You never know what kind of emergency can require your presence outside the US. Sometimes a family member, a house emergency, a financial requirement, or any other reason can arise unexpectedly. You cannot have control over these situations. However, what you have control over is protecting your application status in the US.
Many people don’t know this but if you travel outside the United States while your adjustment of status, Temporary Protected Status, or Asylum application is pending, you risk the application. Moreover, you can also be denied entry when you come back.
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Apply TodayWhat is Advance Parole?
Advance parole is an official document that permits the applicant to leave the country and come back without jeopardizing their application status in the US. Green card applicants with pending Adjustment of Status, individuals with pending Asylum applications, or TSP holders need to apply for Advance Parole before leaving the US. If you have an application pending and leave the US without informing the authorities by obtaining this travel document, your application might get rejected and you might not gain entry back into the country.
Advance Parole – Important Information
Eligibility
- As illustrated already, you need to have any of the aforementioned pending applications in the US.
- To get approval on the application, you need to have documented proof for the reason for travel. Documented proof can be a hospital enrolment slip, family emergency evidence, proof of humanitarian cause, or any such evidence.
- Additionally, you should also demonstrate strong ties to the US. This is to ensure that you will come back.
Documentation for Advance Parole
- Copy of passport
- Copy of Green card application or approved Form I-130 or Form I-140. Copy of Asylum application or relevant application that is pending.
- Documented evidence for the purpose of travelling.
- Additional documents pertaining to the specific case.
Form I-131 Filing Fee
For most cases, the filing fee for the Form I-131 is $580 for online submissions and $630 for paper submissions. A few applicant categories might be eligible for a fee waiver. You can visit the official USCIS site or contact the team at Documitra to know more.
How to Apply for Advance Parole
| Step No. | Step Name | What You Need to Do | Key Details |
| 1 | Check Eligibility | Confirm you qualify for Advance Parole | Common for pending Green Card (Form I-485), DACA, or certain immigration cases |
| 2 | Complete Form I-131 | Fill out the Application for Travel Document | Download from USCIS website and complete accurately |
| 3 | Gather Supporting Documents | Prepare required documents | Include passport copy, immigration status proof, photos, and receipt notices |
| 4 | Write Cover Letter (Optional but Recommended) | Explain your reason for travel | Clearly mention urgent humanitarian or educational/work reasons |
| 5 | Pay Filing Fee | Submit required USCIS fee | Fee depends on category (check latest USCIS updates) |
| 6 | Submit Application | Send Form I-131 package to USCIS | Use correct USCIS mailing address based on eligibility category |
| 7 | Attend Biometrics Appointment | Provide fingerprints & photo if required | USCIS will schedule if needed |
| 8 | Wait for Processing | Track your case status online | Processing time may vary from a few weeks to months |
| 9 | Receive Advance Parole Document | Get approved travel document | Carry it when traveling outside the U.S. |
Follow the procedure given below to get an advance parole form:
- First of all, see if you need an advance parole before traveling abroad.
- Then compile the necessary documents.
- File the Form I-131, that is the Application for Travel documents, Advance Parole, and Arrival Departure Records. Submit the required documentation along with the form. You can file the form online on the USCIS website or visit the local USCIS centre.
- If you need an Emergency Advance Parole, it is recommended that you visit a USCIS centre along with the supporting documents. However, you will have to demonstrate the emergency and the need for your presence with documented proof.
Advance Parole Processing Time
The average time to get Form 131 Application for travel document approval varies from case to case. On average, it can take around 3 to 6 months for advance parole approval. Therefore, it is wise to apply for advance parole as soon as the need to travel arises.
Following are some of the factors which influence the process of processing an advance parole application:
- Authenticity of the supporting documents,
- Backlog at the USCIS office,
- Destination country, etc.
Practical Tips to Apply for Advance Parole
- Apply as soon as the need to travel arises. Whether it is a family emergency or other requirement, you should apply early to avoid any delays and complications later.
- It is recommended that you travel after you get the Advance parole travel document.
- If you need an emergency advance parole, then you should visit the local USCIS centre with completed form and strong supporting documents. This includes carrying documented proof of emergency and the requirement for your presence. Emergency advance parole has significantly lower processing time but approval is entirely dependent on the authorities.
- When in an emergency it becomes pertinent that you save time and effort. That is why you should take assistance from professionals like Documitra who know the application processes inside out.
How Documitra Can Help
Documitra has a professional team that has helped thousands of applicants with complex documentation, consular and immigration services. We pride ourselves for having a high approval rate and low processing time for our clients. So, when you have an emergency, choose to take assistance from professionals who save you time and efforts.
FAQs
Q. Who needs to apply for advance parole before leaving the US?
Individuals who have pending adjustment of status application, asylum application, or temporary protected status in the US are required to apply for advance parole before leaving the US.
Q. What are the benefits of applying for Advance Parole?
Advance parole is a travel document allowing individuals with certain pending applications in the US to travel outside the country. This document is to demonstrate that you recognize the pending application and will return to the US while it is being processed. It can also help you gain re-entry into the country.
Q. Can I track the progress of the Form I-131 online?
Yes, you can track the progress of the Form I-131 online. You can use the receipt number to track the application.