a Social Security number for payroll and onboarding — even when a valid EAD is already in hand.
If your SSN has not arrived within a reasonable time after receiving your EAD, you can contact the SSA directly to follow up. An immigration attorney can also advise you on how to navigate employer requirements during this gap period.
Risks of Working Without Authorization
Some parolees find themselves in desperate financial situations and may feel tempted to work without a permit. But this choice carries risks.
Working without authorization can impact future immigration applications. If you later apply for asylum, adjustment of status, or another form of relief, your record of unauthorized employment may be reviewed. In some cases, it may hurt your chances.
It’s better to seek lawful employment by following the correct process, even if it takes time.
What Happens if Parole Is Extended or Terminated
If your parole is extended, you’ll likely be eligible to renew your work permit, but you must file new forms. Unfortunately, extensions of humanitarian parole are not always easy to obtain.
If your parole ends and you have not departed the United States or obtained another lawful immigration status, you will be out of status. At that point, your work authorization also becomes invalid immediately.
The consequences of remaining in the U.S. after parole ends are serious. Depending on current enforcement priorities and your individual circumstances, you may be subject to removal proceedings or, in some situations, expedited removal — a process that can result in removal without a hearing before an immigration judge. Accruing unlawful presence after parole ends can also trigger three- or ten-year bars to future admission, depending on how long you remain.
Do not wait until your parole expires to explore your options. Begin working with an immigration attorney well before your parole end date to identify whether another lawful status — such as asylum, TPS, or family-based relief — may be available to you.
It’s important to plan ahead. Consider whether there are other immigration pathways available to you while under parole, such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), asylum, or family-based relief.
The Role of an Immigration Attorney
Work authorization during humanitarian parole can feel like one more bureaucratic hurdle in an already difficult situation. The rules are detailed, and small mistakes in paperwork can delay your ability to start supporting yourself or your family.
Having an experienced immigration attorney guide you through the application process can reduce stress and increase the chances of approval. A lawyer can help you determine the best timing, ensure your forms are filled out correctly, and offer advice about future immigration options that may be available after your parole ends.
Saavedra & Perez Law Is Here to Support You
Humanitarian parole offers temporary relief in urgent situations, but it doesn’t automatically allow you to work. You must apply for work authorization through the proper channels. Acting quickly, filing accurate forms, and understanding the time limits of your parole are key steps to staying on track.
At Saavedra & Perez Law in Fairfax, VA, we understand how overwhelming this process can be. We assist individuals and families with every stage of humanitarian parole, work authorization, and beyond. If you need help understanding your options or want guidance with your EAD application, our team is here to support you with reliable, compassionate legal services.
