Get advance parole to travel while your green card is pending.
People with a pending I-485 who need to travel internationally.
Form I-131 is used to request Advance Parole, which allows you to travel outside the U.S. and re-enter while your I-485 is pending. Traveling without advance parole while your I-485 is pending can result in abandonment of your application.
File I-131 with evidence of your pending I-485
Wait for approval before making any travel plans
Receive the Advance Parole document
Use it to re-enter the U.S. after international travel
Advance Parole is most commonly used by people with a pending I-485, but it also applies to certain other categories, including some TPS holders, asylum applicants, and parolees who need to travel and return. Requirements and risk levels differ significantly by category — what's routine for one group can carry real risk for another (for example, some individuals who entered without inspection face added complications even with approved Advance Parole).
Copy of your receipt notice (I-797) showing your pending I-485 or other qualifying application
Two passport-style photos
Copy of your government-issued photo ID
A clear written explanation of the purpose and dates of your intended travel
Traveling before approval arrives. Leaving the U.S. while I-131 is still pending — not yet approved — can be treated as abandoning your I-485.
Assuming it guarantees re-entry. Advance Parole allows you to apply for re-entry, but a CBP officer at the port of entry still makes the final admissibility determination.
Not accounting for processing time in travel plans. Booking international travel before confirming approval timelines is a common, avoidable risk.
Can I expedite Advance Parole for an emergency? Yes, in genuine emergencies (such as a family member's serious illness or death abroad) you can request expedited processing, though approval isn't guaranteed.
Does Advance Parole work like a visa? No — it's permission to apply for re-entry, not a guarantee. You'll still go through standard CBP inspection at the port of entry.
What if my I-485 gets denied while I'm abroad? This is a serious risk — if your underlying case is denied while you're outside the U.S. on Advance Parole, you may not be able to re-enter. Avoid international travel if your case has any pending complications.
📄 Official Form on USCIS.gov →Use ClearPath's free tools to check your own situation
Explore ClearPath Tools →