Immigrants applying for a travel permit, or Advance Parole, must submit a completed Form I-131, a copy of their current immigration status document, and a valid government-issued photo ID. Supporting documents such as a copy of the receipt notice for a pending adjustment of status application or evidence of the reason for travel may also be required. Proof of pending or approved status adjustment ensures the applicant's eligibility to re-enter the United States after travel abroad.
What Documents Does an Immigrant Need for a Travel Permit (Advance Parole)?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Form I-131 Receipt Notice | Immigrants applying for a travel permit (Advance Parole) must include the Form I-131 Receipt Notice as proof of application submission to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This document serves as a critical acknowledgment, allowing applicants to track their case status and confirm eligibility for re-entry into the United States. |
| 2 | DACA Advance Parole Evidence | Immigrants applying for Advance Parole under DACA must submit Form I-131, a copy of their current DACA approval notice, evidence of their eligibility such as employment authorization documents, and proof of the urgent humanitarian, educational, or employment-related reason necessitating travel. Supporting documentation may include a letter explaining the purpose of travel, proof of relationship if traveling for family emergencies, or acceptance letters for educational programs. |
| 3 | Humanitarian Parole Support Letter | A Humanitarian Parole Support Letter is a crucial document required for an immigrant applying for a Travel Permit (Advance Parole), providing detailed justification for urgent travel based on humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. This letter must be submitted alongside the Form I-131, demonstrating the necessity of temporary entry to the United States for humanitarian purposes. |
| 4 | Biometrics Appointment Notice | An immigrant applying for a travel permit (Advance Parole) must include the Biometrics Appointment Notice as part of their supporting documents to schedule fingerprinting and photo collection necessary for identity verification. This notice is issued by USCIS and is crucial to complete biometrics processing before the permit can be approved. |
| 5 | Visa Bulletin Eligibility Proof | Immigrants applying for a travel permit (Advance Parole) must provide proof of eligibility through a current Visa Bulletin priority date, demonstrating that their immigrant visa petition is current and approved. This includes submitting Form I-797 (Notice of Action) showing the priority date, along with an approved Form I-485 receipt or confirmation to establish eligibility under the visa category. |
| 6 | TPS (Temporary Protected Status) Approval Notice | Immigrants applying for a travel permit (Advance Parole) under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) must include their TPS approval notice to verify their protected status and eligibility. This document demonstrates lawful status and is essential for USCIS to process the Advance Parole application accurately. |
| 7 | USCIS Travel Itinerary Statement | Immigrants applying for Advance Parole must submit a USCIS Travel Itinerary Statement outlining detailed travel plans, including intended dates of departure and return, destinations, and purpose of travel. This document supports the application by demonstrating the necessity and timeline of the trip, helping USCIS assess the risk of abandonment of permanent resident status. |
| 8 | Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) Authorization | Immigrants applying for a travel permit through Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) Authorization must submit a valid DED approval notice, evidence of identity such as a passport or government-issued ID, and a completed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Supporting documents may include proof of continuous DED status, a detailed explanation of the reason for travel, and any relevant medical or emergency documentation. |
| 9 | Dual Intent Documentation | Immigrants applying for a travel permit (Advance Parole) must submit Form I-131 along with evidence supporting dual intent, such as a pending Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). Proof of dual intent demonstrates the applicant's intention to travel temporarily while maintaining eligibility for permanent residency, ensuring compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. |
| 10 | Electronic Travel Document (eAP) | Immigrants applying for an Electronic Travel Document (eAP) must submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, along with a copy of their permanent resident card or Form I-766 employment authorization, proof of identity, and evidence of the reason for travel. Supporting documents may include a passport-style photo, a detailed explanation of the travel purpose, and any prior immigration status documents to ensure smooth processing of the advance parole permit. |
Understanding Advance Parole: An Overview
| Understanding Advance Parole: An Overview | |
|---|---|
| Definition | Advance Parole is a travel document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows certain immigrants to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad without an immigrant visa. |
| Purpose | It permits lawful permanent residents, asylum applicants, DACA recipients, and adjustment of status applicants to travel outside the U.S. temporarily and return without losing their immigration status. |
| Who Needs It | Immigrants who do not have a valid immigrant visa or re-entry permit but require temporary travel permission to leave and return to the U.S. |
| Required Documents for Advance Parole Application | |
| Form I-131 | Application for Travel Document, specifically filed to request Advance Parole from USCIS. |
| Proof of Identity | Valid passport or government-issued photo ID to establish the applicant's identity. |
| Evidence of Immigration Status | Documents such as Form I-485 receipt notice (Application to Adjust Status), approval notices, or other USCIS documents verifying pending or approved immigration status. |
| Supporting Documentation | Reason for travel such as humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes with letters, schedules, or invitations to support the application's validity. |
| Filing Fee | Payment of applicable USCIS fees for processing the Advance Parole application, unless fee waiver eligibility applies. |
Who Needs a Travel Permit? Eligibility Criteria
Who needs a travel permit (Advance Parole) as an immigrant? Immigrants with pending adjustment of status applications or those requiring temporary permission to re-enter the U.S. must obtain Advance Parole. This permit allows them to travel abroad without jeopardizing their immigration status.
Key Documents Required for Advance Parole Application
Immigrants applying for a Travel Permit, also known as Advance Parole, must submit specific documents to ensure their application is processed efficiently. Proper documentation verifies identity, immigration status, and the purpose of travel.
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document - This form is mandatory for requesting Advance Parole and must be accurately completed and signed.
- Proof of Identity - A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or national ID card, is required to confirm the applicant's identity.
- Evidence of Pending Immigration Status - Documentation such as a receipt notice for Form I-485 or other immigration petitions demonstrates eligibility for Advance Parole.
Form I-131: Completing the Application Step-by-Step
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, is essential for obtaining an Advance Parole travel permit. This document allows certain immigrants to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad without jeopardizing their immigration status.
The application process begins by filling out Form I-131 accurately, including personal information and the reason for travel. Supporting documents such as a copy of your I-94, proof of immigration status, and photos must be included. A detailed step-by-step guide ensures proper completion to avoid delays or denial.
Supporting Evidence: Proving Need for Travel
Immigrants applying for a travel permit (Advance Parole) must provide supporting evidence demonstrating their need for travel. Essential documents include a detailed explanation of the purpose of travel, such as medical emergencies, family visits, or employment obligations. Additional supporting items may consist of medical records, letters from employers, or invitation letters from family members to strengthen the case for urgent travel.
Passport and Identification: Validity Guidelines
Immigrants applying for a travel permit, known as Advance Parole, must submit a valid passport as part of the required documentation. The passport should have a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended travel dates to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
Identification documents must be current and government-issued, such as a national ID card or driver's license, to verify the applicant's identity accurately. Consistency in the name and details across all documents is crucial to avoid delays or denials in the application process.
Filing Fees and Payment Instructions
Understanding the filing fees and payment instructions is crucial when applying for a travel permit (Advance Parole) as an immigrant. Ensuring correct payment helps avoid delays in processing your application.
- Filing Fee Amount - The current fee for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, is $575, but fees can vary based on your specific case.
- Payment Methods Accepted - USCIS accepts payments via check, money order, or credit card using Form G-1450 for online or mail-in applications.
- Where to Send Payment - Payments must be mailed to the USCIS Lockbox facility specified in the Form I-131 instructions to ensure correct processing.
Reviewing the latest USCIS fee schedule and payment guidelines before submitting your application saves time and prevents errors.
Processing Times and Application Tracking
Obtaining a travel permit, known as Advance Parole, requires submitting Form I-131 along with supporting identification and proof of your immigration status. Essential documents include a copy of your green card or pending application receipt, a valid passport, and any prior travel permits.
Processing times for Advance Parole applications typically range from 3 to 5 months, depending on the USCIS service center handling the case. Applicants can track their application status online using the USCIS receipt number for timely updates and estimated completion dates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Travel Permit Documentation
Proper documentation is crucial when applying for a Travel Permit (Advance Parole) as an immigrant. Avoiding common mistakes ensures a smoother application process and prevents delays or denials.
- Incomplete Form I-131 - Submit the fully completed Application for Travel Document without missing any required sections or signatures.
- Missing Supporting Evidence - Attach all necessary documents such as a copy of Your current visa status, Form I-485 receipt notice, and passport photos.
- Incorrect Fee Payment - Pay the correct filing fee according to the latest USCIS fee schedule, as underpayment can result in rejection.
What Documents Does an Immigrant Need for a Travel Permit (Advance Parole)? Infographic
