Last updated: April 1, 2024.
By Asel Mukambetova, Esq. · Columbia Law School · Licensed immigration attorney
What is Form I-512?
- Form I-512, Advance Parole, is a document issued by USCIS that allows certain foreign nationals who are in the process of adjusting their immigration status to travel abroad temporarily
- Advance Parole is typically sought by individuals who are in the U.S. and have a pending green card application (lawful permanent residence)
- By obtaining Advance Parole before traveling, individuals can avoid abandonment of their pending applications
- Without Advance Parole, leaving the U.S. while an adjustment of status application is pending may result in the application being considered abandoned, and the applicant could face difficulties re-entering the U.S.
- It’s important to note that Advance Parole does not guarantee re-entry into the United States, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers still have the authority to deny entry based on various factors
- Additionally, individuals with certain immigration statuses, such as those under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, may also use Advance Parole for travel
How long is Form I-512 valid for?
Form I-512 is typically valid for 1 year.
However, some advance parole documents can be issued for periods longer than 1 year. You can find your Form I-512 expiration date on USCIS approval notice, combo card (EAD + I-512), or I-512 document itself.
You must return to the U.S. before the Form I-512 expiration date.
Who can file Form I-512?
The following individuals can file Form I-512 (Advance Parole application):
- Pending Adjustment of Status applicants (Form I-485)
- Exceptions: applicants who maintain valid H-1B, L-1 status or possess valid V, K-3, K-4 visas. These categories of applicants can re-enter the US without Advance Parole
- Refugee or asylee status holders who intend to depart the U.S. temporarily to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa in Canada
- TPS recipients
- DACA recipients
- Individuals with emergent personal or bona fide reason to travel temporarily abroad
Is I-512 a reentry permit?
No, Form I-512 is not a reentry permit.
Form I-512, Advance Parole, and a reentry permit (Form I-131, Application for Travel Document) are different documents.
Form I-131, the reentry permit, is specifically designed for permanent residents (green card holders) who intend to travel abroad for an extended period (more than one year) and want to retain their lawful permanent resident status. It allows them to re-enter the United States without jeopardizing their green card status.
On the other hand, Form I-512, Advance Parole, is generally used by individuals who are not permanent residents but are in the process of adjusting their status in the U.S. This form is used by applicants for adjustment of status, refugees, DACA and TPS recipients, allowing them to travel abroad temporarily without abandoning their pending applications.
Form I-512 filing fee
To obtain Form I-512 (Advance Parole), Form I-131 must be filed with USCIS. Form I-131 filing fees are provided below:
Filing Category (Advance Parole) | Paper Filing Fee |
| If you filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on or after July 30, 2007, and before April 1, 2024, and paid the Form I-485 fee, and your Form I-485 is still pending. | $0 |
| If filing for an Advance Parole Document. | $630 |
| If you filed Form I-485 on or after July 30, 2007, and before April 1, 2024, you paid the required Form I-485 filing fee, and your Form I-485 is still pending. | $0 |
| If you are filing as a person seeking or granted adjustment of status as an abused spouse or child under the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA). | $0 |
| If you are filing as a person seeking or granted adjustment of status as an abused spouse or child under the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA). | $0 |
| If you are filing as a person seeking or granted immigrant classification as a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioner (including derivatives). | $0 |
| If you are filing as a person seeking or granted U nonimmigrant status. | $0 |
| If you are filing as a person seeking or granted T nonimmigrant status. | $0 |
Certain applicants may be eligible for a Fee Waiver. Learn more: Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.
Advance Parole filing fees are subject to change, use USCIS Fee Calculator to determine the correct fee amount based on your category.
Form I-512 filing address
If you are submitting Advance Parole (Form I-131) together with your Adjustment of Status application, mail it to Form I-485 direct filing address.
If filing Form I-131 only, see the current direct Form I-131 filing addresses.
How long does it take for Form I-512 (Advance Parole) to get approved?
It can take anywhere from 5 months 14 months to get Form I-512 approved:
- California Service Center – 12 months
- National Benefits Center – 8 months
- Nebraska Service Center – 5 months
- Texas Service Center – 14 months
- Vermont Service Center – 9.5 months
Source: USCIS Processing Times
To check the most current processing times for Form I-512:
- Visit the USCIS website at https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times
- Select “Form I-131”
- Select “Advance Parole”
- Select your category and service center (your USCIS service center is printed in the lower right corner of Form I-131 receipt notice)
Keep in mind that processing times are general estimates, and individual cases may take less or more time to complete.
Additionally, USCIS may issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) during the processing of your application, which can add to the overall processing time.
It’s crucial to respond promptly and thoroughly if you receive an RFE to avoid delays.
If your case is outside the normal processing time, you place an Outside Normal Processing Time e-Request or request assistance from your local congressman’s office.
Learn more: USCIS Expedite Request
Is it safe to travel with I-512 advance parole?
Traveling with an I-512 Advance Parole document is generally considered safe for individuals who have received the approval prior to leaving the U.S.
However, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and considerations:
- Approval Status: Ensure that your Advance Parole application has been approved before making any travel plans. Traveling without an approved Advance Parole document may lead to the abandonment of your pending immigration application
- Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your intended travel. It’s a basic requirement for international travel
- Possible Risks: While the I-512 Advance Parole allows you to reenter the United States after temporary international travel, there is always some inherent risk involved. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the authority to make determinations at the port of entry, and there could be unforeseen issues
Has anyone been denied entry with Advance Parole?
Instances of individuals being denied entry with Advance Parole can occur, albeit relatively uncommonly.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry have the authority to make determinations on entry based on various factors.
Several reasons could lead to a denial of entry, including security concerns, or individual circ*mstances. For example:
- Criminal Issues: If an individual has a criminal record or poses a security risk, CBP officers may deny entry
- Fraud or Misrepresentation: If there are concerns about fraud or misrepresentation in the application process, entry could be denied
- Violation of Terms: If the traveler violates the terms of their parole or engages in activities not permitted under their nonimmigrant status, it could result in denial
How long can I stay outside the US with Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is typically granted for multiple entries during a specific period (typically for 1 year).
When you receive Advance Parole, you should check the document for the validity period.
This validity period indicates the timeframe during which you are allowed to travel outside the U.S. and return prior to Advance Parole expiration date without jeopardizing your pending immigration status.
It’s important to plan your travels within the validity period specified on the Advance Parole document.
Staying outside the U.S. for a couple of weeks or months can be considered normal based on your individual circ*mstances.
Learn More:
Advance Parole
Form I-131 – How to Apply for a Travel Document
