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Permission to travel while your case is pending.

If you have applied to adjust status and need to leave the country, advance parole is what lets you return without abandoning your application. It is Form I-131, and the timing matters.

Starts with a free consultation. You pay nothing until you decide to begin.

Three friends walking and laughing together outdoors

What gets filed

1 form
  • I-131 Application for Travel Document

We complete each of these with your answers. An independent immigration attorney reviews the packet before it reaches you.

Who this is for

  • You have a pending adjustment of status application
  • You need to travel and return before a decision is made
  • You have not travelled without permission while the case is pending

New USCIS rule

A missing document can now cost you the case, not just time.

Since August 5, 2026, USCIS officers can deny an application outright when required evidence is missing, without first sending a Request for Evidence. USCIS says applicants should not assume they will get a chance to fix a filing after it is sent. The rule applies to cases already waiting, not only to new ones.

Read the USCIS policy alert
  • There may be no letter asking for the document you forgot
  • A denial costs you the filing fee and your place in line
  • Filing again can mean months more waiting, and a record of the denial

This is why we decide how a case should be filed before we file it. We confirm which process you qualify for, prepare every form it requires, organise your evidence in the order USCIS expects, and have an independent immigration attorney review the packet before you send anything.

What happens once it is in the mail.

Do not travel until the document is approved and in your hands. Leaving without it can end your pending case.

  1. Alvva

    We prepare it

    You answer questions and upload documents. We complete the forms and an attorney reviews them.

  2. Alvva

    You mail it

    Your packet arrives with instructions for what to sign, what to include and where to send it.

  3. USCIS

    Receipt and biometrics

    USCIS sends a receipt notice, then usually a biometrics appointment. That timing is theirs, not ours.

  4. USCIS

    Interview and decision

    Some cases are interviewed before a decision. We tell you what to expect either way.

What it costs

80% less than working directly with an attorney

Your price is quoted on the consultation and covers the whole packet. USCIS filing fees are separate.

  • Every USCIS form your case requires, completed
  • Your evidence organised and labelled in the right order
  • A review by an independent immigration attorney
  • Instructions for signing, assembling and mailing your packet
  • Someone to call, in English or Spanish, while your case is open

When you pay

  • Free consultation We tell you what you qualify for and what it will cost. No charge, no obligation.
  • First payment to start You share your information and documents. We prepare every form in your packet.
  • Second payment before review Once your forms are complete, you make the second payment and we send the whole packet for attorney review.
  • Attorney review and delivery An independent immigration attorney reviews your application, then you receive the complete packet and step-by-step instructions for mailing it to USCIS.

This is what Alvva charges. USCIS filing fees are separate and paid directly to the government. We tell you the exact amount before you file.

Pay the way that works for you.

The same quoted price, three ways to pay it.

Two payments

The standard plan: one payment to start, the second before attorney review.

Pay as you go

Start from $50 and pay the rest in parts that fit your budget.

Schedule your start

Save your card today and pick a start date within the next month. Nothing is charged until then.

In their words

The families who filed before you.

“Super contenta y agradecida con la ayuda de ALVVA para hacer mi AOS (ajuste de status) empeze y mande todo en Julio 16 y para Septiembre...”
Nancy O., Texas, United States Nancy O. Texas, United States · Green Card
“Alvva cobro casi nada comparado lo que nos estaban cobrando otros abogados. Así que es algo un servicio que recomendaría alguien que tal vez ya tiene...”
Susana G., California, USA Susana G. California, USA · Green Card
“Me fue muy agradable y útil trabajar con el equipo de Alvva. Me ayudaron a llenar y obtener la papelería necesaria para procesar mi caso y...”
Alex B., South Carolina, USA Alex B. South Carolina, USA · Green Card
“Recompendado 100%👍👍👍👍👍, muy amables. Atentos a responder cualquier duda. Experiencia demasiado buena.Hire them, you won't regret it 🙂 Thanks Alvva (Sergio) I appreciate all your help.”
Marcela M., Arizona, USA Marcela M. Arizona, USA · Green Card
“The staff at Alvva is so incredibly helpful, they show empathy and best thing is that they do not rush or cut any "free 15 minute...”
Belen G., California, USA Belen G. California, USA · Green Card
Read every review on Trustpilot

About advance parole.

What is Advance Parole?

Advance Parole is a travel document issued by USCIS that allows immigrants with certain legal status in the US to travel and return from a country outside of the United States. It also grants you a legal entry into the United States when you return, which can help unlock your eligibility for Adjustment of Status (Green Card).

What does Alvva’s Advance Parole service include?
  • Our goal is to support you throughout your immigration journey. Our service includes:
    • - Free 15-minute consultation to understand your options and plan your application
    • - Lifetime access to your Case Center to gather and review your documents and information
    • - Your application packet: All required forms and documentation, ready for you to send to USCIS
    • - Application packet review by a lawyer
    • - Case support via phone and email

Note: Alvva’s service does not include fees paid to USCIS

How much does advance parole cost?
The total cost for advance parole (Form I-131) is $630, which includes the USCIS filing fee of $575 and biometrics fee of $85. Alvva provides attorney-approved advance parole services to help ensure your application is completed correctly and reviewed by qualified professionals before submission to USCIS. This is significantly less expensive than hiring an immigration attorney, which typically costs $1,500-$3,000.
How long does it take to get advance parole approved?
USCIS typically processes advance parole applications within 90-180 days, though processing times can vary significantly. It's important to apply well in advance of your planned travel date. Our attorney-approved platform helps ensure your application is complete and accurate, which can help avoid delays from requests for evidence (RFEs) that can extend processing time.
Who is eligible for advance parole?
You may be eligible for advance parole if you: have a pending adjustment of status application (I-485), have DACA status and need to travel for educational, employment, or humanitarian reasons, have a pending asylum application, or have other pending immigration applications. Our attorney-approved platform helps determine your eligibility and guides you through the application process with USCIS.
How much does Alvva’s Advance Parole service cost?

Our Advance Parole service costs $495 total: a first payment of $245 if we determine we’re a good fit after your free consultation, and a final payment of $250 when we deliver your finalized application packet. You can also sign up for a payment plan to start for as little as $50. Our clients save thousands of dollars compared to working directly with a lawyer!

What are valid reasons for advance parole?
Valid reasons for advance parole include: educational purposes (study abroad, academic conferences), employment purposes (business meetings, training), humanitarian purposes (family emergencies, medical treatment), or other compelling reasons. You must provide documentation supporting your reason for travel. Our attorney-approved platform helps you understand what qualifies and how to document your travel purpose for USCIS.
Who is eligible for Advance Parole?

Certain DACA recipients, Adjustment of Status (Green Card) applicants, and asylum applicants are eligible for Advance Parole. Learn more.

Can I travel while my advance parole is pending?
No, you cannot travel outside the U.S. while your advance parole application is pending. You must wait until USCIS approves your application and you receive your advance parole document before leaving the country. Leaving without approved advance parole could result in being unable to return and abandonment of your pending immigration application.
Who should avoid traveling using Advance Parole?

If you have a previous deportation order, have multiple illegal entries into the United States, or have a criminal record, we recommend speaking to a legal professional first to better understand your options and potential risks. You can use our free tool to see if Advance Parole is safe for you.

Is it still safe to travel using Advance Parole? What if I have DACA?

It is still safe to travel using Advance Parole, and we have clients each month who have successfully applied and traveled using AP. If you are a DACA recipient, it can also be one of the safest ways to obtain a legal entry into the US. You can use our free tool to see if Advance Parole is safe for you.

How long is advance parole valid?
Advance parole is typically valid for one year from the date of issuance, though USCIS may grant shorter validity periods. You can use it for multiple trips during the validity period. The validity period is usually tied to your pending immigration application. Our attorney-approved platform helps you understand the validity period and plan your travel accordingly.
What forms do I need to travel using Advance Parole?

You will need to complete Form I-131, in addition to paying a non-refundable fee of $630 payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In addition, you will need documentation to support your reason for travel: check our our free tool for examples.

What happens if I travel without advance parole?
If you travel outside the U.S. without advance parole while you have a pending adjustment of status application, USCIS will consider your application abandoned and you may not be able to return. For DACA recipients, leaving without advance parole will result in loss of DACA status. Our attorney-approved platform helps ensure you understand all travel restrictions and requirements before making travel plans.
Do I need an attorney to apply for advance parole?
No, you don't need to hire an expensive attorney. Alvva provides attorney-approved guidance and review for your advance parole application (Form I-131) at a fraction of the cost. Our platform includes step-by-step instructions, document preparation assistance, and attorney review to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submission to USCIS.
How should I prepare for my travel using Advance Parole?

In addition to bringing your documents with you (more details below), you should make sure that your legal documents, such as DACA, EAD, and foreign passport, will still be valid and non-expired when you plan to return to the United States.

What documents should I bring with me when traveling via Advance Parole?

Make sure you have proper documentation with you at all times including:

- Your valid foreign passport

- Your Advance Parole document

- Evidence of reason for travel

-Evidence of legal status in the US (DACA, EAD, Adjustment of Status)

-Any state ID, foreign visas, or medical documents, if they are relevant to your case.

How can I increase my chances of returning to the US via Advance Parole?

While it is generally safe to travel using Advance Parole, you are not guaranteed re-entry into the United States. Be sure to follow any local laws and regulations for the country you are visiting, as well as the US. Also remember to keep your documentation with you, and be ready to present it to Customs and Border Patrol when requested.

How long do I have to travel once I have Advance Parole?

Your Advance Parole document is typically valid for one year from when it is issued. Your document will also indicate if you have been approved for a single entry versus multiple entries.

How long does it take to get Advance Parole?

We’ve seen our clients get approved with 6-12 months of submitting their application packet, through wait times can vary depending on your specific case, and processing backlogs at USCIS. If you have DACA, we also recommend renewing in time to make sure that your legal status is still valid when you plan to return to the US. Check out our free DACA Renewal Planner.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for Advance Parole?

In many cases, you do not need a lawyer to apply for Advance Parole, especially if you meet the general requirements, and have no criminal history. There are free legal online and from USCIS which can help guide you. With that said, working with an immigration expert like Alvva can give you peace of mind, and your application packet will be reviewed by an immigration lawyer before it is finalized. If your case is more complex, including previous crimes, multiple entries, or deportation orders, we recommend consulting with a lawyer first.

How many times can I travel with Advance Parole?

There isn’t a limit to how many times you can apply to travel via a valid I-512L (Advance Parole) document, though we recommend limiting yourself to necessary travel only, in order to reduce your risk of being denied re-entry by Customs and Border Control. When planning your travel, make sure that all your documents (AP, DACA, EAD) and foreign passport will still be valid and non-expired when you plan to return.

Not the right one? Here is what else we prepare.

Marriage Green Card

A green card through your U.S. citizen or resident spouse.

I-130 I-130A I-485 I-864 I-765 I-131

Parent Green Card

A green card for the parent of a U.S. citizen aged 21 or over.

I-130 I-485 I-864 I-765 I-131

Citizenship

Naturalisation on Form N-400, once you meet the residence rules.

N-400

DACA Renewal

Renew DACA and your work permit before the current one expires.

I-821D I-765 I-765WS

Dreamers

Options for people who arrived as children, explained plainly.

I-821D I-765

Find out what you qualify for.

A free consultation, in English or Spanish. You will leave knowing which process applies to you and exactly what it costs.