If you’re in the middle of adjusting your status in the U.S. and need to travel, the I-512 Advance Parole document is your key to leaving and re-entering the country without affecting your immigration status. This travel document is especially important for those waiting on Green Card approval or other immigration benefits. 

In this blog article, we’ll walk you through the purpose of I-512 Advance Parole, who needs it, and what you need to know before traveling abroad. Whether it’s a family emergency or professional travel, having the right information can help you travel with peace of mind.

What is an I-512 Advance Parole?

An I-512 Advance Parole document is a travel document that allows certain immigrants to leave and re-enter the U.S. without losing their immigration status. This is particularly important for individuals who are in the process of adjusting their status to become permanent residents (Green Card holders) but haven’t completed the process yet. Without Advance Parole, leaving the U.S. could cause you to lose your pending immigration application.

It’s important to note that lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) and conditional permanent residents don’t need an Advance Parole document to travel. They are free to travel abroad without special permission. However, if they plan to be outside the U.S. for more than one year but less than two, they may need to apply for a Reentry Permit to ensure their Green Card status remains intact.

Who is the I-512 Advance Parole for?

The I-512 Advance Parole document is for immigrants in the U.S. who need to travel abroad but want to avoid jeopardizing their immigration status. It’s primarily for:

1. Green Card applicants: People in the process of adjusting their status to become permanent residents can use Advance Parole to travel without abandoning their pending application.
2. DACA recipients: Individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) can apply for Advance Parole to travel internationally for certain reasons, like education, employment, or humanitarian purposes.
3. Temporary visa holders: Some individuals on non-immigrant visas, such as those with asylum or TPS (Temporary Protected Status), may use Advance Parole to travel while waiting for other immigration benefits.

In essence, the I-512 Advance Parole document is for people who need to travel but don’t want to risk losing their ability to return and continue their U.S. immigration process.

What to Know About Your I-512 Advance Parole Document

The I-512 Advance Parole document is usually printed on standard letter-size paper and is valid for up to one year. However, it’s recommended that your travel lasts no longer than 90 days to avoid potential complications. If you applied for both Advance Parole and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) at the same time, you might receive a combo card—an EAD card that states “Serves as I-512 Advance Parole” on the front. This card functions both as your work permit and your travel document.

Purpose of I-512 Advance Parole

The I-512 Advance Parole document is a critical tool for those who have not yet achieved permanent residency (Green Card) but may need to travel outside the U.S. for personal, professional, or humanitarian reasons.

Here are a few scenarios where you may need Advance Parole:

Adjustment of Status

If you’re applying for a Green Card or other immigration benefits, leaving the U.S. without Advance Parole could be seen as abandoning your application. With it, you can travel and return without affecting your case.

Temporary Travel for Humanitarian, Employment, or Educational Reasons

Advance Parole lets you leave the U.S. for family emergencies, job opportunities, or study abroad programs, and return without interrupting your immigration process.

This could be reasons like attending a funeral, visiting a sick relative, work related obligations that require travel, or studying abroad.

• Employment reasons can involve job opportunities or international work-related obligations that require travel.
• Educational purposes might include studying abroad or participating in international training programs.

Travel for Certain Visa Holders

Temporary visa holders (like DACA recipients or those with TPS) can use the I-512 Advance Parole document to travel abroad and return without losing their status.

In short, Advance Parole allows you to travel internationally without disrupting your immigration process or facing penalties for leaving the U.S. 

How to Apply for the I-512 Advance Parole Document

Applying for Advance Parole is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow all the steps carefully to avoid delays. Here’s how the application process works:

Step 1: Complete Form I-131

Start by filling out Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This is the official form you’ll submit to request Advance Parole. You can download it from the USCIS website or complete it online.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Along with Form I-131, you’ll need to submit:

• Copy of a government-issued ID (like your passport or driver’s license)
• Proof of your pending immigration application (such as your I-485 receipt notice if you’re applying for a Green Card)
• 2 passport-style photos (taken within the last 30 days)
• Any additional documents showing why you need to travel (such as a letter explaining the reason for travel if it’s for humanitarian purposes).

Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee

The filing fee for Form I-131 can vary depending on your situation. Check the latest fee on the USCIS website or review the instructions for the form to find out how much you need to pay. You can pay by check, money order, or online if you’re submitting the form digitally.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You can mail your completed application, along with all required documents and payment, to the USCIS lockbox listed in the form instructions. If you’re applying online, you can upload your documents and submit payment electronically.

Step 5: Wait for USCIS Approval

After submitting your application, you’ll receive a receipt notice from USCIS. Processing times can vary, but it usually takes several months to get a decision. If your request is approved, USCIS will issue the I-512 Advance Parole document, allowing you to travel.

Step 6: Travel with Your I-512 Advance Parole Document

Once you have the document, you can travel abroad. Make sure to carry the I-512 Advance Parole document when returning to the U.S., as you’ll need to show it to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the airport.

Traveling with the I-512 Advance Parole

When traveling, carry the original I-512 Advance Parole document with you. You’ll need it to board your return flight or other transportation to the U.S. and present it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon arrival.

As an adjustment of status applicant, you should also bring a photocopy of the I-797C Notice of Action to show that your I-485 application was accepted. This can provide extra documentation of your pending immigration case, which may be helpful if CBP officers request additional information when you return to the U.S.

Make sure to return to the U.S. before the expiration date on your Advance Parole document. Always factor in possible travel delays, such as flight cancellations or other disruptions, to ensure you don’t accidentally overstay. Failing to return on time could result in complications with your immigration status or even a denial of re-entry.

While you can generally travel freely within U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands without Advance Parole, always check with your transportation carrier to confirm that your trip does not pass through a foreign country or port.

I-512 Advance Parole Processing Time

On average, the processing time for an I-512 Advance Parole application can range from 3 to 5 months, but lately this has taken longer. This means that once you submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, to USCIS, it can take several months before you receive the I-512 Advance Parole document. However, the exact timeline can fluctuate based on your location, the complexity of your case, and current processing delays at USCIS.

If you submitted your Advance Parole application along with your Green Card (I-485) or employment authorization (I-765), your case might take longer because multiple documents are being reviewed together.

If there are mistakes or missing information in your application, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), which will delay processing until you provide the needed information.

I-512 Advance Parole Fees

The fees for the Advance Parole application depend on your specific situation and whether you’re applying for it as part of another immigration process.

If you are filing for Advance Parole while applying for a Green Card (adjustment of status) by submitting Form I-485, the fee for Form I-131 is $630. 

You may be exempt from the fee depending on the basis of your green card applications. You can find more information on the USCIS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel to Mexico with I-512 advance parole?

Yes, you can travel to Mexico with an I-512 Advance Parole document, just like you would to any other country. The I-512 Advance Parole document allows you to leave the U.S. and return without jeopardizing your immigration status, whether you’re visiting Mexico or another foreign destination. 

However, it’s crucial to ensure that your Advance Parole is valid for the entire duration of your trip and that you return before it expires. Also, make sure to carry the original Advance Parole document with you when traveling, as you’ll need it to re-enter the U.S.

Can I be denied entry with advance parole?

While the I-512 Advance Parole generally allows you to re-enter the U.S., it does not guarantee entry. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the authority to deny entry based on security or admissibility concerns, even if you have a valid Advance Parole document. 

For example, if you have any unresolved legal issues, immigration violations, or inadmissibility grounds, you could be denied re-entry. It’s always a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney before traveling if you have any concerns about your eligibility for re-entry.

How many times can I travel with advance parole?

In most cases, you can use your I-512 Advance Parole document to travel multiple times as long as it is valid. Some Advance Parole documents are issued for single-use, but many are valid for multiple entries during the period they cover, typically for up to one year. Always check your specific document to confirm whether it allows for multiple trips and be sure to complete your travels and return to the U.S. before the document expires.

Can I travel while advance parole is pending?

You should not travel outside the U.S. while your I-512 Advance Parole application is still pending. 

If you leave the country without an approved Advance Parole document, USCIS may consider your pending I-131 application and other applications (like an I-485 for adjustment of status) abandoned, which could result in your case being denied. To avoid any issues, it’s best to wait until your I-512 Advance Parole is approved before making any travel plans.