Advance parole is a travel document that allows certain immigrants in the United States to leave the country and return without affecting their immigration status. It is most commonly used by people who are waiting for a green card or who have a pending adjustment of status application.
This document is not the same as a visa. It does not guarantee re-entry into the U.S., but it gives you permission to request re-entry. Without advance parole, leaving the U.S. while waiting for your immigration application to be processed could result in your case being considered abandoned.
Advance parole is important for many immigrants. It allows them to travel for urgent reasons like family emergencies, education, work, or humanitarian purposes. However, getting it is not always quick or easy. How long does it take to get advance parole?
Who Needs Advance Parole?
Advance parole is mainly needed by people who:
Have a pending Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
Hold DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status
Are asylum applicants
Have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Are under humanitarian programs like humanitarian parole
If you are not a green card holder or U.S. citizen and you plan to travel abroad while your status is pending, it is safest to apply for advance parole.
Why Is Advance Parole Important?
Traveling without advance parole can have serious consequences. If you leave the U.S. without it while waiting for a decision on your application, you may not be allowed back in. In some cases, your entire application could be denied because USCIS may see your travel as a sign that you abandoned your application.
Advance parole protects you from this risk. It shows immigration officers that you were given permission to leave temporarily and return to continue your application process.
How Do You Apply for Advance Parole?
To apply for advance parole, you need to fill out Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This form is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Along with the form, you need to submit:
A copy of a government-issued ID (such as a passport)
Two passport-style photos
A copy of your current immigration document (like your I-485 receipt notice)
A statement explaining your reason for travel
Evidence supporting your reason for travel (such as medical records, letters from schools, or work-related documents)
Filing fee (if applicable, though it’s often waived when filed with I-485)
You can file Form I-131 online or by mail. Make sure to follow the instructions for your specific case type, as USCIS may have different addresses and requirements depending on your immigration category.
How Long Does It Take to Get Advance Parole?
The processing time for advance parole can vary. On average, it takes between 3 to 6 months to get approved. However, some people may get it faster, while others might have to wait longer.
Factors That Affect the Processing Time
Several things can affect how long your advance parole application takes:
USCIS Workload: If USCIS has a high number of applications, processing times may be longer.
Completeness of Your Application: Missing documents or errors in your application can lead to delays.
Your Immigration Status: Certain categories, like DACA or humanitarian parole, may have different processing speeds.
Travel Urgency: If you apply for expedited processing due to an emergency, your application might be handled faster.
Filing Together with Other Forms: If you filed Form I-131 together with Form I-485, USCIS may issue your advance parole document at the same time as your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as the work permit.
Combo Card
If you applied for a green card and filed Form I-131 and Form I-765 (work permit) together, you might receive what is called a “combo card.” This is a single card that works as both your work permit and advance parole document. It usually arrives faster than filing Form I-131 separately.
Getting a combo card typically takes around 3 to 5 months, depending on the service center. It can be a more efficient way to get both permissions at once.
Can You Speed Up the Process?
Yes, in some cases, you can ask USCIS to expedite your application. You must have a strong reason to request faster processing. Some acceptable reasons include:
A serious medical emergency involving a close family member
Urgent business travel
Educational reasons
Humanitarian concerns
To request expedited processing, you can call the USCIS Contact Center after you receive your receipt notice. You may also submit a written request with supporting documents. USCIS reviews these requests case by case, so approval is not guaranteed.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once USCIS receives your Form I-131, they will send you a receipt notice. This notice includes your case number, which you can use to track your case status online.
You may also get a biometric appointment notice. This means USCIS wants you to visit an application support center (ASC) to give your fingerprints and have your photo taken. Not everyone has to attend a biometric appointment for advance parole, but if you get a notice, you must attend.
After that, USCIS will review your application. If everything is complete and you meet the requirements, they will issue you an advance parole document. This can come as a separate paper document or as part of a combo card, depending on how you applied.
Can You Travel While Waiting?
It is not safe to travel outside the U.S. while your advance parole application is still pending. If you leave the country before receiving your approved document, your application may be denied automatically.
You must wait until you have the physical advance parole document in your hand before leaving. This is the only way to avoid problems at the border or with your pending application.
What If You Have an Emergency?
If you have a medical or family emergency and need to leave the U.S. immediately, you can visit your local USCIS office and request emergency advance parole.
To do this, you should:
Make an InfoPass appointment (if available)
Bring a completed Form I-131
Bring all supporting evidence (like hospital letters or death certificates)
Show proof of your immigration status
Bring identification
If USCIS approves your emergency request, they may issue the travel document the same day. This is only for real emergencies and is not guaranteed.
What Happens at the Airport?
When you return to the U.S. with advance parole, you must present your document to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. They will review it and decide if you can re-enter the country.
Advance parole does not guarantee entry. However, if your documents are in order and there are no other immigration issues, most people with advance parole are allowed back in.
Always carry all your paperwork when traveling, including:
Your passport
Your advance parole document or combo card
Copies of your immigration applications
Any other important records
It’s best to keep these documents in your carry-on bag for easy access.
How Long Is Advance Parole Valid?
Advance parole is usually valid for one year from the date it is issued. You must return to the U.S. before the expiration date. If you plan to travel again after the document expires, you will need to reapply.
Some advance parole documents are valid for multiple entries, while others are valid for only one trip. Read your document carefully to understand what kind you have.
What If Your Application Is Denied?
If USCIS denies your application for advance parole, they will send you a notice explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include:
Missing documents
Incomplete application
Travel history that triggers inadmissibility
Lack of urgent need to travel
If your request is denied, you cannot appeal. However, you can reapply if you fix the problems that caused the denial.
What Should You Keep in Mind?
Here are a few important things to remember about advance parole:
Never travel without an approved advance parole document
Check expiration dates before your trip
Avoid long trips that could be seen as abandoning your U.S. residency
Contact an immigration attorney if you have legal complications
Don’t ignore biometric appointment notices
Don’t assume your application is approved just because others got theirs fast
Each case is different, and processing times can vary. Patience and preparation are important.
Conclusion
Advance parole is a helpful travel document for immigrants who need to leave the United States while waiting for their green card or other immigration applications. While the process can take 3 to 6 months, planning ahead and filing the right paperwork can make it smoother.
It’s always wise to avoid unnecessary travel during your application process unless it’s urgent. If you must leave the country, make sure you do everything correctly to avoid delays, denials, or complications.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for advance parole or how to apply, talk to an immigration expert or attorney. They can guide you and make sure you stay on the right path to your immigration goals.
Related topics:
- How Long Does It Take to Get Your Residence Card?
- What Do You Need to Move to Australia in 2025?
- What Benefits Do Asylum Seekers Receive in a New Country?
