What is Advance Parole

Understanding what is advance parole is essential for anyone facing an urgent immigration situation or seeking a temporary way to remain in the United States. 

This temporary permission to remain (parole), provided in Section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), allows certain noncitizens to enter or stay in the country even if they do not meet the ordinary requirements for admission.

Unlike a visa, parole does not grant permanent status but it protects against deportation, allows the applicant to request employment authorization, and in some cases can serve as a bridge to other immigration benefits.

Key aspects of parole:

• It is temporary and discretionary, not an automatic right.
• It is granted only for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
• Its duration typically ranges from 90 days to 1 year, depending on the case.
• It allows you to apply for an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) with Form I-765.
• It can open the door to processes such as Parole in Place for family unity, which helps certain military family members regularize status without leaving the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) explain that this benefit is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering urgency and public impact.

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In the following sections you will learn how parole works, its requirements, real-life examples, and the alternatives available if your request is denied.

How it works and what is advance parole in the United States

Parole is a temporary and discretionary authorization that the U.S. Government may grant to a noncitizen. 

It is issued when the applicant shows that their entry or continued presence provides a significant public benefit or responds to an urgent humanitarian need.

This permission does not equal formal admission nor does it grant a permanent immigration status.

Main practical characteristics of parole

• Temporary and revocable: It may be canceled at any time by USCIS or CBP.
• It does not grant permanent residence or status.
• It allows you to request an EAD only while parole remains valid.
• It is not a formal admission to the country, but a permission to be physically present in the U.S. for a limited period.

If parole is revoked or expires, the person again becomes subject to general immigration laws and can accrue unlawful presence or face reentry penalties.

Practical example: A Honduran nurse requests humanitarian parole to accompany her U.S.-resident mother during urgent surgery. She submits medical reports, a hospital letter, and family evidence. USCIS approves her entry for six months after confirming the emergency.

Current status of parole

Parole is a current legal authority of DHS and is applied discretionarily on a case-by-case basis.

It may be granted for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit and remains active in different modalities, such as: 

• Individual humanitarian parole;
• Advance parole;
• Parole in Place for military family members; and
• Parole related to custody or removal administered by ICE or CBP.

Although it does not grant permanent status, parole allows a person to work legally, remain in the country while it is valid, and in some cases serve as a bridge to other benefits like adjustment of status, TPS, or asylum.

CHNV humanitarian parole: situation in 2026

The parole program for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) was terminated by DHS on March 25, 2025, pursuant to notice in the Federal Register.

On June 6, 2025, USCIS reported that the Supreme Court allowed DHS to proceed with the termination and to revoke associated EADs.

As a result, it is estimated that more than 500,000 beneficiaries of CHNV lost parole status between May and June 2025.

Currently, CHNV programs are no longer active, although individual humanitarian parole (case-by-case requests) remains available with USCIS or CBP. This helps illustrate what parole is today and how it functions in practice.

Types of parole and when they apply

Parole may be granted for various reasons, as long as the case shows an urgent humanitarian basis or significant public benefit. The most common types include:

1. Humanitarian parole

Granted to people who need to enter the U.S. for reasons such as:

• Unavailable medical treatments in the home country.
• Accompanying a relative in critical condition.
• Escaping an immediate risk or persecution.

It generally lasts between 90 days and 1 year, depending on the evidence provided.

When the case involves personal danger or persecution, the applicant may also consider asylum in the USA as a complementary legal alternative.

Practical example: An Ecuadorian student is granted humanitarian parole to donate an organ to her sister, a U.S. resident. USCIS authorizes entry for three months after verifying the medical urgency.

2. Advance parole

Advance parole allows people already in the U.S. to travel abroad temporarily and return without losing a pending immigration process.
It commonly applies to:

• TPS or DACA holders traveling for family or work reasons.
• Adjustment of status applicants, such as those seeking a marriage-based Green Card.

The official document is Form I-512 (advance parole), which serves as reentry authorization.

Practical example: A Venezuelan TPS beneficiary obtains advance parole to attend an academic conference in Canada. He reenters without issues after presenting a valid I-512 at the port of entry.

3. Military Parole in Place

This benefit covers spouses, children, or parents of U.S. service members, veterans, or reservists.

It prevents them from having to depart the U.S. to regularize status and may facilitate a future adjustment of status.

4. Parole for detainees or people with removal orders

ICE may grant temporary parole to noncitizens in custody or with a removal order for medical, humanitarian, or public-interest reasons.

If denied, other avenues may be explored, such as cancellation of removal.

Process to request parole with USCIS

Requesting parole from USCIS requires a well-documented filing and a clear understanding of what parole is, so you can gather the right evidence and meet legal requirements.

Required forms

• Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document): Used to request initial parole, advance parole, re-parole, or Parole in Place.
• Form I-134 or I-134A (Declaration of Financial Support): Filed when it is necessary to show a sponsor’s solvency or adequate financial backing.

Current fees

• Main form: I-131 (Application for Travel Document), required for initial parole, advance parole, re-parole, or Parole in Place.
• Always verify the current amount for I-131 on USCIS’s official Filing Fees page before paying.
• Fee waiver: You may request it via Form I-912 if you show low income or financial hardship.

Supporting evidence

The applicant must show the case meets humanitarian need or public-benefit criteria. Common documents include:

• Medical reports or certificates.
• Documentation proving family relationship or emergency circumstances.
• Valid passport and identification.
• Sponsor’s financial evidence, such as pay stubs, employer letter, or tax returns.
• Any other documentation supporting urgency or justification.

Filing and receipt notice

Once filed, USCIS issues a Form I-797C as a receipt notice confirming acceptance and the case number.

Review and decision

• USCIS may request additional information through a Request for Evidence (RFE).
• If the application is approved, USCIS coordinates the beneficiary’s entry with the consulate or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• If it is denied, there is no automatic right to appeal, though a motion to reopen/reconsider or a new filing with additional evidence may be possible.

Essential requirements for parole approval

Approval depends on USCIS’s individual assessment, which weighs both the personal circumstances and the case’s humanitarian or public-benefit grounds.

This benefit is not automatic, even if the applicant meets the formal requirements.

Factors USCIS considers:

• Humanitarian reason or public benefit: The applicant must show urgency or the case’s positive impact for the U.S. or the beneficiary.
• Personal conduct: USCIS reviews whether the person has serious criminal records, significant immigration violations, or presents security/health risks.
• Financial support: Proof via Form I-134 or I-134A is typically required, though USCIS may consider exceptions in emergencies.
• Strong evidence: Persuasive documentation such as medical reports, hospital letters, family documents, support letters, and proof of ties.
• Temporary nature: The beneficiary should show the stay will be temporary unless later obtaining another status authorizing longer presence.

Practical example: A Guatemalan father seeks humanitarian parole to assist his son during urgent treatment in New Jersey. He submits medical reports, a hospital letter, and the sponsor’s financial proof. USCIS approves entry for 90 days after verifying the emergency.

If the request is denied, consider alternatives such as withholding of removal or asylum in the U.S., both of which can provide protection against deportation.

Main benefits of parole

Knowing what is advance parole helps you properly assess its benefits: while it does not grant permanent residence, it provides temporary legal protection and access to limited opportunities during its validity.

Protection against deportation

• It authorizes temporary lawful presence in the U.S. while valid, though it is not a formal admission.
• It pauses unlawful-presence accrual as long as the beneficiary complies with parole conditions.
• If parole expires or is revoked, the person again becomes subject to general immigration laws and may face removal.

Ability to work legally

• A parole beneficiary may request a work permit (EAD) via Form I-765.
• With a valid EAD, the person can work legally, earn income, and meet tax obligations.

Family reunification and humanitarian assistance

• It enables temporary entry to the U.S. to care for ill relatives, receive urgent medical treatment, or address humanitarian emergencies.
• In exceptional circumstances, USCIS may extend validity (re-parole) if humanitarian reasons persist.

A bridge to other immigration benefits

• In some cases, parole can serve as a legal basis to pursue benefits such as adjustment of status, TPS, or certain humanitarian waivers.
• However, each benefit has independent requirements, and approval of parole does not guarantee later eligibility.

Practical example: A Salvadoran mother with humanitarian parole obtains an EAD and works legally in California while caring for her ill child. When the permit expires, her attorney initiates cancellation of removal to maintain protection.

Key details of advance parole (travel authorization)

Advance parole is a USCIS-issued document that authorizes certain immigrants to temporarily leave the United States without abandoning a pending immigration process, such as adjustment of status, TPS, or DACA.

Unlike humanitarian parole, this permission applies to people already inside the U.S. who must travel for justified family, work, educational, or humanitarian reasons.

Most important points:

• It is requested through Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document).
• The document issued by USCIS is the I-512L (Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United States) or, in some cases, appears on a “combo card” stating Serves as I-512 Advance Parole.
• It permits reentry without abandoning the pending process, such as TPS, DACA, or adjustment of status.
• CBP makes the final admission decision at the port of entry.
• Timelines vary by office and case type; check the official Processing Times tool before traveling.
• If the document expires while the beneficiary is abroad, reentry will not be allowed and the pending process may be deemed abandoned.

Practical example: A Honduran TPS beneficiary requests advance parole to attend her father’s funeral in Guatemala. USCIS approves the I-512 and she can depart and return without losing her adjustment application.

Financial support and sponsorship for parole

In most cases, a parole applicant must show access to sufficient financial resources during their stay in the United States.

This requirement aims to ensure the beneficiary will not become a public charge.

Required form:

I-134 or I-134A (Declaration of Financial Support): Demonstrates the sponsor has steady income and the ability to cover the beneficiary’s expenses.

Common supporting documents:

• Recent pay stubs or tax returns.
• Employer letter confirming salary and tenure.
• Bank statements, proof of property, or other assets.

Who can be a sponsor:

• A U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a person with valid legal status (e.g., asylee or TPS holder).
• In some cases, an organization or a joint family group can assume sponsorship.
• If one sponsor does not meet income guidelines, multiple sponsors may combine support.

Consequence of lacking financial backing: USCIS may deny parole even if valid humanitarian reasons exist. Financial sponsorship is a key component of the file.

Practical example: A lawful permanent resident uncle in California files Form I-134A to sponsor his Salvadoran niece seeking humanitarian parole for medical reasons. He submits income evidence and bank statements, and USCIS approves for four months.

Frequently asked questions about parole in the U.S.

These are the most common questions immigration lawyers receive about what parole is and how it works in practice:

Can I be denied entry even with an approved parole?

Yes. USCIS approval does not guarantee admission. CBP makes the final decision at the port of entry and may deny entry if it finds: 

• Inadmissibility;
• Criminal issues; or
• Security risks.

Can I work with approved parole?

Yes, but not automatically. You must apply for a work permit (EAD) through Form I-765. Once approved, you may work lawfully and meet your tax obligations.

What does parole mean in immigration?

It is a temporary and discretionary authorization that allows a person to enter or remain in the U.S. without a visa.

It does not grant permanent status but authorizes lawful presence and suspends removal while valid.

What happens if my advance parole expires while I am abroad?

You will not be able to reenter lawfully and your immigration process may be considered abandoned.

Who does not qualify for parole?

• People with serious criminal records or inadmissible offenses.
• Those who have been deported or have active removal orders.
• Applicants who cannot show sufficient financial support or whose cases lack humanitarian or public-benefit justification.

Can parole lead to a green card?

Not directly. But it can be a preliminary step if the applicant later qualifies for adjustment of status, TPS, or other immigration benefits.

What if USCIS denies my parole request?

You may refile with additional evidence or consult an immigration attorney to explore other options, such as asylum or cancellation of removal.

What if I travel without parole or with an expired document?

You could trigger inadmissibility bars and be unable to return to the U.S. for up to 10 years. Review your rights regarding illegal entry charges before acting.

Alternatives if you do not qualify for parole

If USCIS denies the request or finds the case does not meet humanitarian or public-benefit criteria, other immigration pathways may still provide protection or status. Notable options include:

• Asylum or withholding of removal when the person fears returning due to persecution or severe violence.
• Adjustment of status if a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative can petition for you; for certain Cuban nationals, the Cuban Adjustment Act may apply.
• TPS (Temporary Protected Status) for nationals of DHS-designated countries.
• Cancellation of removal in cases of long-term residence and good moral character.

Every case requires a tailored assessment, so it is advisable to consult an immigration attorney to identify the most suitable strategy.

Conclusion and legal help to request parole

Parole is an exceptional tool within the U.S. immigration system. Its purpose is to provide humanitarian relief or serve the public interest, but it does not guarantee admission or permanent status.

After reading this guide, you likely understand better what parole is in the United States and how this benefit may apply in different humanitarian or family situations.

Before filing, it is essential to:

• Evaluate whether you truly qualify for humanitarian parole or advance parole.
• Prepare forms and medical, family, or financial evidence accurately.
• Obtain professional guidance to review your file before sending it to USCIS.

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The immigration lawyers in Los Angeles at Lluis Law have more than 60 years of combined experience with parole, TPS, DACA, asylum, and adjustment of status cases.

If you need immediate help requesting parole or want to explore other legal options, contact us today for a personalized consultation.