Are you planning to travel outside the United States while your adjustment of status application is pending? Or have you been granted deferred action and want to travel outside the country? If yes, then you need to apply for an Advance Parole Travel Document.
What is Advance Parole Travel Document?
An Advance Parole Travel Document is a travel authorization document issued to non-U.S. citizens who are in the process of adjusting their immigration status or have been granted deferred action. The document allows them to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad without jeopardizing their pending application or status.
Who is Eligible for Advance Parole Travel Document?
Not everyone is eligible for an Advance Parole Travel Document. To be eligible, you must be in one of the following categories:
- Adjustment of Status applicants
- Asylum applicants
- Refugees
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients
- People with pending U visa applications
If you are not in any of these categories, you may still be eligible for an Advance Parole Travel Document if you have a humanitarian or emergency situation that requires you to travel outside the United States.
How to Apply for Advance Parole Travel Document?
To apply for an Advance Parole Travel Document, you need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form can be filed online or by mail.
When filing the form, you must provide a valid reason for your travel, such as attending a funeral or visiting a sick relative. You also need to provide supporting documents that prove your reason for travel.
How Much Does Advance Parole Travel Document Cost?
The cost of an Advance Parole Travel Document is $575. This fee includes biometrics (fingerprinting and photo) and is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
How Long Does it Take to Get Advance Parole Travel Document?
The processing time for an Advance Parole Travel Document varies depending on the workload of USCIS. On average, it takes 3-5 months to process the application. However, it may take longer if additional documents or information is required.
What Happens After You Get Advance Parole Travel Document?
Once you receive your Advance Parole Travel Document, you can travel outside the United States. When you return to the United States, you must present your Advance Parole Travel Document along with your passport to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. The CBP officer will verify your documents and determine if you are admissible to the United States.
What Are the Risks of Traveling Without Advance Parole Travel Document?
If you travel outside the United States without an Advance Parole Travel Document, your pending application or status may be denied or terminated. This means that you may not be able to re-enter the United States, and your chances of obtaining a green card or other immigration benefits may be jeopardized.
Conclusion
An Advance Parole Travel Document is an essential travel authorization document for non-U.S. citizens who are in the process of adjusting their immigration status or have been granted deferred action. If you are eligible, it is highly recommended that you apply for the document to avoid jeopardizing your pending application or status.
FAQ
Question | Answer |
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What is the validity of Advance Parole Travel Document? | The validity of Advance Parole Travel Document varies. It may be valid for one or multiple entries and may have a validity period of up to two years. |
Can I apply for Advance Parole Travel Document if I have a pending asylum application? | Yes, if you have a pending asylum application, you may apply for an Advance Parole Travel Document. |
What happens if my Advance Parole Travel Document application is denied? | If your Advance Parole Travel Document application is denied, you may not be able to travel outside the United States. You may also need to reapply and pay the application fee again. |
Can I apply for Advance Parole Travel Document if I have a criminal record? | It depends on the type of crime and the severity of the offense. Some criminal offenses may make you ineligible for an Advance Parole Travel Document. |
Can I travel outside the United States while my Advance Parole Travel Document application is pending? | No, you should not travel outside the United States while your Advance Parole Travel Document application is pending. Doing so may result in the denial of your application. |