USCIS Advance Parole Travel Permit 2026 – Full Guide

If you are applying for a green card from within the United States and anticipate the need to travel abroad before receiving your permanent resident status, you must first obtain a travel permit, officially called Advance Parole.

This document ensures your departure and return do not disrupt or cancel your pending immigration application.

Introduction:

Advance Parole is a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows non-citizens with pending applications (such as adjustment of status) to temporarily leave and re-enter the United States without voiding their immigration application.

Without Advance Parole, leaving the U.S. can result in the automatic denial of your green card application.

Check Also: Green Card Holder Travel Rights – Re-Entry Rules

Eligible Persons:

You should apply if:

• You have filed Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) and it is still pending.
• You expect to travel internationally before your green card is approved.
• You are part of other eligible categories like asylum applicants or DACA recipients.

How to Apply for USCIS Advance Parole Travel Permit 2026?

Step-by-Step:

• Complete Form I-131: Officially called the Application for Travel Document.
• Gather Required Documents:
  • Copy of government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license)
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs
  • Copy of I-485 receipt notice (Form I-797)
• Pay the Fee:
  • The filing fee is $630 unless you’re filing with an I-485 submitted (in which case the fee may be waived).
• Submit to USCIS: Mail your application to the correct address based on your state and immigration category. Always refer to the official USCIS website for up-to-date addresses.

Processing Times:

Advance Parole applications typically take 5 to 24 months to process, depending on the USCIS service center handling your case.

Travel Restrictions and Validity:

• You must remain in the U.S. until the travel document is approved.
• Once issued, the travel permit is usually valid for 1 year.
• You must return to the U.S. before the document expires.
• If you anticipate travel after expiration, submit a renewal at least 120 days before the document’s expiry date.

Renewal of Travel Permit:

To renew, file Form I-131 again with:

• A copy of your current travel permit
• A copy of your I-485 receipt notice
• Two passport-sized photos

Emergency Advance Parole:

In urgent cases (e.g., death or serious illness of a relative abroad), you may request expedited processing by:

• Booking an emergency appointment with a USCIS field office
• Bringing your completed Form I-131, photos, and proof of the emergency (e.g., death certificate, medical documents)

Returning to the U.S. with Advance Parole:

Upon return, you will be considered an “arriving alien”, and CBP may conduct additional inspection. Although Advance Parole allows re-entry, it does not guarantee it. If you previously accrued unlawful presence, travel could trigger a 3- or 10-year reentry bar.

If you’ve overstayed a visa or are unsure about your admissibility, consult an immigration attorney before traveling.

Additional Information:

• Always apply for Advance Parole when submitting your green card application if there’s any chance you may need to travel.
• Keep someone in the U.S. informed of your USCIS mail in case you’re away.
• Monitor your case status regularly on the USCIS Case Tracker.

Conclusion:

Advance Parole can protect your green card journey while allowing international travel for urgent or essential reasons. Always consult an immigration expert if your case involves complexities such as previous overstays or inadmissibility.

Frequently Asked Questions: