Advance Parole and Form I-131: A Step-by-Step Guide to Traveling While Awaiting Your Green Card

If you’re living in the United States and waiting for your green card, you might wonder if it’s possible to travel internationally during the process. The answer is yes—if you have a valid travel document, also known as Advance Parole. This guide will explain everything you need to know about applying for Advance Parole, using Form I-131, and ensuring your travel plans don’t jeopardize your green card application.

Can I Travel While Waiting for My Green Card Using Advance Parole?

Yes, you can travel outside the U.S. while your Green Card application (Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) is pending, but only if you have an approved Advance Parole document. This document allows you to re-enter the U.S. after international travel without abandoning your pending Green Card application. Without Advance Parole, leaving the country could be interpreted by USCIS as abandoning your I-485. This would lead to a denial of your Green Card application.

Advance Parole is essentially permission from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to travel abroad and return. It is issued in the form of a physical document, often resembling a card. You must obtain this document before you depart the U.S. If you leave the country without an approved Advance Parole, your pending I-485 application will likely be denied.

Advance Parole is typically granted for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes. Common reasons for travel include visiting sick family members, attending a funeral, or fulfilling work responsibilities. You do not need a specific urgent reason to apply, but the document gives you flexibility.

You apply for Advance Parole by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This form can be filed concurrently with your I-485 application or at a later date. Once approved, the Advance Parole document is usually valid for a specific period, often one year, and allows for multiple entries. Remember, Advance Parole does not guarantee re-entry. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry makes the final decision.

What Is Form I-131 and How Do I Apply for Advance Parole?

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, is the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form used to apply for various travel documents, including Advance Parole. For Green Card applicants, it is the pathway to gaining permission to travel internationally while their I-485 application is pending.

To apply for Advance Parole using Form I-131, you must first ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. The most common scenario is having a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

The application process involves several steps:

1. Download Form I-131: Obtain the latest version of the form from the USCIS website. Do not use outdated forms.
2. Complete the Form Accurately: Fill out all sections completely and truthfully. Pay close attention to Part 2, Application Type, where you will select “1.a. I am applying for a travel document (e.g., advance parole, refugee travel document, re-entry permit).” Then select “1.d. Advance Parole.”
3. Gather Required Documents: This includes passport-style photos, a copy of your government-issued identification, proof of your pending I-485 application (e.g., receipt notice), and any supporting documentation for your travel purpose if you have one.
4. Pay the Filing Fee: Check the current filing fee for Form I-131 on the USCIS website. You can pay by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card using Form G-1450.
5. Mail Your Application: Send your completed Form I-131, supporting documents, and fee to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility. The mailing address depends on whether you are filing alone or concurrently with other forms. Always verify the correct mailing address on the USCIS website.

USCIS will send you a receipt notice after they receive your application. You may also receive a biometrics appointment notice. The Advance Parole document will be mailed to you upon approval.

Is It Safe to Leave the U.S. with Advance Parole While My Green Card Is Pending?

Traveling with an approved Advance Parole document allows you to re-enter the U.S. after international travel without abandoning your pending Green Card application. However, “safe” is a relative term in immigration matters. While Advance Parole generally provides a secure means of travel for most applicants, there are inherent risks.

The primary risk is that Advance Parole does not guarantee re-entry. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry makes the final decision on your admission. If the officer discovers new information that makes you inadmissible to the U.S., they can deny your entry. This new information could include:

• New criminal arrests or convictions: Any legal issues arising after you filed your I-485 could impact your re-entry.
• Discovery of prior undisclosed immigration violations: If CBP uncovers past overstays, illegal entries, or misrepresentations you did not disclose in your Green Card application, you could be denied entry.
• Changes in law or policy: While less common, changes in immigration laws or policies could affect your re-entry.

It is generally not advisable to travel on Advance Parole if you have any unaddressed issues that could render you inadmissible. These include certain criminal records, past deportations, or previous instances of fraud or misrepresentation to immigration authorities. If you have any such concerns, consult an immigration attorney before traveling.

For most individuals with clean immigration records and no new inadmissibility issues, traveling on Advance Parole is a widely accepted and practiced method. Maintain copies of all your immigration documents, including your Advance Parole, and be prepared to answer questions from the CBP officer truthfully and concisely upon re-entry.

How Long Does It Take to Get Advance Parole After Filing Form I-131?

The processing time for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, specifically for Advance Parole, can vary. Processing times are not fixed. They depend on factors like USCIS workload, the specific service center handling your application, and whether you applied concurrently with your Form I-485.

Historically, processing times for Advance Parole, especially when filed concurrently with an I-485, have ranged from 6 to 12 months. However, these are general estimates and current times can be longer or shorter. You can check the current processing times on the USCIS website. Go to the “Check Case Processing Times” page and select Form I-131 and the relevant service center.

Several factors influence the timeline:

• Concurrent Filing: If you file Form I-131 along with your Form I-485, USCIS often processes them together. This can sometimes result in the Advance Parole being approved faster than if filed separately.
• Service Center Workload: USCIS has multiple service centers. The workload at each center fluctuates, affecting processing times.
• Request for Evidence (RFE): If USCIS needs additional information or documents from you, they will send an RFE. Responding to an RFE promptly is important, but it will extend your processing time.
• Biometrics Appointment: Most Advance Parole applications require a biometrics appointment. Scheduling and attending this appointment adds time to the process.

You will receive a receipt notice after filing. Keep this for your records. Once approved, USCIS will mail the physical Advance Parole document to you. Do not plan any international travel until you have the physical document in hand. Leaving the U.S. without it could lead to the abandonment of your pending Green Card application.

What Documents Are Required for Form I-131 Advance Parole Application?

When filing Form I-131 for Advance Parole, you must submit a specific set of documents to USCIS. Providing a complete and accurate application package helps prevent delays or requests for evidence (RFEs).

Here are the essential documents you will need:

• Completed and Signed Form I-131: Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and you have signed the form. An unsigned form will be rejected.
• Filing Fee: The current filing fee for Form I-131. You can find the exact amount on the USCIS website. Include a check, money order, or credit card payment (using Form G-1450).
• Two Passport-Style Photographs: These must be recent, color photographs taken within 30 days of filing. They should meet U.S. passport photo specifications. Write your A-Number on the back of each photo.
• Copy of Government-Issued Photo Identification: This could be a copy of your passport biographic page, driver’s license, or state identification card.
• Copy of the USCIS Receipt Notice for your Pending I-485: This proves you have a pending Green Card application, which is the basis for your Advance Parole request. The receipt number starts with three letters (e.g., LIN, EAC, WAC, SRC) followed by ten numbers.
• Evidence of Pending I-485: While the receipt notice is key, you might include a copy of your filed I-485 form itself for completeness, though it is often not strictly required if you have the receipt.
• Copy of Any Previous Advance Parole Document: If you have previously been issued an Advance Parole document, include a copy.

Optional but often helpful documents:

• Letter Explaining the Reason for Travel: While not always required, a letter detailing the purpose of your travel (e.g., family emergency, business trip) can be included. This is more relevant if you are requesting expedited processing.
• Proof of Urgent Need (for expedited processing): If you are requesting expedited processing due to an emergency, provide evidence such as a doctor’s letter, death certificate, or urgent business travel confirmation.

Always check the latest instructions for Form I-131 on the USCIS website before mailing your application. Instructions can change, and outdated information can lead to rejection or delays.

Will Traveling with Advance Parole Affect My Green Card Application?

Traveling with an approved Advance Parole document generally should not negatively affect your pending Green Card application (Form I-485). The purpose of Advance Parole is specifically to allow applicants to travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. without abandoning their pending adjustment of status application. USCIS provides Advance Parole precisely to prevent the abandonment of the I-485.

When you re-enter the U.S. using Advance Parole, you are paroled into the country. This means you are not formally “admitted” in the same way you would be with a visa. Being paroled preserves your ability to continue with your adjustment of status application.

However, there are specific situations where travel with Advance Parole could indirectly impact your application or your ability to re-enter:

• Inadmissibility Issues: If, upon re-entry, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer discovers information that makes you inadmissible to the U.S. (e.g., a previously undisclosed criminal conviction, a new criminal offense, or evidence of fraud), they can deny your entry. This would prevent you from continuing your I-485 application from within the U.S.
• Overstaying a Prior Visa: While Advance Parole allows re-entry, it does not cure underlying inadmissibility for past immigration violations. If you had significant unlawful presence before filing your I-485 and then leave and re-enter on Advance Parole, you could potentially trigger a 3-year or 10-year bar upon re-entry. This is a complex area of law.
• Abandonment of Other Nonimmigrant Status: When you use Advance Parole to re-enter, your prior nonimmigrant status (e.g., H-1B, F-1) is typically extinguished. You would then be in “parole” status. This means you can no longer rely on your previous visa for work or study. However, your pending I-485 still allows you to remain in the U.S. and work with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

For most applicants with clean records and no significant prior immigration issues, using Advance Parole is a routine process and will not harm their Green Card application. Always keep copies of all your immigration documents and be prepared for questions at the port of entry.

Can DACA or TPS Holders Apply for Advance Parole Using Form I-131?

Yes, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders can apply for Advance Parole using Form I-131. However, the reasons for travel and the implications of travel differ significantly for these groups compared to Green Card applicants.

For DACA Holders: DACA recipients can apply for Advance Parole for specific reasons. USCIS generally grants DACA Advance Parole for:

• Educational purposes: Such as studying abroad, academic research, or attending a conference.
• Employment purposes: Including overseas assignments, client meetings, or training.
• Humanitarian purposes: Such as medical treatment, attending a funeral, or visiting a gravely ill family member. “Recreational” or tourism travel is typically not a valid reason for DACA Advance Parole. When a DACA recipient is paroled back into the U.S. using Advance Parole, this entry counts as a “lawful entry.” This lawful entry can be crucial for DACA recipients who later become eligible to adjust their status to a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) through a qualifying relative. Many DACA recipients entered without inspection. A lawful entry can sometimes “cure” this, making them eligible for adjustment of status if they meet other criteria.

For TPS Holders: TPS holders can also apply for Advance Parole. The reasons for travel are generally broader for TPS holders. Similar to DACA, re-entry on Advance Parole can establish a “lawful entry” for TPS holders who may later become eligible for adjustment of status. This is particularly relevant if their initial entry into the U.S. was without inspection. TPS itself does not provide a path to a Green Card, but Advance Parole can open up adjustment of status possibilities if they have an underlying immigrant visa petition.

For both DACA and TPS holders, it is crucial to consult with an immigration attorney before traveling on Advance Parole. The legal implications, especially regarding future Green Card eligibility, can be complex and depend on individual circumstances. Denials of re-entry, while rare, are possible if new inadmissibility grounds are discovered.

What Happens If My Advance Parole Application Is Denied?

If your Advance Parole application (Form I-131) is denied, it means you do not have permission from USCIS to travel outside the U.S. and return without potentially abandoning your pending Green Card application. A denial means you cannot travel internationally if you want to keep your I-485 alive.

USCIS will send you a written notice explaining the reason for the denial. Common reasons for denial include:

• Incomplete application: You did not fill out all required sections or left out crucial information.
• Missing required documents: You failed to include necessary evidence, such as copies of your ID or I-485 receipt notice.
• Ineligibility: You may not have a pending I-485 application, or your underlying status makes you ineligible for Advance Parole.
• Discretionary denial: USCIS has the discretion to deny Advance Parole. While less common, they can deny it if they believe you pose a risk or for other reasons.
• Fraud or misrepresentation: If USCIS suspects you provided false information, they can deny the application.

If your Advance Parole application is denied, you generally cannot appeal the decision. Your options depend on the reason for denial:

• Re-filing: If the denial was due to an easily correctable error, like an incomplete form or missing documents, you can often re-file a new Form I-131 application with the correct information and all required documents. You will need to pay the filing fee again.
• Addressing underlying issues: If the denial was due to an underlying eligibility issue or a discretionary denial, you might need to address those issues before reapplying. This might require consulting an immigration attorney.

Crucially, if your Advance Parole is denied, do not travel outside the U.S. while your I-485 is pending. Doing so will almost certainly result in the abandonment and denial of your Green Card application. You must wait for an approval or pursue other options to gain travel authorization.

How Do I Fill Out Form I-131 for Advance Parole Step by Step?

Filling out Form I-131 for Advance Parole requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to complete the form accurately:

Part 1: Information About You

• Your Name: Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or passport.
• Mailing Address: Provide your current mailing address where USCIS can send notices.
• Physical Address: If different from mailing, provide your physical address.
• Alien Registration Number (A-Number): Enter your A-number if you have one. This is typically found on previous USCIS notices.
• Social Security Number (SSN): Provide your SSN if you have one.
• Country of Birth and Citizenship: Enter these details.

Part 2: Application Type

• Select “1.a. I am applying for a travel document (e.g., advance parole, refugee travel document, re-entry permit).”
• Then select “1.d. Advance Parole.” This is the key selection for Green Card applicants.
• Check “For an applicant outside the United States who is applying for an Advance Parole Document.” This is almost never the case for I-485 filers.
• Check “If the travel is for emergent reasons…” Only check this if you are requesting expedited processing for an emergency. You will need to provide supporting evidence.

Part 3: Processing Information

• Date of Intended Departure and Length of Stay: Provide estimated dates.
• Reason for Travel: Briefly explain your reason for needing Advance Parole (e.g., “personal/family reasons,” “work assignment”).
• Intended Destination(s): List the countries you plan to visit.

Part 4: Information About Your Application for Adjustment of Status

• Check “Yes” to “Are you applying for adjustment of status?”
• Date your I-485 was filed and where it was filed: Provide the date you submitted your I-485 and the USCIS service center (e.g., “Nebraska Service Center”).
• I-485 Receipt Number: Enter the receipt number from your I-485 filing notice.

Part 5: Signature and Other Parts

• Signature of Applicant: Sign and date the form. An unsigned form will be rejected.
• Contact Information: Provide your phone number and email.
• Interpreter/Preparer: If someone helped you prepare the form, they must complete and sign their respective sections.

Required Documents Checklist:

• Completed and signed Form I-131
• Filing fee (check USCIS website for current amount)
• Two passport-style photos
• Copy of government-issued photo ID
• Copy of your I-485 receipt notice
• Copy of any previous Advance Parole document (if applicable)

Always review the latest Form I-131 instructions on the USCIS website before submitting. They often contain specific details and updates.

What Are the Risks of Traveling on Advance Parole in 2025?

Traveling on Advance Parole in 2025, while generally safe for most applicants, carries inherent risks that you should understand. These risks are largely consistent with previous years, but an awareness of current immigration climate and policies is always prudent.

1. Discretionary Denial of Re-entry: The primary risk remains that Advance Parole does not guarantee re-entry. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry has the authority to deny your admission. This denial can occur if they find you inadmissible under U.S. immigration law. This could be due to: * New Inadmissibility Grounds: Any criminal activity, misrepresentation, or other disqualifying actions that occurred or were discovered since your I-485 filing. * Undisclosed Prior Issues: If CBP uncovers past immigration violations (e.g., illegal entries, fraud) that were not disclosed or addressed in your Green Card application. * Changes in Presidential Proclamations or Travel Bans: While less likely to affect parolees directly, broader policy shifts can sometimes impact entry procedures.

2. Abandonment of Nonimmigrant Status: When you re-enter on Advance Parole, you are paroled into the U.S. This typically extinguishes any prior nonimmigrant status you held (e.g., H-1B, F-1). While your I-485 remains pending, you lose the ability to maintain that specific visa status. If your I-485 is later denied, you might not revert to your previous status. You would be in parole status, which can have different implications for future options.

3. Delays and Interrogations at Port of Entry: While many re-entries on Advance Parole are smooth, some individuals may face secondary inspections or more in-depth questioning from CBP officers. This can lead to delays and potential stress. Always carry all your relevant immigration documents and be prepared to answer questions truthfully.

4. Potential for Lengthy Processing Times for Advance Parole Itself: If you do not have Advance Parole yet, waiting for its approval can be lengthy. Do not travel until you have the physical document. Unforeseen urgent travel needs may arise while you are still waiting.

Always consult an immigration attorney before making international travel plans if you have any concerns about your eligibility, past immigration history, or potential inadmissibility issues. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and help you assess the risks.