Humanitarian, Diplomatic and Other U.S. Classifications

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Country-based protection for nationals already in the U.S.; only 5 countries are listed as designated, and statuses change often.

Crime victims who help police or prosecutors; 10,000 principal grants a year, long waiting list.

Victims of sex or labor trafficking; up to 4 years’ status, work permit, green card after 3 years.

Official-business visas for diplomats, government officials, their families and personal staff.

Protection for persecuted people in the U.S.; file Form I-589 within 1 year, $100 fee plus an annual fee while pending.

Ship and airline crew landing temporarily in the U.S.; depart within 29 days (180 for lightering).

Visas for missions to and staff of designated international organizations, their families and employees.

For families of former G-4/NATO-6 employees after a child or retiree gets a special-immigrant green card.

Visas for NATO representatives, officials, civilian staff and their families and employees.

Case-by-case permission to be in the U.S. temporarily; Form I-131 plus a $1,020 parole fee ($1,050 from Oct. 16, 2026).

Protection status granted outside the U.S. under USRAP; entry largely suspended since Jan. 2025, FY 2027 ceiling 17,500.

Requested by law enforcement for key witnesses; 200 S-5 and 50 S-6 per year, 3 years maximum.

Green cards for Afghan and Iraqi U.S.-government employees and translators; Afghan visas restricted by Proclamation 10998 since 2026.

Abused spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents self-petition on Form I-360, with no fee.

Recent policy changesTPS designations and humanitarian programs change often. The change log tracks them.

Humanitarian, diplomatic & other classifications