Legal Definitions - advance parole

Advance parole is a document that allows certain foreign nationals to travel outside of the United States and return without losing their pending immigration status. It is important to obtain advance parole before leaving the U.S. to avoid being denied entry upon return.

• An individual who has filed an application for adjustment of status but has not yet received a decision from USCIS may apply for advance parole to travel outside of the U.S. and return.
• A refugee or asylee who wants to apply for an immigrant visa in Canada may apply for advance parole to travel outside of the U.S. and return.
• An individual with an emergent personal or bona fide reason to travel temporarily abroad may apply for advance parole to travel outside of the U.S. and return.

These examples illustrate how advance parole can be used to allow certain foreign nationals to travel outside of the U.S. and return without losing their pending immigration status. It is important to obtain advance parole before leaving the U.S. to avoid being denied entry upon return.