Can You Travel With Advance Parole? Risks Every Immigrant Should Know

Many immigrants with a pending green card application wonder whether they can travel outside the United States without jeopardizing their case. In many situations, travel may be possible if the person obtains Advance Parole, a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

However, traveling with Advance Parole carries risks, and it is important to understand how it works before leaving the country.

This article explains Advance Parole travel, the Form I-131 travel permit, and the risks immigrants should consider before leaving the United States while a green card application is pending.

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What Is Advance Parole?

Advance Parole is a travel authorization issued by USCIS that allows certain immigrants to leave the United States and return while their immigration case is pending.

It is typically requested by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

Advance Parole is commonly used by individuals who have:

• A pending adjustment of status (Form I-485)
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
• Other humanitarian immigration benefits

⚠️ Without Advance Parole, leaving the United States while a green card application is pending can result in the application being considered abandoned.

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How the I-131 Travel Permit Works

When USCIS approves Form I-131, the applicant receives a travel document that allows them to request parole back into the United States after traveling abroad.

It is important to understand that Advance Parole:

• Does not guarantee admission into the United States
• Allows the traveler to seek entry at a port of entry
• Is typically valid for multiple entries during a specific period

Upon returning to the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will decide whether to admit the traveler.

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Who Can Travel With Advance Parole?

Many applicants with a pending green card application are eligible to travel using Advance Parole.

Common examples include individuals who filed:

• Marriage-based adjustment of status
• Family-based green card applications
• Employment-based adjustment of status

However, eligibility and risk vary depending on the individual’s immigration history and prior violations.

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Risks of Traveling With Advance Parole

Although Advance Parole allows travel, there are several important risks immigrants should understand before leaving the United States.

Risk 1: Possible Denial of Reentry

Advance Parole does not guarantee entry into the United States.

At the airport or border, a CBP officer may review the traveler’s immigration history. If there are serious immigration violations or criminal issues, the officer could refuse entry.

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Risk 2: Prior Unlawful Presence

Individuals who accumulated unlawful presence in the United States before filing for adjustment of status should be especially cautious.

In certain situations, leaving the United States may trigger three-year or ten-year reentry bars, depending on the immigration history.

⚠️ This is one of the most important reasons to consult an immigration attorney before traveling.

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Risk 3: Pending Immigration Issues

Traveling while certain immigration matters are unresolved may create complications.

For example:

• Pending removal proceedings
• Prior deportation orders
• Criminal issues
• Fraud or misrepresentation concerns

Each case must be evaluated individually.

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Risk 4: Delays at the Port of Entry

Some travelers returning with Advance Parole may experience secondary inspection at the airport or border.

This process may involve additional questioning by immigration officers while they verify the traveler’s immigration status.

While secondary inspection is common and does not necessarily indicate a problem, it can cause delays.

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When Advance Parole Travel Is Generally Safer

Advance Parole travel tends to be less risky for applicants who:

✅ Entered the United States lawfully

✅ Have no criminal history

✅ Have no prior deportation orders

✅ Have a properly filed adjustment of status application

Even in these situations, legal advice is recommended before international travel.

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Important Tips Before Traveling With Advance Parole

Before leaving the United States with Advance Parole, immigrants should consider the following:

✅ Make sure the Advance Parole document is approved and valid

✅ Carry a copy of the I-485 receipt notice

✅ Bring identification and immigration records

✅ Avoid long trips abroad if possible

✅ Speak with an immigration attorney if there are prior immigration issues

Proper preparation can help reduce potential complications when returning to the United States.

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How an Immigration Attorney Can Help

Advance Parole travel can have serious consequences if handled incorrectly.

An experienced immigration attorney can help by:

✅ Reviewing your immigration history

✅ Determining whether travel is safe in your case

✅ Identifying potential inadmissibility issues

✅ Preparing you for reentry into the United States

Seeking legal advice before traveling can help protect your pending green card application.

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Immigration Help With Advance Parole and Green Card Applications

If you are considering traveling with Advance Parole while your green card application is pending, it is important to understand the risks involved.

At Gonzalez Legal, P.C., we assist clients with:

• Adjustment of status applications
• Advance Parole travel permits (Form I-131)
• Waivers of inadmissibility
• Family-based immigration cases

Our office represents clients throughout Massachusetts, including Boston, Lynn, and surrounding communities.

📞 Contact Gonzalez Legal, P.C. today to schedule a consultation and discuss your immigration case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel while my green card application is pending?
Yes, but you must obtain Advance Parole before leaving the United States. Otherwise, USCIS may consider the application abandoned.

Is Advance Parole a guarantee that I will be allowed back into the United States?
No. Advance Parole allows you to request entry, but the final decision is made by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

What form is used to apply for Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is requested by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

Should I speak with an immigration attorney before traveling?
Yes. An attorney can evaluate whether travel with Advance Parole is safe based on your immigration history.