Advance Parole: Travel abroad without losing your immigration case
If you have an immigration case in progress (adjustment of status, DACA, asylum) and need to travel outside the U.S., Advance Parole is the permit that lets you do it and return without losing your case. We help you obtain it correctly and understand the risks.
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What is Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is an official permit immigration grants to people inside the United States with certain pending statuses who need to travel abroad temporarily. Without it, leaving the country in many cases means abandoning the immigration case in progress and not being able to re-enter. Advance Parole is a physical document (similar to a visa) that you present upon return along with your passport. It identifies you as someone authorized to re-enter by immigration.
Who needs it?
You generally need Advance Parole if you are in any of these situations:
When you do NOT need it: If you are already a permanent resident, your green card lets you travel (be careful with prolonged absences). U.S. citizens do not need any permit to travel.
How the process works
Confirm eligibility
We verify your underlying case, your immigration history and any travel risks.
File Form I-131
We file the application with evidence of the underlying case, photo, ID and fee payment.
Biometrics (if applicable)
In some cases you are called for fingerprints; in others (when already on file) it is not required.
Receive the document
If approved, the Advance Parole document is mailed to you. Generally valid 1 to 2 years.
Travel and return carefully
You leave with the document. Upon return, present it with your passport. The officer reviews and, under normal conditions, admits you and returns the document stamped.
How long does the process take?
- Normal processing: 5 to 10 months.
- Expedited processing in emergencies: can be weeks if urgency documentation is solid.
- Validity of the approved document: generally 1 to 2 years.
How much does representation cost?
After evaluating your circumstances, we will explain the recommended legal strategy, total fees, and available payment-plan options. If Advance Parole is filed together with adjustment of status or DACA renewal, it is generally included within the comprehensive plan of the main case.
⚠ Advance Parole is not a guarantee of re-entry
Even with the approved document, the officer at the airport on your return decides whether to admit you. If you have a criminal record, certain inadmissibilities, or the officer decides on secondary inspection, complications may arise. Talk to us before traveling if you have any risk factor. Urgent cases (Expedited Advance Parole): In genuine emergencies (serious illness or death of an immediate relative abroad, other humanitarian urgency), expedited processing can be requested. It requires specific documentation and is not automatically approved.
Frequently asked questions
Need to travel while waiting for your case?
Evaluate your case in a free, confidential consultation. We tell you if you qualify, what evidence you need and the risks before traveling.
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