Advance Parole: How to Travel Without Losing Your Immigration Status

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
— Benjamin Franklin

If you’re living in the U.S. under DACA, asylum, TPS, or another pending status, traveling outside the country without permission can put your immigration case at risk. That’s why Advance Parole exists: a travel document that allows you to temporarily leave the U.S. and return legally without abandoning your case.

What Is Advance Parole?

Advance Parole is issued by USCIS and gives you permission to re-enter the U.S. after international travel. It’s not a visa or green card; it’s a conditional travel document, and re-entry is not guaranteed. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) makes the final decision at the border.

Who Can Apply?

You may qualify if you have:

• DACA

• TPS

• A pending asylum or green card application

Valid reasons for travel include:

• Humanitarian (e.g., visiting a sick family member)

• Educational (e.g., school trip or research)

• Work-related (e.g., conferences or assignments abroad)

What’s the Process?

Apply using Form I-131, include your reason for travel, and attach documents to support your case (like a medical letter or invitation). USCIS may take several weeks or months to process it, so apply early.

Important: Never travel without approval. Leaving the U.S. without Advance Parole can lead to denied re-entry and possible loss of your case.

Final Tip: Talk to a Legal Expert

Advance Parole can unlock travel opportunities and in some cases, help with future immigration steps. But every case is different.

Travel smart. Talk to a legal expert before you leave the U.S.

Contact us at 1- 833- MGARCIA or go directly to https://garcialegalteampllc.com/