Advance parole allows you to travel back to the United States without applying for a visa. Airlines can accept an advance parole document instead of a visa as proof that you are authorized to travel to the United States. An advance parole document does not replace your passport. This can be used if you have applied for adjustment of status (AOS) in the United States but haven’t yet received your green card.
Advance parole must be approved by USCIS before you leave the United States, or a green card application might be denied unless you have exceptional circumstances for leaving. Advance parole is granted when you are issued Form I-512, which enables you to travel back to the United States without a valid visa. It is not a U.S. visa nor a re-entry permit, and can only be used once and is only issued to people without permanent residency.
How do you apply for advance parole?
- First, you must file Form I-131 and the supporting documents required.
- Keep in mind the application fee is no longer waived when filling with I-485 or when the I-485 is still pending.
