Advance parole is a form of temporary, discretionary permission granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to certain non-citizens who are physically present in the United States to travel abroad and return without abandoning their pending applications for permanent resident status or other immigration benefits.
Advance parole allows non-citizens to travel for urgent humanitarian reasons, such as visiting a sick relative or attending a funeral, or for significant public benefit reasons, such as pursuing educational or employment opportunities. It is also commonly used by non-citizens who need to travel abroad to obtain necessary documents or to appear at a U.S. consulate or embassy for visa processing.
To apply for advance parole, non-citizens must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with the USCIS. The application requires detailed information about the applicant’s personal and travel plans, as well as supporting documentation to demonstrate the urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons for the travel. The USCIS will review the application and make a decision based on the applicant’s eligibility and the merits of the case.
Advance parole is a valuable tool that can allow non-citizens to travel abroad without jeopardizing their pending immigration applications. It is important for non-citizens to carefully consider their eligibility and the reasons for their travel before applying for advance parole.
1. Eligibility
Eligibility is a crucial component of understanding how to apply for advance parole. Advance parole is a form of temporary, discretionary permission granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to certain non-citizens who are physically present in the United States to travel abroad and return without abandoning their pending applications for permanent resident status or other immigration benefits.
To be eligible for advance parole, you must meet certain criteria. First, you must have a pending application for permanent residency or other immigration benefits. This means that you have already submitted an application to USCIS and are waiting for a decision. Second, you must be able to demonstrate urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit reasons for your travel. Urgent humanitarian reasons include visiting a sick relative or attending a funeral. Significant public benefit reasons include pursuing educational or employment opportunities.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for advance parole by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with the USCIS. The application requires detailed information about your personal and travel plans, as well as supporting documentation to demonstrate the urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons for your travel.
The USCIS will review your application and make a decision based on your eligibility and the merits of your case. If your application is approved, you will be issued a travel document that will allow you to travel abroad and return to the United States without abandoning your pending immigration application.
Understanding the eligibility requirements for advance parole is essential for non-citizens who need to travel abroad while their immigration applications are pending. By carefully considering your eligibility and the reasons for your travel, you can increase your chances of having your application for advance parole approved.
2. Application
The application process for advance parole can be complex and time-consuming. However, it is essential to follow the instructions carefully and provide all of the required information and documentation. Failure to do so could result in your application being delayed or denied.
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Completing Form I-131
Form I-131 is the application for advance parole. It is important to complete the form carefully and accurately. You will need to provide detailed information about your personal and travel plans, as well as supporting documentation to demonstrate the urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons for your travel. -
Submitting Form I-131
Once you have completed Form I-131, you will need to submit it to the USCIS. You can submit the form by mail or in person at a USCIS office. The filing fee for Form I-131 is $575. -
Processing Time
The USCIS will review your application and make a decision based on your eligibility and the merits of your case. The processing time for advance parole applications can vary, so it is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel date. -
Approval
If your application for advance parole is approved, you will be issued a travel document that will allow you to travel abroad and return to the United States without abandoning your pending immigration application.
By following the instructions carefully and providing all of the required information and documentation, you can increase your chances of having your application for advance parole approved.
3. Processing
The processing step is an integral part of how to apply for advance parole, as it determines whether your application will be approved or denied. The USCIS will review your application to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and that you have provided sufficient evidence to support your claim of urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit reasons for travel. The processing time can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the current workload of the USCIS, so it is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel date to avoid any delays.
Once your application has been processed, the USCIS will make a decision based on your eligibility and the merits of your case. If your application is approved, you will be issued a travel document that will allow you to travel abroad and return to the United States without abandoning your pending immigration application. If your application is denied, you will be provided with a written explanation of the reasons for the denial.
Understanding the processing step is essential for anyone who is considering applying for advance parole. By carefully following the instructions and providing all of the required information and documentation, you can increase your chances of having your application approved.
4. Approval
The approval of an advance parole application is a critical step in the process of applying for advance parole. Without approval, an individual cannot travel abroad and return to the United States without abandoning their pending immigration application. The approval process involves a thorough review of the application by the USCIS, who will consider the applicant’s eligibility and the merits of their case. If the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a travel document that will allow them to travel abroad and return to the United States without abandoning their pending immigration application.
Understanding the approval process is essential for anyone who is considering applying for advance parole. By carefully following the instructions and providing all of the required information and documentation, applicants can increase their chances of having their application approved.
Here are some real-life examples of how advance parole has been used:
- A student who needed to travel abroad to attend a conference related to their field of study.
- A businessperson who needed to travel abroad to close a deal that would create jobs in the United States.
- A family member who needed to travel abroad to visit a sick relative.
These are just a few examples of how advance parole can be used to allow non-citizens to travel abroad without abandoning their pending immigration applications. Advance parole can be a valuable tool for non-citizens who need to travel abroad for urgent humanitarian reasons or for significant public benefit reasons.
In conclusion, the approval of an advance parole application is a critical step in the process of applying for advance parole. By understanding the approval process and the importance of advance parole, non-citizens can increase their chances of having their application approved and being able to travel abroad without abandoning their pending immigration applications.
FAQs
Advance parole is a form of temporary, discretionary permission granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to certain non-citizens who are physically present in the United States to travel abroad and return without abandoning their pending applications for permanent resident status or other immigration benefits.
Question 1: Who is eligible for advance parole?
Answer: To be eligible for advance parole, you must have a pending application for permanent residency or other immigration benefits, and you must be able to demonstrate urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit reasons for your travel.
Question 2: How do I apply for advance parole?
Answer: To apply for advance parole, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with the USCIS. The application requires detailed information about your personal and travel plans, as well as supporting documentation to demonstrate the urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons for your travel.
Question 3: How long does it take to process an advance parole application?
Answer: The processing time for advance parole applications can vary, so it is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Question 4: What happens if my advance parole application is approved?
Answer: If your application for advance parole is approved, you will be issued a travel document that will allow you to travel abroad and return to the United States without abandoning your pending immigration application.
Question 5: What happens if my advance parole application is denied?
Answer: If your application for advance parole is denied, you will be provided with a written explanation of the reasons for the denial.
Question 6: Can I travel to any country with advance parole?
Answer: No, advance parole only allows you to travel to and from the country that issued the travel document.
Summary
Advance parole can be a valuable tool for non-citizens who need to travel abroad while their immigration applications are pending. By carefully considering your eligibility and the reasons for your travel, you can increase your chances of having your application for advance parole approved.
Transition to the next article section
To learn more about advance parole, please visit the USCIS website.
Tips for Applying for Advance Parole
Advance parole is a form of temporary, discretionary permission granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to certain non-citizens who are physically present in the United States to travel abroad and return without abandoning their pending applications for permanent resident status or other immigration benefits.
Here are some tips to help you increase your chances of having your application for advance parole approved:
Tip 1: Ensure Eligibility
Before applying for advance parole, carefully review the eligibility criteria to ensure that you meet all of the requirements. You must have a pending application for permanent residency or other immigration benefits, and you must be able to demonstrate urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit reasons for your travel.
Tip 2: Gather Required Documents
The application for advance parole requires detailed information about your personal and travel plans, as well as supporting documentation to demonstrate the urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons for your travel. Gather all of the required documents before you begin the application process.
Tip 3: Complete the Application Carefully
The application for advance parole is complex and requires careful completion. Follow the instructions carefully and provide all of the requested information. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be delayed or denied.
Tip 4: Apply Well in Advance
The processing time for advance parole applications can vary, so it is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel date. This will give the USCIS sufficient time to review your application and make a decision.
Tip 5: Consider Legal Assistance
If you are unsure about your eligibility for advance parole or if you have a complex case, consider seeking legal assistance from an experienced immigration attorney. An attorney can help you assess your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a strong application.
Tip 6: Be Prepared for an Interview
In some cases, the USCIS may schedule an interview to discuss your application for advance parole. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and the reasons for your request.
Tip 7: Be Patient
The advance parole application process can be lengthy, so it is important to be patient. Do not contact the USCIS to check on the status of your application unless it has been more than the processing time listed on the USCIS website.
Summary
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of having your application for advance parole approved. Advance parole can be a valuable tool for non-citizens who need to travel abroad while their immigration applications are pending.
Transition to the article’s conclusion
To learn more about advance parole, please visit the USCIS website.
Closing Remarks on Advance Parole
Advance parole is a valuable tool for non-citizens who need to travel abroad while their immigration applications are pending. The application process can be complex and time-consuming, but it is important to carefully follow the instructions and provide all of the required information and documentation. By understanding the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the tips for increasing your chances of approval, you can increase your chances of having your application for advance parole approved.
Remember, advance parole is a discretionary form of relief, and there is no guarantee that your application will be approved. However, by carefully preparing your application and presenting a strong case, you can increase your chances of success. If you are unsure about your eligibility or if you have a complex case, consider seeking legal assistance from an experienced immigration attorney.