What is advance parole and who needs it?

Advance parole is travel authorization for individuals who cannot obtain a visa to re-enter the U.S. It's typically needed by adjustment of status applicants, DACA recipients, and TPS beneficiaries who want to travel abroad and return.

How long does advance parole processing take?

Form I-131 advance parole applications typically take 8-15 months to process. Premium processing is not available for advance parole. Plan travel well in advance of any urgent circumstances.

Can I travel while my advance parole application is pending?

No, you cannot travel while your advance parole application is pending. Leaving the U.S. before approval will result in abandonment of your application and may affect your underlying immigration case.

What is the filing fee for Form I-131?

The Form I-131 filing fee is $575, plus an $85 biometrics fee if required. Fee waivers are available for qualifying applicants who demonstrate financial hardship.

What happens if I'm denied advance parole?

If denied, you cannot travel abroad without risking abandonment of your underlying immigration application. You may file a motion to reopen or reconsider, or consult with an attorney about alternatives like consular processing.

Advance Parole - Travel Documents for Pending Cases

Advance Parole Overview

What is Advance Parole?

Advance parole is a travel document that allows individuals with pending immigration applications to travel internationally and return to the United States while maintaining their pending immigration benefits.

Key Purpose

Prevents abandonment of pending applications (like I-485 adjustment of status) that would otherwise occur if the applicant departs the U.S. without proper authorization during processing.

Eligible Categories

Who Can Apply for Advance Parole

Pending adjustment of status (Form I-485) applicants
Certain DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients
TPS (Temporary Protected Status) beneficiaries
Individuals with pending asylum applications (limited circumstances)
Beneficiaries of approved family or employment petitions awaiting visa availability
Individuals seeking parole for humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons

Acceptable Purposes for Travel

Qualifying Travel Purposes

Humanitarian reasons - serious illness, death of family member, medical treatment
Educational purposes - study abroad programs, research, academic conferences
Employment purposes - business meetings, conferences, temporary assignments
Significant public benefit - cultural exchanges, government missions, public service

Application Process

Advance Parole Application Steps

Determine Eligibility

Confirm current immigration status and verify qualifying circumstances for advance parole travel document request.

Prepare Documentation

Gather supporting evidence demonstrating urgent humanitarian need, educational purpose, employment requirement, or significant public benefit.

File Form I-131

Submit Form I-131 Application for Travel Document with appropriate filing fee, supporting evidence, and required photographs.

Biometrics Appointment

Attend biometrics services appointment if required for background check processing and document security features.

Receive Decision

USCIS issues approved advance parole document or denial notice. Emergency requests may be processed at local USCIS offices.

Required Documentation

Application Requirements

Form I-131 Application for Travel Document
Copy of current immigration documents (I-485 receipt, EAD, etc.)
Evidence supporting purpose of travel (medical records, death certificate, etc.)
Proof of urgent circumstances or timeline requirements
Two passport-style photographs meeting USCIS specifications
Filing fee or fee waiver request documentation
Copy of government-issued identification

Travel Risks and Considerations

Important Travel Risks

No guarantee of admission upon return to United States
CBP inspection required at port of entry with standard admissibility review
Underlying immigration violations may be discovered during inspection
Travel to certain countries may affect future immigration benefits
Document may be revoked if circumstances change significantly

Critical Warning

Advance parole does NOT guarantee reentry to the United States. Travelers remain subject to inspection by CBP and must demonstrate admissibility. Consult immigration attorney before any international travel, especially for individuals with prior immigration violations.

Reentry Requirements and Process

Returning to the United States

Valid advance parole document must be presented to CBP
Must return before document expiration date
Subject to inspection and standard admissibility requirements
Must maintain eligibility for underlying immigration benefit
Additional documentation may be requested by CBP officer

Emergency Processing

Emergency Advance Parole Procedures

Contact nearest USCIS office for emergency appointment if time-critical
Provide evidence of emergency (death certificate, medical records, etc.)
Emergency processing typically limited to genuine humanitarian crises
May require in-person appearance and additional documentation
Processing time may be expedited but approval not guaranteed

DACA and Advance Parole

Special Considerations for DACA Recipients

DACA recipients may apply for advance parole for educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes
Travel must be for purposes that USCIS deems important public benefit
Prior consultation with immigration attorney strongly recommended
Risk assessment necessary due to potential DACA program changes
Return to U.S. typically restores DACA status if properly maintained

Processing Times and Fees

Standard Processing

Form I-131 processing typically takes 8-15 months. Premium processing is not available for advance parole applications. Plan travel well in advance of any urgent circumstances.

Current Fees

Form I-131 filing fee: $575. Biometrics fee: $85 (if required). Total cost varies based on specific circumstances. Fee waivers available for qualifying applicants demonstrating financial hardship.

Common Scenarios and Outcomes

Scenario	Risk Level	Typical Outcome	Recommendations
I-485 pending, no violations	Low	Routine reentry	Generally safe
DACA recipient	Medium	Usually successful	Legal consultation advised
Prior overstay/violations	High	Potential denial	Attorney essential
TPS beneficiary	Low	Generally approved	Maintain TPS status

Alternatives to Advance Parole

Consular Processing

For family-based cases, consider consular processing as alternative to adjustment of status, especially if extended travel needed or unlawful presence concerns exist.

Combination EAD/AP

Many adjustment applicants receive combined Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with advance parole travel authorization on single card, providing both work and travel benefits.

Valid Visa Status

Individuals maintaining valid H-1B, L-1, or other status may travel and return using existing visa without advance parole, preserving both statuses simultaneously.

Post-Travel Considerations

After Successful Return

Upon successful reentry, underlying immigration benefits typically continue processing normally. However, notify USCIS of any address changes, maintain required status conditions, and respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence or interviews.

Additional Resources

USCIS Travel Documents Information

Official USCIS guidance on advance parole and other travel documents

Visit USCIS

CBP Advance Parole Guidance

Customs and Border Protection information on reentry procedures

Visit CBP