FAQ Advance Parole
Advance Parole, I-131, Application for Travel Document
FREQUENTLY ASKED KNOWLEDGE BASED QUESTIONS
What is the Advance Parole?
The Advance Parole or Travel Document is a document which is used to apply for admission to the U.S upon return from abroad without getting a visa from a U.S Embassy or Consulate. You must fill Form I-131 for Advance Parole if you have a plan to go abroad. The filing fee is non-refundable. The Advance Parole is normally issued for the time when the adjustment of status application I-485 is pending and it is valid for multiple entries. Once your Advance Parole application is approved, you will get two copies of form I-512. You must carry both the copies when you travel outside the U.S for the first time. One copy will be taken by the USCIS officer at the port of entry. The second copy is for you and should be used during all subsequent trips.
How to obtain Advance Parole?
An intended Immigrant must file Form I-131 Application for Travel Document. Advance Parole is permission to re-enter the U.S after traveling abroad. Advance Parole is an extraordinary measure used sparingly to allow an otherwise inadmissible individual to enter the U.S due to compelling circumstances. By U.S law, certain individuals must apply for a travel document and have Advance Parole approved before leaving the U.S. Attempts to re-enter the U.S without prior authorization may have severe consequences, since individuals requiring Advance Parole may be unable to return to the U.S, and their pending I-485 applications may be denied or administratively closed. Applicants planning travel abroad should plan ahead since applicants can anticipate processing times of about ninety days, depending on the USCIS Service Center.
What is the Refugee Travel Document?
Individuals who have been admitted to the U.S as refugees or granted asylum, including those who are applying for I-485 adjustment of status, do not need to obtain Advance Parole.
Such applicants should apply to Form I-131 Refugee Travel Document and comply with applicable requirements, such as biometric processing, prior to leaving the U.S. Asylees/Asylum applicants, and lawful permanent residents who have obtained such status based on their asylum status are subject to special laws with regard to travel outside the U.S.
Can I travel outside the U.S after the I-485 application?
If you are applying for I-485 adjustment to permanent resident status, you must receive advance permission to return to the U.S if you are traveling outside the U.S without a valid H
or L visa or status. This advance permission is called Advance Parole. you can travel outside with advance parole.
Who needs an Advance Parole?
Aliens who are living in the United States and wish to travel abroad but have an ongoing or pending application, for example , An application for adjustment of status, those who have been admitted as a refugee or have been granted asylum, aliens who have been granted benefits under the Family Unity Program or those who have been granted Temporary Protected Status; or those whom has a pending asylum application , must take Advance parole before travelling abroad.
What are the benefits of Advance Parole?
If you have an approved advance parole, then it enables you to come back to the U.S. after traveling abroad without the necessity of obtaining a visa to enter the U.S. and It preserves your adjustment of status application, which is pending with the USCIS.
Does an H-1B holder who have a pending adjustment of application at USCIS, need to apply for Advance Parole?
No, H-1 B Holder does not require to apply for Advance parole as long as they have maintained valid H-1B status before leaving the US.
Who is not eligible for Advance Parole?
Aliens who are living in the United States are not eligible for Advance Parole if they are In the United States without a valid immigration status or if an exchange alien is subject to the foreign residence requirement or if the alien have a possession of a previously issued re-entry permit or refugee travel document which is still valid.
Does an advance parole guarantee admission into the United States?
No, Advance Parole does not guarantee admission into the United States, even after having an Advance Parole you are still subject to the inspection process at the port of entry.
How long does it take to process an Advance Parole?
It usually takes about two to three months to get an Advance Parole approved .
