Our Immigration Lawyers Help Clients With Advance Parole in Portland and Throughout the Region

At Vanderwall Immigration, our Portland advance parole immigration lawyers are compassionate, experienced, and solutions-forward advocates for clients. As a full-service immigration law firm, we are focused on helping our clients achieve the best outcome. If you have any specific questions or concerns about advance parole in an immigration case, we are here as a legal resource. Contact us at our Beaverton office or our Salem office to set up your strictly confidential initial consultation.

Advance Parole: Know the Basics

When an immigrant applies for an adjustment of their status, they are generally restricted from traveling outside of the United States until the matter is resolved. Unapproved travel could result in a person being classified as “inadmissible” when they try to return to the United States. Advance parole helps to resolve this problem. What is advance parole? Here is a simple answer: 

  • Advance parole is a travel document that allows an individual with a pending immigration application—often a green card application—to leave the U.S. on a temporary basis without adverse consequences. 

Some Common Reasons Why People Seek Advance Parole (Travel Approval)

As noted above, advance parole is effectively a travel document that permits non-U.S. nationals who are in the process of adjusting their status to permanent residency—or who otherwise do not have a valid immigrant visa—to travel abroad and return to the United States without jeopardizing their immigration status. There are a number of different reasons why a person may opt to seek advance parole. In many cases, the need is both personal and urgent. Here are some of the most common reasons why our law firm sees people applying for advance parole: 

  • A Family Emergency: The most common reason for seeking advance parole is to address family emergencies in another country, such as the severe illness or death of a family member. The need to provide support or go to a funeral may require travel on short notice. 
  • An Educational Opportunity: For many different reasons, a student could be required to travel internationally for academic purposes. Some examples include participating in a study abroad program and conducting field research. Advance parole may be needed. 
  • An Employment-Related Matter: Business trips are necessary for a wide range of different professionals. Especially those with international ties. A person with pending immigration should submit an application for advance parole before leaving the country. 
  • Medical Treatment: Do you require a medical procedure or medical consultation that is not available in the United States? Advance parole may be the best available option for traveling abroad without undermining your immigration status.
  • Legal Matters: Some people may have to attend to legal issues in their home countries or in other foreign countries. Examples include court appearances and amending legal documents like wills or property deeds. A legal obligation could justify advance parole. 
  • Cultural Obligations: Cultural and religious ceremonies that hold significant personal importance can also be a reason for travel. These can include weddings, rites of passage, and other culturally significant events.
  • Humanitarian Purposes: A person who is involved in humanitarian efforts may need to travel to participate in a mission. Some notable examples include providing disaster relief, providing medical aid, or providing educational support to underserved communities. Certain humanitarian missions can qualify a person for advance parole.  

An Overview of the Advance Parole Application Process

Are you a non-U.S. citizen and non-green card holder who is seeking to travel internationally? If so, you may need the advance parole travel document to do so. Assuming it is required in your case, you must have a general understanding of the application process. Here is a basic overview of the most important things that you should know about advance parole applications: 

  • Start With an Eligibility Review: Before applying, a person should always take the time to ensure they are eligible for advance parole. 
  • Obtain Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document): The primary step in the application process involves completing Form I-131. This form must be filled out accurately and thoroughly to avoid delays or denials.
  • Be Ready to Gather Supporting Documents: Applicants must compile supporting documentation. Among other documents, key records include anything that shows your reasons for traveling. 
  • Pay the Application Fee: There is a fee associated with the application that must be paid unless the applicant receives a fee waiver. Fees are subject to change, so applicants should verify the current cost on the USCIS website.
  • Complete and Submit Your Application: Once the form and supporting documents are ready, the entire package should be mailed to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility.
  • Attend a Biometrics Appointment (Not Always Necessary): Some applicants may be required to attend a biometrics appointment where fingerprints and photographs are taken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Advance Parole

What Does it Mean to Be Ruled Inadmissible to the United States?

Being ruled inadmissible to the United States means an individual is not permitted to enter or stay in the country under immigration law. Grounds for inadmissibility include health-related issues, criminal history, security concerns, public charge risks, lack of proper documentation, or previous immigration violations. Remember, an unapproved international travel violation could render a person inadmissible to the United States. 

How Long Does the Advance Parole Application Process Typically Take?

It depends. The advance parole application process duration can vary based on individual circumstances and current immigration backlogs. Typically, it takes a few months. That being said, processing times may change due to the volume of applications received, the complexity of the case, the necessity for additional information or documentation, and any need for expedited approval. No matter your circumstances, an experienced immigration lawyer can help determine the best course of action in your advance parole case. 

Why Would an Application for Advance Parole Be Denied?

An application for advance parole may be denied for several reasons, such as failure to demonstrate compelling reasons for travel, incomplete application, missing documentation, existing deportation or removal orders, or security concerns. Additionally, applicants who have previously violated their visa terms or have an unlawful presence in the U.S. may face denial. If you are worried about the risk of a denial, contact our immigration attorneys for immediate assistance. 

How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help With Advance Parole?

A lot of potential issues can arise in an advanced parole case. A top-tier immigration lawyer can assist with all stages of the advance parole application—ensuring all required documentation is accurate and complete and proactively addressing any potential complications. Do not go it alone: Get help from an experienced Portland, OR immigration attorney. 

Why Trust the Advance Parole Lawyers at Vanderwall Immigration

Immigration law is complicated—especially so when it comes to matters of advance parole. At Vanderwall Immigration, it is our mission to help people establish and protect their immigration rights. We have extensive experience taking on complex immigration matters, including advance parole cases. Among other things, our immigration lawyers are ready to: 

  • Hear what you have to say and answer questions about advance parole. 
  • Help you understand and explore all available immigration options. 
  • Gather and organize all relevant information, records, and supporting documents.
  • Take whatever legal action is needed to help you and your family get the best outcome. 

Contact Our Portland Advance Parole Immigration Attorneys Today

At Vanderwall Immigration, our Portland immigration lawyers have the skills and experience to help clients with all types of advance parole cases. Have questions about advance parole in an immigration law matter? We are here to help. Contact us today to arrange your completely confidential consultation. With an office in Beaverton and an office in Salem, we are well-situated to help clients with advance parole claims in Portland and throughout the entire region.