Additional Topics > Obtaining Travel Document/Advance Parole

OBTAINING TRAVEL DOCUMENT / ADVANCE PAROLE 

• Applicants for adjustment of status to permanent residence have restricted ability to travel outside of the United States until they are approved for permanent residence. Most applicants have no choice, if they want to travel internationally, they must apply for and obtain an advance parole travel document. Applicants for permanent residence who maintain valid H-1B, L-1, H-4 or L-2 status do have a choice: they may either travel on their valid H or L visas, or they may obtain advance parole travel documents. The main advantage of obtaining a travel document is to eliminate the need to obtain a visa while the applicant is traveling outside of the United States -- this is an even more important advantage during times of lengthy delays in visa processing while awaiting the completion of security clearances.
• Travel documents presently take about 90 days for issuance and are valid for periods of one year (renewable)