Foreign nationals who arrive in the United States as nonimmigrants and then file for  adjustment of status may also file for advance parole in conjunction with their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”).

Advance Parole differs from a Re-Entry Permit because while both use the same form; Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records, USCIS issues Advance Parole to those seeking to temporarily depart the United States before their lawful permanent residence is approved. A re-entry permit is for those who are already lawful permanent residents and are looking to travel outside the United States for a short period without abandoning their permanent resident status.

An example of a foreign national who would be eligible for Advance Parole is somebody who entered the U.S. on a K-1 fiancé visa. After arriving and marrying their U.S. citizen fiancé within 90 days, the new immigrant spouse  should file for adjustment of status. If the new immigrant spouse  needs  to travel abroad (i.e. visit the foreign national’s family during the adjustment period), Advance Parole would be required in order to return to the United States. Thus, having been approved for Advance Parole would allow for the foreign national to depart and return without abandoning their ongoing adjustment of status application.

Once the adjustment of status has been approved, the new immigrant spouse will have lawful permanent residence and Advance Parole is no longer required to re-enter the United States.  The new immigrant spouse would use their Form I-551 “Green Card” as a visa to reenter the United States.  If the lawful permanent resident is looking to spend a prolonged period of time outside the U.S., applying for a re-entry permit with USCIS may be necessary.

For more information, contact us at inquiries@immigrationvisadirect.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney.

Bridgeway Immigration

LKG Tower 37th Floor

6801 Ayala Avenue

Makati City, Philippines 1226

Tel: +63 917 543 7926
Email:  inquiries@immigrationvisadirect.com

Copyright 2024. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Bridgeway Immigration only.