If you’re waiting on a green card, asylum decision, or other immigration benefit, one question often comes up: Can I leave the U.S. and come back safely?
Advance Parole allows certain individuals with pending immigration applications to travel abroad and return without giving up their place in line. But it’s not automatic, and one wrong move could put your entire case at risk.
At Brudner Law, we help clients apply for Advance Parole and understand the risks, so they can travel with confidence and return without complications.
Advance Parole is a travel document issued by USCIS that gives non-citizens permission to leave the U.S. and reenter while their application is still pending. Without it, traveling abroad may be considered as abandoning your green card or status application.
Who needs Advance Parole?
Who does not need Advance Parole?
If you need Advance Parole and travel without it, your application could be denied—and you may not be allowed back into the U.S.
To apply, you must be:
Your travel must fall under one of USCIS’s approved reasons—family emergencies, educational programs, work trips, or humanitarian needs.
Warning: If you’ve accrued unlawful presence or had past immigration violations, leaving the U.S. could trigger a 3- or 10-year bar. Speak with an attorney before planning any travel.
File Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) with USCIS. Here's what you’ll need:
Once submitted, USCIS processing typically takes 3 to 5 months. Expedited processing may be available for urgent humanitarian reasons—such as medical emergencies or a dying relative abroad.
You’ll receive a physical Advance Parole document. If you’re also applying for a work permit, you might get a “combo card” that includes both travel and employment authorization.
Advance Parole is usually valid for one year from the date of issue. You must return to the U.S. before it expires—or you could be denied reentry.
Some Advance Parole documents are for a single trip only, while others allow multiple entries. Always check your document before you travel.
Important: Advance Parole gives you permission to seek reentry—but it does not guarantee it. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have final discretion at the port of entry.
Even with an approved document, travel is not risk-free. Here’s what to consider before you leave:
Reentry denial - Even with valid Advance Parole, CBP (Customs and Border Protection) at the airport has the discretion to deny entry. If you have past immigration violations, unlawful presence, or a criminal record, CBP officers may deny your return.
Processing delays - Leaving the U.S. while your green card or asylum application is pending may slow down your case.
Secondary inspection - Some travelers are flagged for longer questioning at the airport or border—especially if there are concerns about your case history.
Before making plans, talk to a legal professional about your risk level and your options.
Can I travel while waiting for my green card?
Yes, but only if your Advance Parole application has been approved and you’ve received the document before leaving the U.S.
Can DACA recipients travel on Advance Parole?
Yes, but only for specific reasons allowed by USCIS, including:
Can I renew Advance Parole?
Yes. You should apply for renewal at least 120 days before the current document expires to avoid gaps that could impact your ability to travel.
What if my green card is approved while I’m outside the U.S.?
If your adjustment of status is approved while you’re abroad, you may need to visit a U.S. consulate before you can return.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients apply for and travel on Advance Parole without delays or surprises. Here’s what we do:
If you’ve ever overstayed a visa, been arrested, or had a prior immigration issue, we’ll help you understand the risks and decide if travel is safe right now.
Advance Parole can be a helpful tool—but it must be used carefully. Traveling without it can put your entire immigration process at risk.
Whether you’re planning a family trip, attending a funeral, or considering study abroad, don’t guess your way through the process. Work with a legal team that understands how to keep your status protected.
Contact Brudner Law to schedule a consultation.
Before you pack your bags, let’s make sure your path back to the U.S. is secure.
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