If you’re waiting for your green card in the U.S. but need to travel abroad, an Advance Parole travel document can help you do so without jeopardizing your application. This essential document lets you leave the U.S. temporarily and return without having to start your green card process over.
What Is Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is permission for people with pending green card applications to travel abroad and return to the U.S. without canceling their application. Without this document, leaving the U.S. while your green card application is pending may result in the abandonment of your case.
It’s a good idea to apply for a travel document when you first submit your green card application. That way, if an emergency arises or you need to travel for work or family, you won’t have to delay your plans.
Why You Need a Travel Document
Advance Parole permits you to re-enter the U.S. while your green card application is still being processed. If you travel without this document, USCIS may consider your application abandoned, which means you could lose your chance of getting a green card. Applying for a travel document ensures you can leave and return to the U.S. safely.
How and When to Apply for Advance Parole
The simplest way to apply for Advance Parole is to include Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) with your initial green card application package. When you do this, there is no additional fee for the travel document.
Here’s what you need to include:
- Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document)
- A copy of your photo ID (like the photo page of your passport)
- Two passport-sized photos
- If your green card application has already been submitted, include:
- A receipt notice showing USCIS received your green card application
- A copy of the full application fee payment
If you’ve already submitted your green card application, you’ll need to pay the $630 fee to file Form I-131.
Travel Permit Processing Time
Processing for Advance Parole takes about 5–24 months, depending on the service center handling your case. You can check the current processing times on the USCIS website.
Travel Document Validity and Renewals
Your Advance Parole travel document is typically valid for one year. If your green card application has not been approved yet and you need to travel after that year, you’ll need to renew your travel document. You can apply for a renewal up to 120 days before your current travel document expires. Make sure to renew early to avoid delays.
To renew, submit Form I-131 with:
- A copy of your current travel document
- Your green card receipt notice
- Two passport-sized photos
If you filed your green card application before April 1, 2024, there’s no additional fee to renew. However, if you filed after that date, the $630 fee applies again.
Emergency Travel
If you need to travel urgently because of a family emergency, you can request an expedited travel document. This is available for situations like the death or sudden illness of a family member. To apply for an emergency travel document:
- Complete Form I-131
- Provide two passport photos
- Show proof of the emergency (e.g., death certificate, medical records)
There’s no additional fee for an emergency travel document.
Planning Your Trip
Once you’ve submitted your travel document application, it may take 3–5 months (or more) to receive your travel permit. You should stay in the U.S. until you get your approved travel document. Once you receive it, you can travel for up to one year, but be sure to return before it expires. Otherwise, you may have trouble re-entering the U.S.
Be mindful of scheduled appointments, like fingerprinting or green card interviews. If you’re unable to attend these appointments while traveling, follow USCIS instructions to reschedule.
Re-Entering the U.S. with a Travel Document
Even with Advance Parole, your re-entry into the U.S. is not guaranteed. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will inspect you when you return, and they have the final say on whether or not to admit you.
If you’ve been in the U.S. without legal status, leaving may trigger a bar from re-entry for 3 to 10 years, depending on your situation. In such cases, it’s advisable to avoid travel until your green card is approved.
Common Questions About Advance Parole
Do I need a travel permit?
If you’re waiting for a green card and need to leave the U.S., you need a travel document to avoid abandoning your application. If you already have a green card and plan to leave for more than a year, you may need a travel document as well.
Does Advance Parole guarantee entry to the U.S.?
No, it does not. The final decision is made by CBP officers when you arrive at the border.
Can I work with Advance Parole?
Advance Parole doesn’t grant permission to work. However, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while your green card application is pending.
What happens if my Advance Parole expires while I’m abroad?
If your travel document expires while you’re outside the U.S., you may face difficulties re-entering. It’s best to return before the document expires.
Can I apply for a work permit later?
Yes, if you don’t apply for a work permit with your green card application, you can apply later as long as your green card application is pending.
In summary, applying for a travel document at the same time as your green card application ensures that you can travel if needed without risking your green card process. It’s a smart choice even if you don’t have immediate travel plans.
