Reminder For Adjustment of Status Applicants
To Obtain Advance Parole Before Travling Abroad

Last month, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) issued a reminder to individuals with an application for adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent resident, an application for relief under the NACARA 203, or an asylum application, that they must obtain advance parole, by filing Form I-131, before traveling abroad. Advance parole gives the individual permission to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad in order to continue processing for adjustment of status.

Applicants who travel abroad without first obtaining advance parole may be unable to return to the U.S., their applications may be denied, or both. Applications for advance parole may be filed at a local USCIS district office or a USCIS Service Center. Current processing times for Service Centers range from 90-150 days. The processing times at the local district offices vary from district to district.

It is important to note, however, that individuals who depart the U.S. after certain periods of unlawful stay may be barred from admission to lawful permanent resident status, even if they obtain advance parole. Individuals who have been unlawfully present in the U.S. for more than 180 days, but less than one year are inadmissible for three years. Those who have been unlawfully present for a year or more are inadmissible for ten years.

Individuals with pending applications for adjustment of status should consult an immigration attorney, an immigration assistance organization accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals, or the USCIS National Customer Service Center before making plans to travel abroad.

Teressa Accurso Dickman
Law Offices of Teressa Accurso Dickman, P.A.
www.ImmigratingToAmerica.com

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