TRAVEL DOCUMENT ADVANCE PAROLE (I-131)

Advance parole is a travel document that can be used in place of a visa to approve the temporary parole of an individual into the United States. The advance parole may also be used as permission to board an aircraft or other such means of transportation. It does not, however, replace your passport.

The document is most commonly used by an individual who has a pending Form I-485. If you leave the U.S. before your Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status has been decided on, your case could be denied if you fail to obtain advance parole prior to your departure. There is a minor exception for certain nonimmigrant status holders (H-1; H-4; L-1; L-2; K-3; K-4; V-2; V-3), that allows them to leave the United States and come back in on their valid visas. However, the vast majority of non-immigrant status holders who are awaiting the outcome of their I-485s, need to obtain Advance Parole before traveling outside of the United States.

Advance parole is also necessary for asylum applicants who are still waiting on a decision from USCIS. As an asylum applicant, you are allowed to travel outside the U.S., however, if you do so without first obtaining advance parole, it will be assumed you have renounced your asylum application.

Related form: I-131, APPLICATION FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENT

How fill out Form I-131?

To avoid having your I-485 or I-589 denied or being found inadmissible at a U.S. port of entry, the following aliens should obtain advance parole before leaving the U.S.:

• Anyone who has not yet received a decision from USCIS on a pending application for adjustment of status
• Anyone admitted as a refugee or asylee
• Anyone with a pending application for asylum
• Anyone receiving benefits under the Family Unity Program
• Anyone being given Temporary Protected Status