🛂 What Is Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is a special reentry document that allows certain non-citizens—particularly those with pending adjustment of status—to leave the U.S. temporarily and return legally without abandoning their green card application.
It is not a visa but a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
✅ Who Needs Advance Parole?
You should apply for Advance Parole if:
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You are applying for a green card from within the U.S. (Form I-485 is pending).
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You are in Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
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You are a DACA recipient.
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You are an asylee or refugee seeking travel for emergencies or humanitarian reasons.
Without it, leaving the U.S. may result in denial of your adjustment of status.
📋 Application Process
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File Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document).
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Include:
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Copy of photo ID (e.g., passport, EAD).
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Copy of I-485 receipt (if applicable).
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Passport-sized photos.
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Fee or fee waiver request (if eligible).
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Processing time typically ranges from 3 to 6 months.
⚠️ Important Considerations
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Do not leave the U.S. before your Advance Parole is approved. Doing so may void your green card application.
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Advance Parole is usually valid for one year and may allow multiple entries, depending on your approval.
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Emergency Advance Parole can be requested at your local USCIS office for urgent humanitarian reasons (such as a family member’s illness or funeral abroad).
✈️ Travel with Caution
Even with Advance Parole, admission upon return is not guaranteed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) still has the authority to deny entry based on inadmissibility issues (e.g., criminal records, immigration violations).
Advance Parole is more than a travel pass—it’s a lifeline for immigrants with pending legal status. Before booking your flight, get experienced legal support to avoid costly mistakes.