Hi guys! Today I am answering a very popular question. How you can travel outside the United States on an Advance Parole? How to get the Advance parole and under which circumstances you should avoid traveling?
Understanding Advance Parole: Your Ticket to Travel While Awaiting a Green Card
Welcome to our latest blog post. We delve into a crucial topic for many immigrants in the United States—traveling back to their home country legally while their green card application is pending. I’m Attorney Marina Shepelsky. Today, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about Advance Parole, the magical solution that can make this possible.
What is Advance Parole?
It may sound complex, but it’s essentially a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It allows you to re-enter the United States without jeopardizing your pending green card application. This document is vital because it informs immigration officers at the airport that you are not only in process of obtaining a green card but are also likely to be approved, thus smoothing your re-entry into the country.
How Do You Obtain Advance Parole?
To obtain Advance Parole, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, indicating that it is for temporary travel. This document is crucial for those who have applied for a green card through various petitions, including family, marriage, employment, or even the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). It’s worth noting that if you have no prior immigration deportations or serious criminal issues, traveling with Advance Parole should be smooth sailing.</p>
<p>&amp;lt;h4 data-start=”1440″ data-end=”1488″>What You Need to Know:
- Multiple Uses: Advance Parole can often be used for multiple entries. If your green card application, like a VAWA case, is taking years, you can renew yours each time it expires.
- Fees: The initial fee is included in your green card application fee, which is generally $1,225. This fee covers both the Advance Parole and work permit if applied for at the same time. Be aware that while renewal fees should technically not be charged, they sometimes are, due to USCIS’s current financial needs.
Recommended Travel Duration:
While there is no legal limit to how long you can stay outside the U.S., I advise not to exceed 90 days per trip. Staying abroad for longer can lead to complications, especially if you’re applying through marriage—it might appear as if you’re not living with your spouse.
Who Should Avoid Using Advance Parole?
If you’re awaiting asylum or have unresolved immigration issues or minor criminal records, traveling with Advance Parole could lead to difficulties when re-entering the U.S. It’s essential to consult with an immigration attorney before making any travel plans under these circumstances.
Emergency Travel on Advance Parole:
In cases of family emergencies back home, USCIS can expedite your Advance Parole. You’ll need to book your travel and request an InfoPass appointment. Also, bring the necessary documents with English translations to prove your emergency.
We hope this information has been helpful. At our firm, located in New York but serving clients across the United States, we’re committed to assisting you with your immigration needs. If you have any questions or require further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for following our blog. Stay tuned for more insightful posts on immigration and political information. Safe travels, and goodbye!