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So, what exactly is advanced parole? Advance Parole is a vital travel authorization document that allows individuals with a pending adjustment of status application to travel outside the United States and return without losing their immigration status. Unlike a visa, this permit offers temporary travel for those who are not yet permanent residents.
Understanding advanced parole can be a bit challenging, especially with the various forms and requirements involved. A Phoenix immigration lawyer can offer valuable assistance in ensuring that your advance parole application is correctly filed, helping you avoid issues that could impact your green card application or other immigration benefits.
Advance Parole Explained by an Immigration Lawyer
Advance parole is not a visa or immigrant visa; it is a special form of travel authorization for certain immigrants, such as those applying for an adjustment of status. It is often used for:
- Humanitarian reasons like family emergencies
- Employment purposes for temporary business travel
- Educational purposes for studying abroad
Applicants typically need to file Form I-131 to request advance parole, and this form must be approved before leaving the United States. Without an approved advance parole document, traveling outside the U.S. while your adjustment of status application is pending could be viewed as abandoning your application for adjustment.
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How to Apply for Advance Parole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’re applying for advance parole for humanitarian reasons, an employment opportunity, or other urgent needs, understanding the steps involved can make the process more manageable. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for advance parole.
Confirm Your Eligibility
Before applying, make sure you are eligible for advance parole. This document is typically available to individuals with pending adjustment of status applications, including green card applicants and those holding valid non-immigrant visas.
Complete Form I-131
The next step is to complete Form I-131, the official Application for a Travel Document. You will need to provide personal information, explain the reason for your travel, and submit any supporting documentation, such as evidence of your current immigration status, passport photos, and relevant documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or death certificates.
Pay the Filing Fee
Along with your Form I-131, you must pay the required filing fee. The fee varies depending on your immigration status and reason for applying, but it’s essential to check the current fee schedule to ensure proper payment.
Submit Supporting Documents
Your application must include supporting documents to prove eligibility and the need for travel. These can include:
- Copy of your passport and visa
- Evidence of pending green card application or adjustment of status
- Proof of employment purposes or humanitarian reasons
Wait for Processing
After submitting your application, you will receive a receipt notice confirming that your request is being processed. Processing times can vary, often taking several months, so plan accordingly if your travel is not due to an emergency.
Receive Approval
If your application is approved, you will receive your advance parole document, which you must present when re-entering the U.S. Your advance parole approval ensures you can return without losing your adjustment of status.
Working with a Phoenix immigration and naturalization lawyer can help ensure that you complete every step properly, minimizing delays and ensuring the strength of your application. If you need help understanding your eligibility or the application process, reaching out to a professional can be a valuable resource.
Advance Parole – 3 FAQs You Need to Know
For people dealing with the immigration system, understanding how advance parole works can be challenging. Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help clarify what you need to know about this important option.
How Long Does It Take to Get Advance Parole?
The processing time for advance parole varies depending on the individual’s case. However, it typically takes a few months for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to approve Form I-131. It’s important to apply well in advance of any planned trip.
What Happens If I Travel Without Advance Parole?
If you travel outside the U.S. without obtaining advance parole and your adjustment of status application is still pending, you could risk losing your chance at resident status. Always secure advance parole before leaving the country.
Can Advance Parole Be Expedited?
Yes, in certain circumstances, such as medical or humanitarian purposes, advance parole requests can be expedited. You may need to provide evidence of the emergency, such as a death certificate or medical documents, along with your I-131 application.
Advance parole can be a lifeline for people needing to travel for family emergencies, work, or other essential reasons while waiting for their green card or adjustment of status approval. Always consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that your application is handled properly and that you meet the eligibility criteria.
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Other Ways an Immigration Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
If you’re going through the adjustment of status process or applying for non-immigrant visas, having a lawyer by your side ensures you don’t miss key steps or make mistakes that could affect your immigration status.
Here are some of the ways an experienced immigration attorney can assist:
- Review and submit your green card application: Ensuring that all documents, like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passport photos, are included.
- Offer guidance on humanitarian reasons for travel: Such as family emergencies, and assist with requests for expedited processing of applications.
- Answering all your immigration questions: Having an experienced lawyer by your side may be the best way to find answers to difficult immigration questions.
In addition to helping with specific forms, a lawyer can answer questions about immigration laws, explain what to expect during the application process, and guide you through interactions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or Customs and Border Protection. An attorney’s insight can provide peace of mind as you work through the steps of achieving lawful resident status.
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Talk to an Experienced Advance Parole Immigration Lawyer Today
If you are considering applying for advance parole or have questions about your immigration status, you may need to consult with an immigration lawyer who has experience handling advance parole requests and other immigration benefits. An attorney can provide the legal knowledge you need to confidently complete the application process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Whether you are traveling for humanitarian purposes, employment reasons, or facing a family emergency, speaking with an immigration lawyer at New Frontier can offer you peace of mind during this uncertain time. Reach out to a lawyer today for personalized advice on your advance parole and other immigration issues.
