US Travel Docs Helpline: Understanding Advance Parole and Travel Documents

When traveling outside the United States, it's essential to understand the different types of travel documents that you may need to carry, depending on your immigration status. In this article, we will explore advance parole and its significance for asylum applicants, lawful permanent residents, and nonimmigrant visa holders.

Advance Parole: A Must-Have Document for Asylum Applicants

If you are an asylum applicant who intends to travel outside the United States and return, you must apply for and receive advance parole. This document allows you to re-enter the country without penalty or delay. Failure to obtain advance parole may result in your asylum application being denied.

Types of Travel Documents Issued by USCIS

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues five types of travel documents, including advance parole. In certain cases, you may need to apply for these documents before leaving the United States. These include:

* Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

* Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status

* Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document

* Employment Authorization Document with travel endorsement

When Do You Need an Advance Parole Document?

You may need to carry different types of travel documents if you have a pending application for an immigration benefit. In addition, if your document was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged while temporarily traveling outside the United States, you should apply for a replacement before leaving the country.

What Happens If You Don't Have an Advance Parole Document?

If you depart the United States without first obtaining advance parole, USCIS will assume that you have abandoned your asylum application. Similarly, if you are a lawful permanent resident or conditional lawful permanent resident and fail to carry the required travel documents, you may not be allowed to re-enter the country.

Advance parole is a critical document for asylum applicants, lawful permanent residents, and nonimmigrant visa holders who intend to travel outside the United States. It's essential to understand the types of travel documents issued by USCIS and when you need to apply for them. By doing so, you can avoid penalties and delays when traveling abroad.

For more information on advance parole and travel documents, please visit our Form I-131, Application for Travel Document page or contact us at .

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