Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA)
Cuban Adjustment Act: Permanent Residency for Cuban Nationals in the United States
At De Maio Immigration Law, we proudly represent Cuban nationals and their families in obtaining lawful permanent residency (Green Card) under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA).
Our firm has a deep understanding of the history, culture, and unique needs of the Cuban community. With Cuban-born members on our team, we bring not only legal experience but also personal insight, empathy, and a genuine commitment to every case we handle.
Because we speak your language and understand your culture, we recognize the specific challenges Cuban nationals face when navigating the U.S. immigration system. With extensive experience in Cuban Adjustment Act cases, we provide a personalized and compassionate approach — guiding you from parole entry to permanent residency and ultimately U.S. citizenship.
We proudly serve Cuban clients in Miami, Coral Gables, throughout Florida, and nationwide.
Trusted Miami Legal Counsel for the Cuban Adjustment Act
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Direct Attorney Communication: You work directly with your legal counsel, ensuring your case receives personal, high-level oversight.
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Deep Cultural Insight: Featuring Cuban-born team members, we speak your language and intimately understand the unique nuances of your journey.
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Proven Regional Experience: Decades of combined experience handling complex CU6 and CU7 cases right here in South Florida.
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Completely Bilingual Advocacy: Full English and Spanish legal services tailored to the Miami and nationwide Cuban community.
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What is The Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA)?
The Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 is a unique federal law that provides a special pathway to lawful permanent residency (Green Card) for eligible Cuban nationals and certain qualifying family members. Individuals may apply after residing in the United States for at least one year following lawful entry or parole.
There are two main pathways to qualify under the Cuban Adjustment Act..
Scenario One: Adjustment of Status for Cuban Nationals (CU6 Category)
If you are a Cuban national or citizen, you may be eligible to adjust your status directly under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA), commonly referred to as a CU6 case.
Eligibility Requirements (CU6)
To qualify, you must:
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Be a Cuban citizen or national;
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Have been inspected and admitted, or paroled into the United States;
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Have been physically present in the United States for at least one year after entry or parole; and
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Be admissible as a lawful permanent resident (or qualify for a waiver, if applicable).
Once these requirements are met, you may apply directly for lawful permanent residency (Green Card) with USCIS. This is possible even if you did not enter with a visa, provided you were inspected or granted parole.
Key Benefits of a CU6 Case
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No requirement to maintain lawful immigration status
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No Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) required
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Approval results in a 10-year permanent Green Card (not conditional)
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Eligibility to apply for work authorization and travel authorization while the case is pending
Scenario Two: Spouse of a Cuban Permanent Resident (CU7 Category)
If you are married to a Cuban national who obtained lawful permanent residence under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CU6), you may be eligible to seek permanent residency under the CU7 category, even if you are a citizen of another country.
Eligibility Requirements (CU7)
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Be legally married to a Cuban national or lawful permanent resident who adjusted under the CAA;
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Live together in the United States with your spouse;
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Have been inspected and admitted, or entered the United States on parole;
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Have been physically present in the United States for at least one year at the time you file;
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Be admissible to the United States as an immigrant or qualify for a waiver if needed.
Key Benefits of CU7
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You can apply for permanent residence without waiting for a visa number (unlike traditional family-based visa categories).
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The process is often faster than standard family petitions.
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Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) is not required when applying under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
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You may receive a 10-year, unconditional permanent Green Card upon approval.
At De Maio Immigration Law, we have successfully represented CU7 spouses from Venezuela, Colombia, Spain, and Mexico, ensuring that the marriage and supporting evidence meet USCIS’s standards to avoid delays or denials. Our experience helps simplify the process and improve success outcomes.
Cuban Adjustment Through Marriage vs. Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
While marriage to a U.S. citizen is a common path to permanent residency, the Cuban Adjustment Act (CU6 / CU7) offers significant advantages:
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No requirement to enter the United States with a visa (parole qualifies);
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No need to maintain lawful immigration status at the time of filing;
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No Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) required;
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Immediate eligibility for a 10-year permanent Green Card (not conditional);
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Often faster processing in USCIS offices experienced with CAA cases;
Derivative benefits available for non-Cuban spouses and children.
In many situations, the Cuban Adjustment Act provides a simpler, more flexible, and more efficient path to lawful permanent residency.
Cuban Parole and Entry Requirements (Form I-94)
Most cases under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) begin with an I-94 record demonstrating lawful admission or parole.
Our firm assists you in:
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Verifying your I-94 status and entry record;
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Correcting errors or inconsistencies in your immigration record;
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Evaluating available options if proof of entry is missing.
If you entered without inspection, we carefully assess potential solutions — including humanitarian parole or applicable waivers — to determine whether you may still qualify under the law.
FAQs: Technical Immigration Clarifications
What specific document satisfies the "inspected and admitted, or paroled" requirement for a CU6 case?
The most common proof is an I-94 arrival record showing a humanitarian parole stamp, a valid nonimmigrant visa entry, or specific documentation under the Cuban Medical Professional Parole (CMPP) program. If your original entry record contains administrative errors, our Cuban Adjustment Act legal team routinely petitions for official corrections to establish your immediate eligibility.
Can a non-Cuban spouse apply for a CU7 Green Card if the Cuban spouse adjusted status through employment instead of the CAA?
No. To qualify for a CU7 adjustment of status, your spouse must have obtained their lawful permanent residence specifically under the cuban adjustment act (the CU6 category). If they obtained residency through another method, you must pursue traditional family-based immigration pathways instead.
Why should I choose De Maio Law, PLLC instead of a general immigration service provider?
Unlike generic agencies or multi-practice firms, we specialize deeply in South Florida humanitarian paths. Because our team features Cuban-born professionals, we do not just understand the cuban adjustment act text-we understand the precise local USCIS field office trends, preventing standard filing errors and accelerating your path to approval.
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Work Authorization and Travel Permission
While your application under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) is pending, you may apply for:
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Employment Authorization (Form I-765)
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Advance Parole (Form I-131)
Our firm ensures these applications are properly prepared and filed so you can maintain employment eligibility and protect your ability to travel while your adjustment of status remains pending.
USCIS Interview Preparation
After obtaining lawful permanent residence under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA), you may become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years as a permanent resident, provided all statutory requirements are met.
Our firm continues to support our Cuban clients throughout the naturalization process — from eligibility review and application preparation to interview preparation and final approval.
FAQs: Work, Travel, and Citizenship
Can I legally work and travel outside the U.S. while my Cuban Adjustment Act application is pending?
Yes, but you must secure specific federal permits first. While your green card application is being processed, you can concurrently file for an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765) to maintain legal employment eligibility. Additionally, you can request Advance Parole (Form I-131) to protect your ability to travel internationally. Traveling abroad without an approved Advance Parole document will result in the immediate abandonment of your residency case.
How long after getting my Green Card under the CAA can I apply for U.S. citizenship?
You generally become eligible to apply for naturalization and obtain your U.S. citizenship five years after becoming a lawful permanent resident. A major advantage of the cuban adjustment act is the "rollback" provision: when your Green Card is approved, USCIS often backdates your date of permanent residence by up to 30 months (or to your date of legal entry), which significantly shortens your actual waiting period to apply for citizenship.
How does De Maio Law, PLLC support clients after their initial permanent residency is filed?
Our legal advocacy does not end when we mail your initial application packet. We guide you seamlessly through the entire transition-from building your work permit file and preparing you extensively for the USCIS interview, to managing the final naturalization process years later. Our firm remains your dedicated partner until you safely hold your U.S. passport.
Path to U.S. Citizenship
After obtaining lawful permanent residence under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA), you may become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years as a permanent resident, provided all statutory requirements are met.
Our firm continues to support our Cuban clients throughout the naturalization process — from eligibility review and application preparation to interview preparation and final approval.
Choose Experienced Attorneys at Maio Immigration Law
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A team of Cuban-born professionals who speak your language and understand your culture;
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Extensive experience handling CU6 and CU7 cases nationwide;
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Decades of combined experience in family and humanitarian immigration;
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Direct communication with the attorney;
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A fully bilingual team (English/Spanish);
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Convenient office in Coral Gables, Florida, serving clients throughout the U.S.
Call us at (786) 232-9120 or contact us via WhatsApp at (786) 440-1672