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Humanitarian Visa: Requirements to apply, Cost
A humanitarian visa is a type of visa issued to individuals who are facing serious discrimination or are in urgent need of protection due to a violation of human rights in their home country. This article provides detailed information on humanitarian visas, including the eligibility criteria, a list of countries that provide humanitarian visas, the application process, and the requirements to apply.
What is Humanitarian Visa? Eligibility?
A humanitarian visa is a type of visa granted by some countries to individuals who are in need of international protection due to urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefits. The purpose of a humanitarian visa is to provide temporary immigration status to individuals who are facing difficult or dangerous situations in their home countries and need protection or assistance. This type of visa is often granted to refugees or immigrants who are seeking refuge from war, conflict, natural disasters or other serious threats to their safety. Humanitarian visas allow individuals to seek safety, relief, or resettlement in another country on a temporary basis.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for a humanitarian visa, also known as humanitarian parole, you must meet certain criteria. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) considers several factors. The applicants must meet the following criteria, including:
- Urgent humanitarian needs, such as medical treatment, attending a funeral, visiting a critically ill family member, or assisting in a national disaster relief effort,
- Time pressure, as the situation requires immediate attention,
- The effect a rejection might have on the applicant’s well-being
To apply for humanitarian parole, you must:
- Have a sponsor who approved by the Department of Homeland Security
- Have a current and valid passport for international travel
- Be able to buy your own travel ticket
Humanitarian parole is temporary and does not grant any type of immigration status or provide a way to permanent residency. It is a short-term solution for individuals who need to enter the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit but who do not qualify for a visa or other immigration benefits.
How to apply for a humanitarian visa?
To apply for humanitarian parole, follow these steps:
Complete Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and Form I-134, Affidavit of Support.
The filing fee for Form I-131 is $575
Gather documents, such as:
Evidence of
- identity for the beneficiary,
- urgent humanitarian reasons for the request
- applicant’s ability to adjust status once in the United States or any plans of the applicant,
- applicant’s living conditions, including ability to meet basic needs
- applicant’s particular vulnerabilities,
- applicant’s living conditions including ability to meet basic needs,
- financial sponsorship
- Government-issued identification showing the applicant’s citizenship
Submit the application to the appropriate USCIS office or ICE, as applicable, depending on the applicant’s situation.
List of countries providing humanitarian visas:
The list of countries that provide humanitarian visas includes Argentina, Brazil, France, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Australia, Russia, and the United States.
Brazil:
Brazil offers a humanitarian visa for those affected by the armed conflict in Afghanistan. The visa can issued by Brazilian embassies in Tehran, Abu Dhabi, Ankara, Doha, Islamabad, and Moscow. Applicants must submit all required documents digitally using the online form and present a reservation for an air ticket to Brazil at the time of the interview at the Brazilian Embassy. The visa is aimed at those who are under real threat due to recent political events in Afghanistan. The visa is valid for 180 days for a single entry in Brazil, and upon arrival, the person will have a maximum of 90 days to present themselves to the Federal Police and file an asylum claim. The Brazilian government does not grant flight tickets or accommodation, and all refugees are given a work permit.
Argentina
Argentina introduced a humanitarian visa program in May 2022, focusing on climate-displaced individuals from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This visa allows people to reside in Argentina for three years without migratory fees, and it guarantees access to housing, food, and other essential support for integration. This program is part of Argentina’s long history of welcoming immigrants and is inspired by the need to address global flaws in asylum systems. Argentina’s humanitarian visa is different from its refugee and asylum system, which is governed by the National Commission for Refugees (CONARE). Refugee status is granted to individuals who are outside their country due to war, race, religion, nationality, belonging to a particular social group, or political opinion. Asylum seekers must apply for refugee status within
Argentine territory. Humanitarian visas in Argentina aim to protect vulnerable individuals and provide them with support and assistance in Argentina.
United States (Humanitarian Visa USCIS)
Humanitarian visas in the United States include Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole, asylum, and refugee status. Temporary Protected Status granted to individuals from countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that prevent their safe return. Humanitarian parole allows individuals who are outside the U.S. to enter the country for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, but who do not qualify for a visa or other immigration benefits.
Asylum, granted to individuals who fear threats based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Refugee status granted to individuals who are outside their country of nationality and are unable or unwilling to return due to war and other conflicts. The grant of humanitarian parole typically does not exceed one year, but the duration is determined on a case-by-case basis. To apply for humanitarian parole, individuals must complete Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and provide evidence supporting their need for parole.
How to complete USCIS Form I-131?
- Download the form
- Enter the required details
- Choose the required data
- Once completed, send the form to USCIS Field office
France:
If you are seeking a humanitarian visa to enter France, you can apply for a visa for France through the Embassy of France in Tehran and the Embassy of France in Delhi, which process all visa applications for people.
Switzerland:
A humanitarian visa in Switzerland issued by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for individuals whose lives are directly, seriously threatened in their home country. To be eligible, you must have a connection to Switzerland, such as family members. The application must submit in person at a Swiss representation (embassy or consulate) after scheduling an appointment. You’ll need to provide a completed application form, passport photos, a copy of your passport, and documents such as proof of family bonds, identity cards, birth certificates, and court documents. If your application rejected, you have the right to appeal within 30 days.
Italy:
A humanitarian visa in Italy allows individuals who are in need of protection to enter and stay in Italy for a limited period of time. This type of visa granted to people who are facing serious risks in their home country, such as war, persecution, or other forms of violence. To apply for a humanitarian visa in Italy, you will need to provide evidence of your situation and explain why you need protection.
If your application approved, you will grant a visa that allows you to enter Italy and stay for a limited period of time. During this time, you may be able to apply for other types of visas or permits that allow you to stay in Italy for longer periods of time. It’s important to note that the process of applying for a humanitarian visa can be complex and may require the assistance of a lawyer or other legal professional.
Belgium:
A humanitarian visa in Belgium allows people in need of protection to legally enter a country. The humanitarian visas in Belgium include legal entry into the country for more than three months, access to basic assistance such as accommodation, food, legal, medical, and psychosocial assistance. Additionally, individuals with a humanitarian visa may be eligible to apply for international protection, including asylum, if they fear returning to their country of origin due to violence or other forms of harm. The Belgian authorities are responsible for processing applications for international protection and deciding whether to grant protection status.
Australia:
A humanitarian visa in Australia, specifically the Global Special Humanitarian Visa is for individuals who are outside their home country and face discrimination or human rights abuses. Applicants must have a sponsor, such as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, to be eligible for this visa.
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