Form I-131: Advance Parole — Travel Authorization for Immigrants

Travel Abroad and Return Safely While Your Immigration Case Is Pending

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, is the official form used to request Advance Parole, a special travel permit that allows certain immigrants and nonimmigrants to leave the United States temporarily and return legally — without abandoning their pending immigration applications.

Advance Parole is critical for many people with pending green card applications or certain humanitarian statuses. Traveling abroad without it could result in denial of your pending application or even bar you from re-entering the United States.

✅ Who Needs Advance Parole?

You should apply for Advance Parole if you:

✅ Have a pending Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) application and want to travel abroad while waiting for your green card.
✅ Are a DACA recipient or other humanitarian status holder needing special permission to travel.
✅ Are in the U.S. with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and wish to travel abroad.
✅ Need to travel for urgent humanitarian reasons, work purposes, or educational opportunities and do not have another valid re-entry document.

✅ Why Is Advance Parole Important?

Without Advance Parole, USCIS may consider your green card or other benefit application abandoned if you leave the country while it’s pending. Advance Parole protects your immigration process while giving you the freedom to:

✅ Visit family abroad in urgent situations.
✅ Attend educational or business trips.
✅ Handle emergencies or humanitarian needs.
✅ Return to the United States lawfully without jeopardizing your immigration status.

✅ How the Advance Parole Process Works

📌 Step 1 — Confirm Eligibility:
Check that your current status allows you to apply for Advance Parole (e.g., Adjustment of Status applicant, DACA recipient, TPS holder).

📌 Step 2 — File Form I-131:
Complete and submit Form I-131 with supporting documents. Required evidence often includes proof of your pending application (like your I-485 receipt notice) and documents showing your reason for travel.

📌 Step 3 — Wait for USCIS Approval:
USCIS will process your I-131 and issue an Advance Parole travel document if approved. Some applicants receive a combo card that serves as both a work permit (EAD) and Advance Parole.

📌 Step 4 — Travel Abroad:
Carry your Advance Parole document when you depart and return to the U.S. Present it to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when re-entering the country.

✅ Key Requirements

✅ You must have a valid basis to request Advance Parole.
✅ You cannot leave the U.S. until your Advance Parole is approved (except in very limited emergency situations).
✅ You must provide a clear reason for travel — such as a family emergency, job requirement, or humanitarian need.

✅ Who Should NOT Travel Without It?

Adjustment of Status applicants should never travel abroad without an approved Advance Parole — doing so usually means your green card case will be automatically abandoned.

Exceptions: Some nonimmigrants with valid dual-intent visas (like H-1B or L-1) may travel on their visa instead of Advance Parole — but it’s always best to consult a legal expert first.

✅ How USCIS Expert Helps

Advance Parole is vital but often misunderstood. Filing incorrectly or traveling too soon can jeopardize your immigration journey. At USCIS Expert, we help you:

✅ Determine if Advance Parole is right for you.
✅ Prepare and submit Form I-131 correctly and completely.
✅ Gather strong evidence to support your application.
✅ Track your application and update you on approval status.
✅ Advise you on travel timing and risks so you stay protected.

Travel Safely — Protect Your Future

Advance Parole gives you the freedom to travel when life calls — without sacrificing your green card or lawful status in the United States. Let USCIS Expert guide you through the process and keep your case on track.

Contact us today to find out how to apply for Advance Parole — and travel with confidence, security, and peace of mind.