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At Dreamers2gether, we understand the importance of reuniting with family, seeking medical treatment, or traveling abroad for other essential reasons, especially for individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). If you are a TPS or DACA recipient, obtaining Advance Parole can be a crucial step for international travel while maintaining your immigration status. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the application process and ensure that you have the best chance of success.
In This Advance Parole Guide:
What is Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is a permission granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows individuals to travel outside the United States and return without losing their current immigration status. Unauthorized departures from the U.S. can result in penalties, including bars to re-entry.
For TPS and DACA recipients, Advance Parole serves as a travel document that enables them to leave the U.S. temporarily for reasons such as:
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Caring for an ill family member or dying relative
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Attending business or educational events
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Seeking medical treatment abroad
Is There a Benefit to Doing Advance Parole?
Yes. With Advance Parole, DACA recipients have the opportunity to travel outside the United States and return lawfully. For many, this means reuniting with family members they haven’t seen in years, visiting grandparents, attending important life events, or reconnecting with the hometown they left behind.
Beyond the emotional impact, there is also an important legal benefit. When you return to the U.S. using Advance Parole, you are considered to have made a lawful entry. This lawful entry can make it possible to adjust your status from within the United States in the future; such as through marriage to a U.S. citizen; without having to leave the country.
Is it Safe to do Advance Parole?
If you have Advance Parole, you are not guaranteed to be allowed back in the country. That's because it's ultimately at the discretion of the Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) agent. However, nobody in our community has ever been stopped from coming back in the country.
We know that can be scary, we know there's a lot of "news" and don't even get us started with family. If there's one thing we always hear from people who did Advance Parole is that they can't wait to do it again!
Can I Do Advance Parole with A Deportation Order?
Many in our community have traveled with an approved advance parole notice while having a deportation order.
Do I Need a Passport for Advance Parole?
You do not need a passport at the time you apply for Advance Parole. However, you will need a valid passport before you travel. If you submit your Advance Parole application and are waiting for approval, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment to obtain or renew your passport during that time.
Issue If My Advance Parole has Maiden Name; but Passport Does Not?
If you choose to update your last name on your passport after marriage, it is not a problem if your DACA and Advance Parole documents still reflect your maiden name. Just be sure to carry a copy of your marriage certificate when you travel to show proof of the name change if needed.
What is the $1,000 Fee When Returning to the U.S.?
As of 10/16/25, CBP/DHS may charge a $1,000 fee to individuals re-entering the United States with advance parole.
We emphasize may because enforcement has not been consistent. Since the law was signed, some individuals traveling with Advance Parole have reported being charged the fee upon return, while others have not. Immigration attorneys and CBP officers have acknowledged that the current guidance is vague, which has created confusion and appears to leave the decision to officer discretion at the port of entry.
Please keep this possible $1,000 fee in mind when planning your travel.
Can Dreamers2gether Help Me with Advance Parole?
Yes! We provide full support with your Advance Parole application, from completing Form I-131 and organizing supporting documents to ensuring your packet meets all USCIS requirements. We also assist with RFEs, offer personalized consultations to review eligibility, risks, and benefits, and provide comprehensive packet reviews to catch errors and strengthen your application before submission. Our goal is to guide you every step of the way and help keep your case on track. Schedule an appointment below to get started.