The PVAO Filipino World War II Parole Program (FWVP) is a special immigration initiative created by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in collaboration with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) to allow certain family members of Filipino World War II veterans to reunite with their loved ones in the United States. Applicants can request parole into the U.S. while waiting for their immigrant visas, bypassing long delays in the visa queue. This program was launched in 2016 as a recognition of the critical wartime service of Filipino veterans under U.S. command during World War II.
To apply, eligible family members must submit a completed Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document), Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support), and supporting documents proving their relationship to a qualified Filipino World War II veteran. The application is reviewed by USCIS on a case-by-case basis, and if approved, parole is granted so beneficiaries can live in the U.S. temporarily while awaiting lawful permanent resident (green card) status. Raising public awareness about this program is essential not only to ensure that qualified families benefit from it but also to honor the sacrifices of Filipino veterans who fought alongside American forces. Whether you are a relative of a World War II veteran or a surviving spouse, this guide will walk you through the application process for this parole program and explain how Filipino veterans and their families can benefit from it.
What is the Filipino World War II Parole Program?
The PVAO Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program is a humanitarian-based immigration initiative created by USCIS to allow certain family members of Filipino World War II veterans to enter the United States and stay temporarily while their immigrant visas are pending. Unlike standard parole or repatriation assistance offered by Philippine government agencies or GOCCs, the FWVP is rooted in a U.S.-based policy as part of the United States’ recognition of Filipino military contributions during WWII. Its core goal is family reunification—especially for aging veterans in the U.S. who would benefit from emotional and caregiving support. It differs from local Philippine government programs in that it grants international immigration privileges rather than local resettlement or aid. The program is a direct reflection of the strong military alliance and historical ties between the Philippines and the U.S. acknowledge the contributions of over 260,000 Filipino soldiers who served alongside American troops.
Who Oversees the Program?
The parole policy is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through USCIS, but it intersects with services provided by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO)—a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) under the Department of National Defense in the Philippines.
History
The FWVP was officially launched on May 9, 2016, by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and USCIS, following executive guidance to address humanitarian concerns for Filipino World War II veterans. Its legal basis stems from the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which permits the parole of individuals into the U.S. for significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons. The program recognized the lengthy wait for visa processing under the family-based immigration system and provided a special pathway to reunite elderly veterans with their families. Over the years, USCIS updated guidance and FAQs to clarify eligibility, including processes for beneficiaries of deceased veterans. Though a U.S. policy, it is coordinated in part with Philippine veterans’ offices such as PVAO for historical verification.
Features and Benefits
While the parole does not grant permanent residency, it allows the following:
- Allows eligible family members of Filipino WWII veterans to stay in the U.S. temporarily via parole.
- Provides early entry even if the immigrant visa is not yet available.
- Promotes family reunification for elderly or sick veterans.
- Supports adjustment of status to lawful permanent residency once the visa becomes available.
- Enables self-petitioning for parole in certain cases where the veteran or spouse has passed away.
Who Can Apply?
The FWVP policy is not open to all; eligibility criteria must be met. You may be eligible if:
- You are the principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative filed by Filipino WWII veterans or their surviving spouses.
- The relationship between you and the petitioning relative existed on or before May 9, 2016.
- Your petitioning relative (the Filipino WWII veteran or surviving spouse) was living in the U.S. when the petition was filed or at the time of their death.
- Your visa is not yet available according to the Visa Bulletin.
- Your petitioning relative has recognized service as a Filipino World War II veteran or is the surviving spouse of one.
- Self-petitioners whose petitioner (veteran or spouse) has passed away but meet specific humanitarian criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
They also need to at least satisfy the following criteria:
For Petitioners
To qualify as a petitioner under the FWVP Program, one must:
- Be a Filipino World War II veteran or the surviving spouse of such a veteran.
- Reside in the United States, or if deceased, have resided in the U.S. at the time of death.
- Have filed and received approval for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of the beneficiary.
For Beneficiaries
Eligible beneficiaries include individuals who:
- Are the principal beneficiaries of an approved Form I-130 petition filed by a Filipino World War II veteran or their surviving spouse.
- Had a qualifying relationship with the petitioner on or before May 9, 2016.
- Have not yet received an immigrant visa due to visa number unavailability.
- Are not classified as “immediate relatives” (i.e., spouses, unmarried children under 21, or parents of U.S. citizens), as these categories already have visas readily available.
- Provide proof that the veteran resided in the U.S. or was a U.S. citizen at the time of death.
- Not be ineligible due to security concerns, criminal background, or immigration violations.
Types of Eligible Veterans
To qualify, the Filipino World War II veteran must have served in one of the following categories:
- Listed on the final roster of those who served with the Philippine Army during World War II.
- Recognized as having served in a guerrilla unit under U.S. command.
- Served with the Philippine Scouts or any component of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Far East between September 1, 1939 and December 31, 1946.
USCIS will verify military service records through the Department of Defense. If records are incomplete, applicants may be asked to submit additional documentation.
Ineligibility
Individuals are not eligible for the FWVP Program if they:
- Are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, as they already have access to available immigrant visas.
- Are the sons or daughters of the veteran’s spouse but not of the veteran themselves.
- Are the siblings of the veteran’s spouse.
Important Distinctions
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, children under 21, and parents) are not eligible because visas for these individuals are immediately available.
- If the petitioning veteran is deceased, the approved I-130 must be reinstated for humanitarian reasons before parole can be granted.
- Eligible applicants can include children, sons, daughters, and siblings of the deceased veteran or spouse, provided all conditions are met.
Required Forms and Documentation
Applicants must submit the following:
- Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document): Used to request parole.
- Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support): Shows that the applicant will have financial support in the U.S.
- Supporting documentation verifying military service, the relationship with the petitioner, and proof of approved Form I-130.
- Fee or Fee Waiver Request for Form I-131.
Each applicant must file their own set of documents. If filing on behalf of multiple family members, a separate application and fee are needed for each.
Application Process
To apply, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare Required Forms and Documentation
- Make sure to get all the required documents ready and that duplicate copies are also made.
Step 2: Submit the Application
- Mail the completed forms and supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility.
- Include the required filing fee for Form I-131. If unable to pay, submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with supporting evidence of financial hardship.
Step 3: Await USCIS Decision
- USCIS will review the application on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the urgency of the request and the potential public benefit.
- If approved, the beneficiary will receive a travel document allowing them to travel to the United States and request parole at a port of entry.
What Happens After Submission?
- Case-by-case evaluation: Each request is assessed individually. USCIS reviews the full set of documents and may request more information.
- Verification: USCIS checks military service records with the Department of Defense.
- Approval or Denial: Approved individuals are granted parole to enter and temporarily stay in the U.S. They must still wait for a visa number to adjust to lawful permanent resident status.
Where to File
Forms are submitted to the USCIS. As of June 8, 2016, USCIS began accepting these applications. You can find mailing addresses and specific filing instructions on the USCIS website.
Application Costs and Processing Time
The primary cost associated with the FWVP application is the filing fee for Form I-131, which as of writing is $575 per applicant. Fee waivers (via Form I-912) may be requested based on financial hardship. Processing times vary depending on USCIS workload and individual case complexity but can range from a few months to over a year for final parole decisions.
PVAO Assistance in the Philippines
While the parole program is U.S.-based, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office can assist families with:
- Verifying the veteran’s military service.
- Accessing veteran non-pension benefits.
- Coordinating documentation for U.S. immigration petitions.
PVAO is part of the Department of National Defense and manages various financial assistance programs for veterans in the Philippines. It acts as a liaison and resource for families seeking support.
Tips and Reminders
To ensure that the application process is successful, you may need to pay attention and observe these things:
- Prepare early. Ensure all documents are complete and certified.
- Check visa bulletin updates. Parole is for those waiting for visa numbers; if your visa is already available, apply for an immigrant visa instead.
- Keep copies. Retain records of all forms and submissions.
- Use correct forms. Ensure you are using the most recent USCIS versions.
- Duration of Parole. Parole is granted for a specific period. Beneficiaries must monitor the expiration date and take appropriate action before it lapses.
- Adjustment of Status. Once an immigrant visa becomes available, beneficiaries may apply to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
- Re-Parole Requests. If additional time is needed before an immigrant visa becomes available, beneficiaries may request re-parole by submitting a new Form I-131.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here is a list of common questions and answers regarding the PVAO Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program (FWVP):
1. Is the FWVP only for living veterans?
No. Beneficiaries can still apply even if the veteran or their spouse has passed away, as long as they have an approved I-130 petition and meet specific conditions.
2. Can I work in the U.S. while under parole?
Yes, if your application is approved, you may apply for employment authorization using Form I-765.
3. How long can I stay in the U.S. under this program?
Parole is typically granted for an initial period of up to 3 years but can be extended at USCIS discretion.
4. Can I adjust status to become a green card holder later?
Yes. Once your priority date becomes current and your visa is available, you may apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485).
5. What if my petitioner died before I applied?
You may still be eligible to apply as a self-petitioner if you had a qualifying relationship and meet the humanitarian conditions outlined by USCIS.
6. Is this a permanent immigration status?
No. Parole is temporary and not an immigrant visa, but it allows you to stay in the U.S. while waiting for your permanent status.
7. Can other relatives like grandchildren apply?
No. Only the principal beneficiaries of the I-130 petition qualify under this program.
Video: Filipino Veterans Still Pushing for Recognition
The PVAO Filipino World War II Parole Program is a compassionate pathway for family reunification. Sure, this kind of program makes it seem like the Filipino veterans who served during some of the most defining moments in history are recognized for their sacrifices by offering their loved ones a chance to be by their side. But the truth is, even until now, some Filipino veterans are still pushing for recognition, which means they have yet to enjoy the benefits that every veteran is entitled to. Learn more about the plight of these Filipino veterans by watching this video:
For further details, visit the USCIS FWVP Program page or consult the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office for military service verification and related support.