What Is Advance Parole?
Many immigrants will, at one point or another, need to leave the United States. But, if they leave before their permanent resident status is finalized, they will need to obtain an advance parole document.
By being aware of what an advance parole document is, whether or not it’s necessary for a particular individual, and how to apply for advance parole, it’s much easier to leave and return to the United States.
What Is Advance Parole?
The definition of “advance parole” is as follows: a travel document that allows certain foreign nationals to re-enter the United States, after they have been traveling abroad.
Many foreign nationals who were in the United States, but have yet to obtain a green card, must apply for advance parole. A failure to do so can lead to their re-entry being denied. This, in turn, will make it far more difficult for these individuals to obtain a green card.
Rather than presenting a visa, an airline can look at an individual’s advance parole document. By doing so, they will then grant that individual the ability to travel to, and enter, the United States.
Do You Need Advance Parole?
A variety of individuals need advance parole. By not applying for advance parole, they may not be able re-enter the United States, even if they are currently applying for a particular immigration status or immigration benefits.
Some of the most notable individuals that need advance parole are as follows:
- Immigrants who are in the process of adjusting their current immigration status, so that they can obtain a green card and become a permanent resident.
- Refugees and asylees who have not finalized their status and, as such, have yet to become permanent residents.
- Visitors who are applying for a U visa.
- Recipients of Temporary Protected Status or “TPS,” for short.
Every single one of the individuals outlined above most apply for advance parole. Without advance parole, people who belong to the categories outlined above may not be able to re-enter the United States.
How Can You Apply For Advance Parole?
To apply for advance parole, an individual must fill out Form I-131. Right within the Form I-131 document, they will need to provide the following:
- Clear, specific evidence that clarifies their pending adjustment of status or, in turn, anything else that suggests the need for advance parole and a return to the United States.
- Clear, specific evidence that clarifies the need for international travel, if the situation that requires travel is an emergency situation.
Outside of those two documents, an individual who is applying for advance parole will need to pay a $575 fee. Soon after Form I-131 has been filed, the individual who has applied for advance parole will be given a “Yes” or “No,” regarding their application, which will determine whether or not they can enter and re-enter the United States.
Speak With A Houston Immigration Lawyer
The process of obtaining advance parole can be tricky and confusing. Speak with a Houston immigration lawyer and we will assist you in obtaining advance parole and, in turn, leaving and re-entering the United States.
Sources:
law.cornell.edu/wex/advance_parole
uscis.gov/i-131
