U.S. Visa for Venezuelan Citizens 2026: CHNV Parole, TPS, Asylum, and Green Card

··Alejandro Daniel Jose·Tourist Visa·5 min read
U.S. Visa for Venezuelan Citizens 2026: CHNV Parole, TPS, Asylum, and Green Card

Venezuela has one of the largest and fastest-growing diaspora communities in the United States, driven by the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis. Venezuelan citizens face unique U.S. immigration challenges and opportunities — from the CHNV humanitarian parole program to asylum claims and TPS designations. This guide covers all U.S. visa and immigration options for Venezuelan citizens in 2025.

Do Venezuelan Citizens Need a Visa to Visit the United States?

Yes. Venezuela is not a member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Venezuelan citizens must obtain a B-1/B-2 tourist and business visa before traveling to the United States. ESTA is not available for Venezuelan passport holders.

Additionally, obtaining a U.S. tourist visa from Venezuela is extremely difficult — the U.S. Embassy in Caracas suspended routine visa services in 2019. Venezuelans currently must travel to a third country to apply for a U.S. visa.

CHNV Humanitarian Parole Program for Venezuelans

The U.S. government created the CHNV parole program (for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans) in 2022–2023 as a legal pathway for nationals of these four countries to enter the United States on humanitarian parole for up to 2 years. Under the CHNV program:

  • A U.S.-based supporter (U.S. citizen, LPR, or certain visa holders) must file Form I-134A (Declaration of Financial Support) on behalf of the Venezuelan applicant
  • The parolee receives 2 years of authorized stay in the United States and may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Parole does not lead directly to a green card — but parolees who qualify through other means (family petition, asylum) can pursue permanent residency
  • As of 2025, the CHNV program has been subject to litigation and policy changes — check USCIS.gov for current program status

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans

Venezuela has been designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) since 2021.

TPS provides eligible Venezuelan nationals in the United States with temporary protection from deportation and work authorization. TPS does not lead directly to a green card, but TPS holders who separately qualify through other immigration pathways may be able to adjust status. As of 2025, TPS for Venezuela continues subject to ongoing litigation and policy changes — Venezuelan nationals with TPS should monitor USCIS announcements and consult an immigration attorney.

Asylum for Venezuelan Citizens

Venezuelan citizens who face persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group may qualify for asylum in the United States. Venezuelan asylum cases commonly involve persecution by the Maduro government for political opposition activities, journalism, military desertion, or other politically sensitive grounds. Common factual bases include: targeted persecution of opposition party members and activists, persecution of journalists and human rights workers, persecution of military members who refused orders, and gang extortion escalating to threats of violence. Venezuelans must generally file for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States (the one-year deadline) or establish an exception. The backlog of Venezuelan asylum cases before U.S. immigration courts is significant — consulting a qualified immigration attorney is strongly recommended.

Work Visas for Venezuelan Citizens

Venezuelan professionals who are already in the United States or can obtain a visa at a third-country consulate can pursue H-1B visas through U.S. employer sponsorship. Venezuela does not face country-specific employment-based green card backlogs.

Venezuelan engineers, IT professionals, and healthcare workers are increasingly represented in U.S. specialty occupation roles. Venezuela does not have a qualifying bilateral investment treaty with the United States, so Venezuelan nationals are not eligible for the standard E-2 Treaty Investor visa.

Frequently Asked Questions: U.S. Visa for Venezuelan Citizens

What is the CHNV parole program for Venezuelans?

The CHNV humanitarian parole program allows Venezuelan nationals (along with Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans) to enter the United States legally for up to 2 years with work authorization, provided they have a U.S.-based financial supporter who files Form I-134A on their behalf. Parole does not provide a path to a green card on its own. The program has been subject to legal challenges — check USCIS.gov for current status.

Can Venezuelans get TPS in the United States?

Venezuela has been designated for TPS since 2021. Eligible Venezuelans who were in the United States before the TPS designation cutoff date may apply for TPS, which provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization. TPS does not directly lead to a green card. As of 2025, TPS for Venezuela is subject to ongoing litigation — consult an immigration attorney for current guidance.

Use these guides to navigate the full U.S. immigration process — from your first visa to a green card and citizenship:

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