What is Advance Parole

Understanding what it means to have a parole in the United States is key to understanding how this immigration permit works. In this blog we will explore its process, advance parole, and other variants.

If you would like to apply for parole or have questions about the process, please do not hesitate to contact our Los Angeles immigration lawyers at Lluis Law.

What is immigration Advance parole in the United States in 2025?

An immigration parole is a special permit that allows a person to enter or remain in the United States under certain circumstances.

This permit is an exception for those who do not meet the requirements to enter the US or are inadmissible. 

In fact, some applicants may be eligible for humanitarian parole or other variants.

Note: A parole is not a visa and does not grant permanent legal status. However, it does provide legal protection in the US and, in some cases, allows you to apply for employment authorization in the country.

Who qualifies for parole?

Eligibility for parole may vary depending on specific circumstances and immigration policies in effect at a given time. 

However, it is generally applied to people who find themselves in urgent humanitarian situations.

Who can request immigration parole?

Anyone may request immigration parole, either for themselves or for another person. This can be done by filing Form I-131 with USCIS.

Generally, the applicant does not need to be a resident of the United States or be related to the beneficiary. 

If the applicant is outside the country, he or she may also request parole for himself or herself as a self-petitioner.

Types of parole in the United States

There are several types of parole that allow certain foreign nationals to enter or remain in the US:

Humanitarian Parole

Allows temporary entry into the US for urgent health reasons or public benefit, such as receiving medical treatment or caring for a critically ill family member.

Advance parole

It allows people within the United States to leave and return without affecting their immigration status. 

This permit is common for those applying for adjustment of status or holding Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Military parole in place

Military parole in place is granted to immediate family members of US Armed Forces members, reservists, or veterans. 

This program serves to regularize your immigration status without the need to leave the country.

Parole for Individuals deported or Under a removal process

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may grant parole for: 

• Humanitarian reasons; or
• Family members, allowing the reentry of deported individuals or suspending the deportation of those who are still in the process.

Special parole programs

There are certain special parole programs created for specific situations. For example:

• The family reunification program for Cubans ; or
• Parole in place of family unity for certain spouses of American citizens.

Note: Not sure what parole is in effect for Cubans, Venezuelans, or others? Call us and we will help you understand your immigration status and manage the appropriate application.

How can I request parole in the United States?

To apply for a temporary residence permit, you generally need to follow these steps:

1# Submit a parole request

The petitioner must complete and sign Forms I-131 and I-134, attach the required documentation, and submit the parole request. The petitioner must also include payment of the fee or a waiver request (Form I-912).

If your application is successful, you will receive a notification and your application will be sent to the USCIS International and Refugee Affairs Division (USCIS-IRAD).

USCIS will then notify you of the next steps to follow. To check the status of your case or submit additional evidence, you can create a USCIS online account .

2# Wait for the initial review of the application

USCIS will verify that it has jurisdiction over your application and determine whether it requires premium processing for urgent reasons. If applicable, it will forward your application to the appropriate office.

3# Receive the evaluation of the application

A USCIS officer will review the documents, perform security checks, and, if necessary, request additional evidence or issue a notice of intent to deny.

4# Wait for the final decision

A supervisor will review the decision before the final ruling is issued.

5# Receive notification of the decision

• If approved: A conditional approval notification will be sent with instructions for next steps, such as scheduling an appointment at the US embassy and providing biometrics.
• If denied: A denial letter will be sent to the applicant and his/her representative.

6# Obtain travel documents

If approval is conditional, the beneficiary must complete Form DS-160 and attend a consular appointment to verify his or her identity and conduct additional verifications. 

If everything is in order, you will receive a boarding stamp, allowing you to travel to the US within 30 days.

7# Enter the United States and receive authorization at the port of entry

A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will inspect the beneficiary and, if eligible, issue a Form I-94, recording his or her parole status.

After arrival, the beneficiary may apply for employment authorization using Form I-765.

What are the requirements for immigration parole?

Approval of an immigration parole is determined on a case-by-case basis, evaluating both positive and negative factors in the application. However, USCIS also looks at other aspects, such as:

• Criminal record or prior immigration violations.
• Benefit that your presence would bring to American citizens, lawful permanent residents, or to a community in the US.
• Availability of sufficient financial support during your stay.
• Evaluating your character and background.
• History of immigration fraud.
• Impact of your presence in the community.
• The beneficiary’s intent to depart the US upon completion of parole or his or her ability to obtain lawful immigration status.
• Potential risks to national security.
• If the parole fulfills a specific purpose within a specific time.
• If there are other alternatives, such as eligibility for a visa.

Each case is analyzed in its entirety and there is no single requirement that guarantees approval.

What are the benefits of immigration parole?

Immigration parole provides temporary legal status and prevents the accumulation of unlawful presence in the US. 

Depending on the program you apply for, it may also allow for work authorization and access to certain public benefits during its validity.

How long does parole last in the United States?

A parole is granted for a specific period of time depending on the purpose of the request. 

However, it is generally granted for a maximum of one year in the United States, although it can be extended in certain cases. In any case, a parole ends when:

• Your authorized period expires;
• If the person leaves the country; or 
• If you acquire an immigration status. 

Note: The US government may revoke parole at any time if it deems it no longer necessary or if the recipient fails to meet its requirements.

How can I renew a parole in the United States?

To renew a parole in the United States, you must apply before your current permit expires. The process includes:

• Form I-131: Complete the application for travel documents, checking the appropriate box in Part 1 and indicating the expiration date of your permit.
• Payment of fees: Include the required amount or request a waiver with Form I-912.
• Evidence: Attach documents that support the need for a parole extension.

Form I-131 may be filed online in certain cases, such as:

• Beneficiaries of the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program.
• Participants in the humanitarian permit program for Central American minors.
• Individuals included in the family reunification working group process.

If you wish to receive electronic notifications regarding your application, please attach a Form G-1145 to your application.

Can I request expedited processing for parole?

You may be able to request expedited processing for parole. In fact, USCIS reviews each request on an individual basis to determine whether expedited processing is appropriate, although the decision on this is solely up to USCIS.

Either way, to request expedited processing, you generally need to follow these steps:

1. Complete the instructions for Form I-131;
2. Write “EXPEDITE” in the upper right corner of the paper application, or indicate the request for expedited processing if you are filing online;
3. Include your email address, phone number and fax number in the urgent request;
4. Provide a detailed explanation of the reason for your expedited request, along with any relevant evidence to support your case.

In general, most parole requests received are based on urgent humanitarian reasons. Therefore, you must demonstrate that your request is extremely urgent to be considered for expedited processing.

Who needs Advance Parole?

Advance parole is required for those who have a pending application for adjustment of status in the US and wish to leave the country without their application being cancelled.

If a Green Card applicant travels abroad without this document, USCIS will consider the applicant to have abandoned his or her application and will reject it. Therefore, obtaining it avoids the need to restart the process and reduces the risk of not being able to reenter the U.S.

Note: This permit does not replace your passport or visas and even with advance parole, a CBP officer may deny you entry into the US.

How long does it take to process an advance parole?

The processing time for advance parole varies between 5 and 24 months, depending on the service center that handles your request. 

USCIS updates processing times on a monthly basis, which you can view in its database.

What immigration reliefs can be obtained from Advance Parole?

Some immigration reliefs that may be provided by an advance travel permit include: 

• DACA; 
• TPS; 
• Asylum; or 
• If you have a pending Green Card or other immigration status approved or in process. 

Why is advance parole risky?

Advance parole is risky because it does not guarantee re-entry into the US as CBP can deny entry if it determines the traveler is inadmissible. 

Additionally, those with an unexecuted removal order could trigger their removal and face a 10-year bar on reentry. However, you may qualify for an immigration waiver of inadmissibility.

Who is not eligible to apply for advance parole in the United States?

Immigrants cannot apply for advance parole if:

• Are in the United States illegally, or
• They participate in an exchange program and are subject to the requirement of residency abroad.

Who is exempt from the advance parole exit rule?

Those immigrants who are exempt from the rule requiring advance parole approval before leaving the US to avoid termination of their application are:

• Those who maintain a valid H-1B or L-1 visa and have a pending application for adjustment of status;
• Dependents of individuals with valid H-1B or L-1 status who also have their corresponding H-1B or L visas;
• V nonimmigrants with valid status before applying for readmission to the US; and
• Nonimmigrants with valid K-3 and K-4 visas obtained before applying for readmission to the US.

What is financial support for requesting immigration parole?

In order for an immigration parole to be approved, it is essential to demonstrate that the beneficiary will have the means to remain in the US during their stay. 

In most cases, this requires a financial sponsor, who must file Form I-134 with USCIS along with sufficient evidence of income. For example:

• Pay stubs; 
• Tax returns; or 
• A letter from the employer.

Note: Failure to meet federal poverty guidelines or provide sufficient evidence of financial support may result in your parole request being denied.

Who can be a financial sponsor?

The financial sponsor can be any person or entity, and does not necessarily have to be the parole applicant. 

Similarly, although it is not mandatory, having a sponsor who is a lawful permanent resident or US citizen makes it easier to demonstrate financial capacity. In these cases, it is recommended to attach documents such as:

• Green Card; 
• Certificate of naturalization; and 
• Passport.

If a single sponsor does not have sufficient resources, multiple financial sponsors may apply, each with their own Form I-134 and supporting documentation.

Is it possible to work with advance parole?

Advance parole does not grant employment authorization. However, those who have applied for adjustment of status can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while they await the resolution of their case.

Frequently asked questions regarding US parole programs

Can I be denied entry into the United States with an advance parole?

You may be denied entry into the United States even if you have advance parole. 

This is because even if you have the appropriate documents, you are subject to immigration inspection or examination at a port of entry. 

Furthermore, the final decision on your admission depends on whether you meet the immigration requirements and are eligible for the immigration status you are applying for.

Can I work in the United States with parole?

It is possible to apply for a temporary work permit, as long as it is not incompatible with the purpose and duration of the parole. 

To do so, you must file Form I-765 with USCIS after receiving parole in the United States. However, employment authorization is granted at the discretion of immigration authorities.

What should I consider before planning a trip with advance parole?

Before planning a trip with advance parole, please note that:

• This document allows you to leave and return to the United States, but you will be subject to inspection at the port of entry. 
• You will not be able to leave the country until your advance parole is approved, which can take several months after you submit your application.
• Although the permit allows you to be out of the country for a certain amount of time, traveling during this period may interfere with important immigration appointments.

Note: In the event that you cannot attend an immigration appointment but you have your advance parole, you must follow the rescheduling instructions in the USCIS appointment notice. In these cases, it is best to consult with our immigration attorneys.

How do I know if I need a travel permit?

If you are in the US and have applied for a Green Card but are still waiting for your application to be processed, you may want to consider applying for a travel permit if you plan to leave the country. 

Otherwise, if you travel without the document, USCIS may consider that you have abandoned your application for residency.

On the other hand, if you are already a legal permanent resident and plan to leave the US for more than one year but less than two, it may also be advisable to apply for parole.

What happens if my advance parole ends while I am outside the US?

If your advance parole expires while you are abroad, you may face problems reentering the US. 

Therefore, it is recommended to return before the document’s expiration date.

How can our lawyers help you apply for parole in the United States?

Now you are more informed about what parole is or what is considered advance permission to travel. 

However, the application process can be complex and proper guidance is crucial. 

At Lluis Law, our immigration attorneys can guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the requirements, complete the paperwork correctly, and meet all deadlines. Contact us today for personalized advice.