News & Insights

1. Understanding Advance Parole:

Advance Parole is not a visa. It is a reentry permit that allows certain noncitizens without a valid visa to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad. Advance Parole is critical for those:

• Applying for Adjustment of Status(e.g., green card applicants) to avoid abandoning their application.
• With Pending Asylum Applications who need to travel under urgent circumstances.

Important Note: Traveling on Advance Parole does not guarantee reentry. Noncitizens can still be subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon return.

2. Cost of Advance Parole:

The fee for Advance Parole depends on whether it is filed as a standalone application or in conjunction with an Adjustment of Status application (Form I-485). Below are the scenarios:

• Fee for Standalone Application (Form I-131):
  • The cost is $575 for individuals who are not filing alongside Form I-485. This applies to those applying for Advance Parole for specific humanitarian reasons or other eligible categories.
• Included with Form I-485:
  • If you are filing Form I-485 (Application for Adjustment of Status), the fee for Advance Parole (Form I-131) is included in the I-485 filing fee. This means you do not pay separately for Advance Parole in this scenario.
• Fee Waivers:
  • Certain applicants, such as those filing for Advance Parole as asylum seekers under extreme humanitarian circumstances, may request a fee waiver using Form I-912.
  • Eligibility for a fee waiver depends on financial hardship or qualifying federal benefit programs.

Note: Always check the USCIS Fee Schedule for the most up-to-date costs.

3. How to Apply for Advance Parole:

To apply for Advance Parole, complete Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) and include:

• Proof of identity (passport or other photo ID).
• Proof of your current immigration status (e.g., pending asylum receipt, adjustment of status notice).
• Evidence supporting the reason for travel, if required (e.g., medical documentation for humanitarian reasons).

Applications are typically processed within a few months, though urgent requests may qualify for expedited processing.

4. Travel Restrictions for Asylum Seekers:

If you are an asylum applicant:

• Travel is restricted to non-persecuting countries. Returning to your home country could impact your asylum case, as it may suggest that you are not genuinely afraid of persecution.
• Always consult with an immigration attorney before traveling.