By J. Lavetsky, Esq.
Beacon Immigration PLLC
July 24, 2023
In part 1, we discussed a number of tips for traveling abroad with advance parole. Let’s now discuss a few more things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Check your Advance Parole Validity Dates
When you apply for an advance parole document from USCIS, you will be issued a travel document with very specific validity dates. You are only allowed to travel abroad during this timeframe. If you travel abroad outside of these dates, you will be traveling with an expired advance parole document and you may not be allowed to return to the U.S.
If returning to the U.S. on the last possible day, you should leave earlier rather than later. If there are any delays, you may arrive in the U.S. after midnight with an expired travel document.
Keep your Documents in a Safe Place
When you finally arrive at your destination abroad, it’s crucial to keep your advance parole document in a safe place. Consider keeping your documents in your hotel or Airbnb room, or in the house of your friends/family. You generally shouldn’t walk around with your travel documents, in case they’re stolen or damaged.
Do you Need a Visa?
Will you need a visa to travel to your destination? If you’re returning to your home country, then traveling with your passport will be fine, but if traveling to a third country, you should ensure that you will be allowed to visit using just your passport. Some countries will make you apply for a visa at a local consulate or embassy, a process that may require several months and an interview.
Renew your Passport
You should ensure that your passport will be valid for more than six months after you’re scheduled to return to the U.S. If your passport will expire less than six months after your return date, you may not be allowed to board the flight back.
Apply for Advance Parole Several Months in Advance
Currently, advance parole applications with USCIS can take up to a year to be approved. If you have specific travel dates in mind, then you should try to apply for advance parole as far in advance as possible, to ensure that USCIS sends you your travel documents before your flight.
In some cases, USCIS will not have approved your application by the time that you will need to travel. You may need to try to schedule an emergency Infopass appointment at your local USCIS office to request advance parole in person. USCIS may make you pay the $575 application fee a second time. You will need to show proof of your upcoming travel, like ticket purchases.
Make Copies
When USCIS finally sends you your advance parole travel documents, you should make physical and digital copies in case you lose the originals. You are required to present the original advance parole document to CBP when returning to the U.S., but a sympathetic CBP officer may let you through with just a copy or photo with your phone.
Ask CBP to Return your Stamped Advance Parole Document
When you clear immigration in the U.S., CBP may stamp your passport and your advance parole document. If possible, you should ask CBP to return your advance parole document to you so that you have proof that you traveled lawfully. Sometimes the CBP officer will refuse, but you should ask anyway. Or, if you have a copy of your advance parole document, ask the CBP officer to stamp your copy (and you keep the copy).
If you need proof that you traveled with advance parole, you can request your electronic I-94 online.
Conclusion
Traveling abroad can be a rewarding and happy experience, but it’s important to do it right. With a few precautions, you can ensure that you return safely to the U.S.
If you have questions about traveling with advance parole, please get in touch today: +1 845-288-2435 / beaconimmigrationlawyer@gmail.com.
Beacon Immigration PLLC is a law firm located in the Hudson Valley of New York at 6 Eliza Street, Suite 5, Beacon, NY 12508 (Dutchess County).
