You submitted your green card application months ago, and everything seems to be progressing smoothly. Then you get news that your grandmother is ill overseas, or your sister is getting married back home. You need to travel, but there’s a problem.
Leaving the United States without the right authorization could mean abandoning your entire application. Years of waiting could disappear because of one trip.
This is where advance parole becomes critical. It’s a travel authorization that protects your pending immigration application while you’re abroad. In this guide, we’ll cover who needs it, how to apply, what the timeline looks like, and mistakes you absolutely need to avoid.
What Is Advance Parole and Who Needs It?
Advance parole is official permission from USCIS that lets you leave the United States and return while your immigration application is pending. Without it, traveling abroad can automatically terminate your case.
Who needs this authorization? Primarily, people with pending green card applications who filed Form I-485. DACA recipients need it to travel internationally. TPS holders require it for trips outside the country. People with pending asylum or refugee applications need it too.
Here’s what happens without advance parole. USCIS considers your application abandoned the moment you leave. It doesn’t matter if you had a valid reason. It doesn’t matter if you planned to return. Your case ends.
There’s one major exception. If you hold H-1B or L-1 visa status, you can travel without advance parole. Your valid visa lets you return, but if you’re adjusting status without maintaining those specific visas, you need advance parole before any international travel.
How to Apply for Advance Parole
The application process requires completing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This form asks about your pending immigration case, your travel plans, and why you need to leave the country.
You’ll need supporting documents. Include a copy of your pending application receipt notice. Provide two passport-style photos that meet USCIS specifications. Add proof explaining why you need to travel, like a letter from your employer or medical documentation for family emergencies.
The filing fee varies depending on your situation. Check out the current USCIS fee schedule on their official website for the exact amount. Some applicants filing certain forms together may not pay an additional fee.
You can apply for advance parole through your online myUSCIS account or mail a paper application to the appropriate USCIS service center. Many immigration attorneys recommend filing it simultaneously with your initial green card application. This approach saves time and ensures you’re covered if unexpected travel needs arise.
Keep copies of everything you submit. Track your receipt notice. This documentation matters if you need to prove you applied before traveling.
The Process and Timeline for Advance Parole
Understanding the timeline for advance parole helps you plan. Current processing times in 2025 average approximately 6 to 10 months for standard applications. Several factors affect how long the process takes. Your local service center’s workload makes a significant difference.
Some centers move faster than others. The completeness of your application matters enormously. Missing documents or unclear information causes delays that add months. Background checks vary in length depending on your travel history and the countries you’ve visited.
What affects the process for advance parole approval? USCIS reviews your entire immigration history. They verify you don’t have issues that would make granting travel permission inappropriate. They confirm that your pending application remains valid and active.
Here’s the most important rule- Do not travel until you physically receive the approved advance parole document.
Having a pending application isn’t enough. Seeing “approved” online isn’t enough. You must have the actual paper document in hand before you leave the United States.
Emergency situations sometimes require faster processing. USCIS offers expedited handling for urgent humanitarian reasons. Serious medical emergencies involving immediate family members qualify. You’ll need strong documentation to prove that the emergency is real and time sensitive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants make the same critical errors. Traveling before receiving approval is the biggest one. Your application gets abandoned automatically. There’s no appeal, and there’s no fixing it after the fact.
Submitting incomplete forms causes unnecessary delays. Double-check every field. Make sure your photos meet requirements and include all required supporting documents the first time.
Not disclosing previous travel creates problems. USCIS has records of your entries and exits. Inconsistencies raise red flags that slow everything down.
Applying too late for planned travel is common. If you know you need to travel in eight months, apply now. Processing takes longer than most people expect. Assuming approval is guaranteed sets you up for disappointment. USCIS can deny applications if they find issues with your immigration case or background.
Review everything carefully before submitting. Have someone else, preferably an immigration attorney, check your application if possible. Small mistakes cause big delays.
Emergency Advance Parole When You Need to Travel Urgently
Sometimes emergencies happen suddenly. A parent has a stroke overseas. A sibling dies unexpectedly. These situations require immediate travel, not waiting months for standard processing.
USCIS provides emergency expedited options for true humanitarian crises. Nevertheless, you need strong evidence to prove this. Medical records showing life-threatening conditions. Death certificates for deceased family members. Documentation proving the relationship and why your presence is necessary.
Contact USCIS directly to request an expedition request. You can call their customer service line or request an InfoPass appointment at your local field office if possible. Explain the emergency clearly and provide all supporting evidence immediately.
Emergency advance parole processing moves much faster. In genuine emergencies with proper documentation, USCIS can approve requests in 3 to 7 days. Some field offices may provide same-day approval for applicants who appear in person with compelling evidence. This isn’t guaranteed, but it’s possible when circumstances truly warrant urgent travel.
Travel Safely While Your Case Is Pending
Advance parole protects your immigration application while allowing for necessary international travel. It’s not optional for most people with pending cases. It’s essential protection that prevents losing years of progress because of one trip.
Apply early, ideally when you file your main application. Never travel without the approved document in hand. Keep all documentation organized and accessible. If you’re unsure whether your situation requires an advance parole or if you qualify for emergency processing, get answers before you make travel plans.
Have questions about your specific case? Visit ImmigrationQuestion.com, where you can ask immigration question free and get guidance from licensed immigration attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel while my advance parole application is pending?
No. Traveling before receiving the approved document automatically abandons your pending immigration application. You must wait until USCIS approves and issues the actual document.
What happens if I leave the U.S. without advance parole?
USCIS considers your pending application to be abandoned. This applies to green card applications, asylum cases, and most other pending matters.
Does advance parole guarantee I can re-enter the U.S.?
No. Advance parole authorizes your departure and return, but Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry make the final admissibility decision. Most holders are admitted without issues.
Can I apply for an emergency advance parole for urgent travel?
Yes. USCIS expedites processing for humanitarian emergencies like serious illness or the death of immediate family members. You need strong supporting evidence and must request expedited processing directly from USCIS.
Do I need an advance parole if I have an H-1B or L-1 visa?
Generally, no. Valid H-1B and L-1 visa holders can travel and return using their visa status. However, if you’re adjusting status and your visa has expired, you would need to consult an immigration attorney about your specific situation.
