Advance Parole

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

1. What is a travel document and who needs one?

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need permission to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad. This permission is granted through a travel document. Travel documents are also given to foreign nationals who want to travel, but cannot get a passport from their country of nationality.

2. What is Advance Parole?

Advance Parole is permission for certain foreign nationals, who do not have a valid immigrant visa, to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad. Such foreign nationals must be approved for Advance Parole before leaving the U.S. If you have not obtained Advance Parole prior to traveling abroad, you will not be permitted to re-enter the U.S. upon your return.

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Check My Eligibility

3. Who needs Advance Parole?

As a foreign national in the U.S., you should, prior to departure, obtain Advance Parole if you have:

  1. Filed an Adjustment of Status application but have not received a decision from the USCIS
  2. Hold refugee or asylee status and intend to depart temporarily to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa in Canada and/or
  3. An emergent personal or bona fide reason to travel temporarily abroad

4. How do I file for Advance Parole?

You must file Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document, complete with supporting documentation, photos and applicable fees with the USCIS.

5. What are the documents required to file for Advance Parole?

The documents required for Advance Parole are:

  1. A copy of any document issued to you by the Service showing present status in the U.S.
  2. If you are basing your eligibility for Advance Parole on a separate application for Adjustment of Status or asylum, you must also attach a copy of the filing receipt for that application
  3. If you are traveling to Canada to apply for an immigrant visa, you must also attach a copy of the consular appointment