Travel Considerations While Form I-131 Is Pending

Who this guide is for

• Applicants with a pending Form I-485 and Form I-131
• Families planning urgent or important travel

Leaving before advance parole is approved

Leaving the United States before you receive advance parole generally causes USCIS to treat your Form I-485 as abandoned. Limited exceptions apply to people in valid H-1/H-4, L-1/L-2, K-3/K-4, or V status who return with a valid visa in that category and are otherwise admissible.

Advance parole is not a guarantee

• Advance parole lets you ask to be paroled back in, but an officer makes a separate decision when you arrive
• The government may revoke or end an advance parole document at any time, even while you are abroad
• While away, you may miss USCIS notices, appointments, or requests for evidence, which can affect your case
• Carry your advance parole document and supporting papers when you travel

Important considerations

• Plan around any scheduled USCIS appointment.
• Check the USCIS website for current guidance before you book travel.

When to consider legal help

Consider speaking with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative if your situation involves any of the following:

• Any arrest, criminal charge, or conviction, in any country
• Past or current removal (deportation) proceedings, or a prior removal order
• Unlawful presence, a prior visa overstay, or a past immigration violation
• Questions about whether you need a waiver or qualify for an exception
• Any past overstay or unlawful presence before traveling
• Travel to a country where you may face difficulty returning

Official USCIS sources

Fees, mailing addresses, form editions, and processing times change. Always confirm them on the official USCIS pages below before you file.

• USCIS: Form I-131 (opens in a new tab)
• USCIS: Form I-485 (opens in a new tab)

Related resources

• Advance Parole Document Checklist