Denice Flores, Esq.

Advance parole is a travel document that permits you to travel outside the United States for temporary travel and return to the United States . Applicants for advance parole need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay the filing fee. When the application is approved, USCIS issues the applicant a Form I-512L, the advance parole document. The document must be presented to immigration officials to seek admission into the United States after traveling abroad. There are several ways a person can qualify for and obtain advance parole. Applicants for adjustment of status, DACA recipients, and individuals who need to travel for urgent humanitarian reasons are three common types of applicants that can apply for advance parole , however there are more. Applicants for adjustment of status can apply for advance parole when they file their green card application or when the green card application is pending. Adjustment of status applicants must obtain advance parole before traveling outside the United States to avoid an issue with the green card application. Obtaining advance parole through an adjustment of status application does not require an emergency or humanitarian purpose for travel. Note, when you file for advance parole through an adjustment of status application the filing fee for Form I-131 is not required. DACA recipients may also apply for advance parole to travel abroad for humanitarian reasons or for employment or educational purposes only. Humanitarian reasons include medical attention or treatment, visiting a sick relative or for a relative’s funeral services. Educational purposes include studying abroad, academic research and more. Employment purposes include work, training, meetings, interviews, and other specific work assignments. Certain individuals may also apply for advance parole due to an urgent humanitarian reason or to further a significant public benefit. To show that the travel is due to humanitarian, education, or employment reasons, the applicant must provide proof of such to USCIS. As mentioned, these are the three most common ways to obtain advance parole, but they are not the only ways. If you have questions about other ways to obtain advance parole, if you think you qualify for advance parole or have questions about your eligibility, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Starting February 27, 2024, Ukrainian citizens who are physically present in the United States can apply for re-parole to continue to remain in the United States. To apply for re-parole the applicant needs to complete and submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, and pay the corresponding filing fees to USCIS. To be eligible for re-parole the applicant must show: Ukrainian citizenship The applicant was paroled into the United States on or after February 11, 2022 The applicant is physically present in the United States Urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit for issuance of a new period of parole Compliance with the conditions of the applicant’s initial parole The applicant passed background checks The applicant warrants a favorable exercise of discretion If USCIS approves the re-parole application, the applicant may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, category (c)(11) to receive a work permit and be able to work lawfully in the U.S. It is important that the applicant waits until Form I-131 is approved to file Form I-765, otherwise, if USCIS denies the re-parole application, the filing fees for Form I-765 may not be refunded. This is great news for Ukrainians who are eligible for re-parole. If this applies to you, do not waste time and apply for re-parole now. If you have any questions or need assistance with applying for re-parole, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and we will be more than happy to assist you.