Travel permits are essential documents that allow individuals to legally travel across borders, either within or outside a specific country. Whether you’re a visa holder, a permanent resident awaiting your green card, or an asylum seeker, a travel permit may be necessary to avoid jeopardizing your immigration status. In this blog, Middle East Services explains what a travel permit is, why you might need one, and how to obtain it, especially when dealing with U.S. immigration laws.
What is a Travel Permit?
A travel permit, often referred to as an Advance Parole in the U.S. immigration context, is a document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows certain individuals to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad without forfeiting their immigration status. While not the same as a visa, it functions similarly in that it grants you permission to enter the U.S. after you’ve left the country.
This document is especially important for individuals who are in the process of adjusting their immigration status, such as green card applicants, asylum seekers, or those on Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Why Might You Need a Travel Permit?
There are several reasons why you might need a travel permit, depending on your immigration status:
1. Green Card Applicants Awaiting Approval
If you have applied for a green card (permanent residency) and your application is pending, leaving the U.S. without a travel permit could result in your application being denied. USCIS considers leaving the U.S. during this time as abandoning your adjustment of status process. To avoid this, a travel permit (Advance Parole) allows you to travel temporarily while your green card is being processed.
2. Asylum Seekers
If you have applied for asylum in the U.S. and your application is pending, traveling outside the U.S. without a travel permit could be seen as abandoning your asylum claim. A travel permit allows you to travel abroad for emergencies or special reasons without losing your eligibility to seek asylum.
3. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Holders
Individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) may need a travel permit to leave and re-enter the U.S. TPS allows individuals from designated countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, or other emergencies to reside and work in the U.S. temporarily. A travel permit ensures you can return to the U.S. after traveling abroad.
4. DACA Recipients
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients may also need a travel permit to leave and re-enter the U.S. DACA recipients who need to travel for humanitarian, educational, or employment reasons can apply for a travel permit to ensure their return.
5. Emergency Situations
If you face a family emergency or other urgent reasons that require you to travel abroad, obtaining a travel permit ensures that you can return to the U.S. without risking your immigration status.
How to Obtain a Travel Permit
The process of obtaining a travel permit typically involves filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with USCIS. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Determine Your Eligibility
Before applying for a travel permit, you need to ensure that you’re eligible. Individuals who may qualify include:
- Green card applicants with pending Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
- Asylum seekers with pending asylum applications
- DACA recipients
- TPS holders
- Those applying for humanitarian or emergency reasons
2. Complete Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document)
Form I-131 is the official form used to request a travel permit from USCIS. This form will ask for your personal information, your immigration status, and the reason for your travel request. You’ll also need to provide documentation that supports your eligibility, such as:
- A copy of your I-485 receipt notice (for green card applicants)
- Proof of your pending asylum application
- Documentation of your TPS or DACA status
If your supporting documents are in a language other than English, you’ll need certified translations. At Middle East Services, we provide certified translations that meet USCIS requirements, ensuring your application is complete and accurate.
3. Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee for Form I-131 varies depending on your immigration status. For green card applicants, the fee may already be covered in your I-485 application fee. Other applicants, such as DACA or TPS holders, may need to pay a separate fee, typically around $575.
4. Submit Your Application to USCIS
Once you’ve completed Form I-131 and gathered all supporting documents, you’ll need to submit your application to USCIS. Be sure to double-check that all forms are completed accurately and that the necessary documents are included, as missing or incomplete information can delay the process.
5. Wait for Approval
After submitting your travel permit application, USCIS will process it and, if necessary, schedule you for a biometrics appointment to collect your fingerprints and photograph. Processing times can vary, so it’s important to apply for a travel permit well in advance of your intended travel date.
If your application is approved, you will receive your travel document, which allows you to re-enter the U.S. after your trip. You must carry this document with you when traveling and present it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon your return.
Important Considerations
- Advance Parole is Not a Guarantee of Re-entry: A travel permit does not guarantee automatic re-entry into the U.S. While it allows you to travel abroad and return, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will still inspect you upon your return and have the authority to deny you entry if they find issues with your admissibility.
- Apply Early: Travel permit processing can take several months. If you know you’ll need to travel, apply for a travel permit as early as possible to avoid delays that could affect your travel plans.
- Abandonment of Immigration Process: Leaving the U.S. without a travel permit can result in USCIS considering your immigration process abandoned. It’s crucial to obtain a travel permit before leaving the U.S. if you’re waiting for your green card or have a pending immigration application.
How Middle East Services Can Help
At Middle East Services, we assist individuals with obtaining travel permits and other essential immigration documents. Our team can help you:
- Complete Form I-131: We ensure your application is filled out accurately, reducing the risk of delays or denials.
- Provide Certified Translation Services: If your supporting documents are in another language, we provide certified translations to meet USCIS requirements.
- Notary Public Services: If you need notarized documents for your application, we can provide quick and professional notary services.
Conclusion
Obtaining a travel permit is crucial for individuals in certain immigration categories who need to travel abroad temporarily. By following the right steps and ensuring all documents are in order, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you can return to the U.S. without jeopardizing your immigration status. At Middle East Services, we’re here to guide you through the process and provide the support you need.
If you need help applying for a travel permit, contact us today for expert assistance!
