can daca recipients travel outside the us

How Do You Apply for Advance Parole as a DACA Recipient?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)recipients sometimes have an urgent need to travel outside of the United States. If you're in DACA status, you can apply for permission to travel outside the U.S. using a process called “Advance Parole.” With an approved Advance Parole application, DACA recipients can travel outside the United States and return lawfully. If you get Advance parole, USCIS gives you a document to show to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) so that they let you re-enter the United States. This article explains what Advance Parole is, who is eligible to apply for it, and what the Advance Parole application process is like. 

Written by Jonathan Petts .  Updated August 22, 2022

What Is the Purpose of Advance Parole for DACA?

“Advance Parole” is a process in U.S. immigration law that lets immigrants leave the U.S. and then re-enter lawfully. For DACA recipients, this can mean getting permission to travel to another country for a business conference, study abroad program, or medical treatment. 

Advance Parole is more limited for DACA recipients than for other immigrants. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will not grant DACA recipients Advance Parole for vacations or leisure trips. If you have DACA and want to apply for Advance Parole, there must be exceptional circumstances. 

Advance Parole can be life-changing for DACA recipients who can qualify for it. Re-entry under Advance Parole is considered a lawful entry to the U.S. This means that DACA recipients who return from approved trips abroad become eligible to apply for green cards . And since a green card is the first step on the road to naturalization , Advance Parole essentially opens a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.

Who Is Eligible for DACA Advance Parole?

DACA recipients can apply for Advance Parole for three types of travel: employment, educational, or urgent humanitarian reasons. Unfortunately, immigration law doesn’t let DACA recipients get Advance Parole for vacations. 

Humanitarian travel means traveling for medical treatment, visiting sick relatives, taking care of an immediate relative, or attending an overseas funeral. Employment-related travel includes traveling for a work assignment, but it can also include conferences, training seminars, or job interviews. Advance Parole is also available for educational purposes like a study abroad program or an academic research trip.

To apply for Advance Parole, you need to file Form I-131 : Application for Travel Document and proof of your reason for travel with USCIS. You’ll need to show USCIS that you actually need the Advance Parole document and aren’t just going on vacation.

How To Apply for Advance Parole as a DACA Recipient in 5 Easy Steps

Applying for Advance Parole is fairly straightforward, but you need to make sure you pay close attention to each step. The entire application process takes about six months.

Step 1: Identify Your Reason for Travel

Eligibility for Advance Parole is limited. DACA recipients can only get Advance Parole for educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes. USCIS will not grant Advance Parole to a DACA recipient for a vacation. The first step in obtaining Advance Parole is making sure your trip fits into one of these three categories.

Step 2: Complete Form I-131 and Gather the Required Supporting Documents

To apply for travel authorization, you need to file Form I-131: Application for Travel Document with USCIS. On your I-131, you must state your reason for traveling, the date you plan to leave, and the date you plan to return.

You will need to provide the following supporting documents that prove why you need to travel with your Form I-131.

A copy of an official photo identity document like a passport or driver's license

Two identical passport-style photographs of yourself taken within 30 days of the filing your Advance Parole application

A copy of any document showing your current status in the United States — your DACA approval is a great option

A clear explanation of why you are eligible for Advance Parole. You can use this template for your own explanation.

You will also need to provide evidence that your trip is for educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes. For example, if you’re traveling to care for a sick family member, you should include their medical records. If you’re traveling for employment purposes, you should provide a letter from your employer. The more documents you provide, the stronger your application will be. 

It’s also helpful to include a cover letter that lists everything in your application packet. This presents your evidence in an organized manner to USCIS. You may also choose to include a personal declaration stating why you have a compelling reason to travel abroad in your supporting documents.

Make sure you keep copies of every document you file. Do not submit original documents unless USCIS asks for them .

Step 3: Assemble Your Application Packet and Pay the Filing Fee

Once you’ve filled out Form I-131 and gathered all your supporting documents, it’s time to put them together to submit to USCIS. You also have to pay a $575 filing fee, which you can pay by check or money order. If you’d like to pay by credit card, you must file Form G-1450: Authorization for Credit Card Transactions . If you don’t have the money to pay the filing fee, read our article on how to get help with your filing fee .

Step 4: Mail Your Application Packet to USCIS

The final step in applying for Advance Parole is to mail your application packet to USCIS. You can find the correct mailing address at USCIS.gov. You should mail your application as soon as possible, but generally no later than 3-4 weeks before your trip.

Step 5: Receive Your Advance Parole Travel Document

Once USCIS approves your request for Advance Parole, they will mail your travel permit to your mailing address within 2-3 weeks. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you double-check that you have the correct mailing address on your Form I-131. The whole process takes about six months from the time that you submit your application until the time that you received your Advance Parole document.

What Are Some Travel Tips for DACA Recipients With Advance Parole?

Traveling with Advance Parole isn’t as simple for DACA recipients as it is for other people. Here are some tips to help you safely travel abroad as a DACA recipient:

Before you leave the U.S., you might want to speak to a legal aid immigration attorney about your situation. They can help identify any issues you might run into.

When you apply for Advance Parole, state your return date as a few days after you actually expect to return from your trip, in case there are any travel delays. If you miss your return date, the government might not let you back into the country.

Return by your return date. 

Bring a list of emergency contacts, your Advance Parole approval, and a copy of your DACA approval with you when you travel. Also, leave copies of these things with someone you trust in the U.S, so you have a backup in case you encounter difficulty when you try to re-enter the U.S.

What Are the Benefits of Traveling With Advance Parole for DACA Recipients?

In addition to the opportunity to travel abroad, Advance Parole has a lot of other benefits for DACA recipients. For example, it allows you to work abroad, assuming you have the proper work permits in the country you travel to. 

Advance Parole also opens a pathway to citizenship. Once you return from your trip, the U.S. government considers you to have legally entered the United States. This means that you can apply for a green card if you are eligible (for example, a marriage green card if you marry a U.S. citizen). Since applying for a green card is the first step to becoming a citizen, Advance Parole makes citizenship possible for DACA recipients.

What Are the Risks of Traveling With Advance Parole as a DACA Recipient?

Advance Parole is not without risks. For one thing, it costs $575 to apply for Advance Parole, and USCIS won’t refund you if they deny your application. Second, the validity period for your travel permit will be limited. This means you can only be outside of the U.S. for a short period of time. 

The biggest risk you take is that you might not be allowed back into the U.S. If the Customs or Border Patrol officer you meet upon your return determines that you are “ inadmissible ” under U.S. immigration law, you won’t be allowed back into the U.S. They might deem you inadmissible for health reasons or determine that it’s in the national security interests of the United States not to let you back in. 

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t apply for Advance Parole if you are eligible — just that you should be careful when you do. If you need additional assurance before you apply, it may be a good idea to speak with an attorney or get legal aid .

Can I Travel With DACA in 2022?

In 2017, the Trump Administration tried to end DACA. In 2020, the Supreme Court ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reinstate the DACA program. Following the Supreme Court’s order, a federal court in Brooklyn, New York, ruled that the government must accept new DACA applications. 

For the first time since 2017, the government is now accepting initial DACA requests instead of only accepting DACA renewal requests . This means that if you get DACA approval, or if you already have DACA, you can apply for Advance Parole. 

In December 2020, the U.S. government started accepting initial DACA applications again. DACA protects Dreamers without legal status from deportation and offers them employment authorization so they can support themselves. But if DACA recipients want to leave the U.S. and return later, they need to file an Advance Parole request.

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Everything You Need to Know About Traveling on DACA

Sep 29, 2022.

Navigating travel as a DACA recipient or with a pending DACA application can be challenging. In order to avoid any immigration issues or roadblocks with your application, it’s important to understand travel requirements and restrictions you may face as a DACA recipient. Before you make any domestic or international travel arrangements, we’ve put together some helpful travel information every DACA holder should be aware of.

Domestic Travel Within the U.S.

If you currently live in the U.S. and plan to travel within the country, good news! DACA holders and individuals with pending DACA applications are able to travel domestically with the proper identification documents. Any individual flying domestically in the U.S. must present a valid, government-issued ID that matches the name on their flight reservation. Prior to boarding, travelers are required to present their ID to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent at a security checkpoint in the airport. The TSA agent will review your flight reservation and ID to confirm your identity before you are able to board. The ID you present must be valid (not expired at the time of travel) and must be issued by an official government body. Acceptable IDs include, but are not limited to, a U.S. state-issued driver’s license, driver’s permit, or a passport from your country of nationality.

If you do not have any of the above listed documents, it is possible for DACA holders to present an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as a secondary form of identification. For more information on domestic travel in the U.S. and how to prepare for your flight, check out the TSA’s official travel guide .

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Navigating REAL ID Requirements

If you’ve applied for a new identification card recently or you’re a frequent traveler, you may have heard of “REAL ID”, a new security standard for government-issued documentation. Th e Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced it would extend the enforcement of REAL ID-compliant documents to May 7, 2025. Beginning on May 7, 2025, all individuals 18 years old and older must obtain a REAL ID-compliant document in order to fly within the U.S. REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses are now marked with a star icon at the top of the card. In addition to state-issued driver’s licenses, several other documents are considered REAL ID-compliant at this time. See a full list of acceptable identification documents that satisfy REAL ID requirements here .

DACA recipients can generally obtain a REAL ID at their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). More information on how to apply can be found in Boundless’ REAL ID guide .

It is important to note that for DACA holders, a current EAD alone is also considered REAL ID-compliant and can be presented for domestic flights within the U.S. Individuals that do not have a valid EAD, or are unable to obtain a REAL ID prior to May 2025 when enforcement goes into effect, will need to use a passport from their country of nationality to travel.

To learn more about REAL ID requirements by state, including where to obtain an updated driver’s license, visit the REAL ID website and click your state on the map.

International Travel Considerations

While domestic travel within the U.S. is generally possible for all DACA holders, international travel may be more difficult depending on your specific immigration circumstances. In general, DACA holders are not able to travel outside of the U.S. without specific travel authorization issued by the U.S. government (otherwise known as Advance Parole ). Even for those who obtain an Advance Parole travel document, international travel is restricted and permissible only for certain reasons. For more information on applying for the Advance Parole document, and navigating international travel as a DACA recipient, check out Boundless’ DACA guide .

Want more information on DACA? Get all of your questions answered in Boundless’ DACA guide.

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How to travel if you're a DACA recipient

Linah Mohammad

Ashley Brown

Ailsa Chang

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with How to LA podcast host Brian De Los Santos about his recent trip to Mexico, his country of birth. It was his first time back in 30 years.

AILSA CHANG, HOST:

Even when we're lucky enough to have a chance to travel, the opportunity often comes with some anxieties.

BRIAN DE LOS SANTOS: Next thing is, like, how do I even get there? And it's super expensive. Like, I got to leave in about two weeks, so I know that prices are not going to be pretty. What are the gay-friendly spots? I don't even have a damn suitcase. Shoes...

CHANG: But what if an added anxiety was the possibility of leaving and being unable to return? For years, that had been the case for Brian De Los Santos. He's the host of the "How To LA" podcast from LAist Studios.

DE LOS SANTOS: I consider myself someone who is very well informed as a journalist, obviously, but I have been since I was told I was undocumented in middle school.

CHANG: He arrived in the U.S. from Veracruz, Mexico, at the age of 2, and in 2012 he became a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. That lifted the threat of deportation and allowed him to get a driver's license as well as other documents, but he could not leave the country because going back to Mexico would have risked his DACA status until very recently. He documented his trip back to his birth country for a special series called "Finding Home Con DACA." Brian De Los Santos joins us now. Welcome.

DE LOS SANTOS: Hi, Ailsa. Thanks for having me.

CHANG: Hi. So before we get to your trip to Mexico, can you just first talk about what it had been like growing up to be from a country, a homeland that you had no real relationship with for many, many years?

DE LOS SANTOS: Oh, wow. Well, I think the most meaningful things when I was growing up was a visit from Abuela, which only - one of my abuelas could actually come to LA and visit me, or those Skype or those telephone calls to Mexico. That was my only thread back to Mexico, was those visits or those phone calls. And for me, I'm lucky I grew up in LA and I'm able to exist within my Mexican culture here in this city, but it was always this thing of, like, am I American? Am I Mexican? - also, the whole threat of deportation, of not knowing what my future looked like, because I was undocumented until I was essentially 21. I just didn't know what my life would be like.

CHANG: Yeah. I mean, you talk about - in the first episode, you talk about how your immigration status before DACA put you essentially in what you called survival mode.

DE LOS SANTOS: Yeah.

CHANG: Can you talk more about that? What did you mean by survival mode?

DE LOS SANTOS: I think it's always kind of, like, looking over your shoulders, not just, like, from police and from, you know, getting pulled over and not having a driver's license, but also just, like, how do you kind of like be in stealth mode so people don't pay attention to you? For me, it was, like, kind of like, how do I survive in this country where I don't have permission to be here, essentially? When I became a DACA recipient, it was not just, like, becoming a DACA recipient. It was also like, OK, what do I have to do next to figure out how to stay here long term and eventually hopefully get a green card? And, you know, there still isn't a solution for DACA recipients right now.

CHANG: Exactly. And while you've been a DACA recipient, it's been unclear whether you could go back to Mexico without risking your immigration status. But eventually, you were able to leave California and go to Mexico. It's part of something called the Advance Parole Program. Can you explain what that program is?

DE LOS SANTOS: Yeah. First, I want to say that I'm not a lawyer, and I'm not 100% a legal expert. I just know through my own process. And there are three ways you can get this document - you apply through U.S. Immigration Services, and you ask them through humanitarian reasons, which is you got to go visit family, loved ones in your home country, or through school, which is - you know, you do a program or semester abroad, or a business trip. And those are the three reasons you can apply for advance parole. Now, you send your check in. You wait for your case number. You wait for immigration officials to essentially give you this document. But I do want to say, and this is why a lot of people don't do advance parole, you're not guaranteed reentry into the country. It says it right there in the letter they sent you. It says in big red letters that your reentry is at the discretion of the CPB official, essentially, when you're reentering the country.

CHANG: And you get to Mexico in late February of this year. And yet while you were there, you were constantly reminded of all the years that you had spent growing up in the U.S. Like, in Mexico City, there was this point where you ask a friend who lives there if he sees you as Mexican or as a gringo.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: (Speaking Spanish).

DE LOS SANTOS: (Speaking Spanish).

CHANG: And he said, as a gringo.

DE LOS SANTOS: Yes.

CHANG: How did that feel, to hear him call you a gringo?

DE LOS SANTOS: Like a slap in the face, to be honest.

DE LOS SANTOS: But it also was a realization for me that I actually thought about throughout my whole trip in Mexico. It's also, like, the culture. Like, the references - I didn't understand some references that people, you know, said to me, and I had to, like, just ask them, like, what did you mean? (Speaking Spanish). And so, like, I understood the privilege I had just being able to live and work in the United States, but I also felt the sense of like, OK, that's the way people see me. And I've never felt like I was American enough to say that I'm a gringo, but I did realize that I do carry American culture with me.

CHANG: Yeah.

DE LOS SANTOS: My English and my Spanish are very different, obviously, from Mexicans and Mexico, but it's something that I you know, I had to learn.

CHANG: You - so much of your podcast, it's about the heartbreak that many immigrants experience and maybe is more intense for DACA recipients specifically. And what I mean by that is, like, you know, on the one hand you're trying to prove that the U.S. is where you belong, but at the same time, on the other hand, you have the pain of being cut off from your family, your heritage. Does someone ever reconcile those feelings, you think? Do you think you will?

DE LOS SANTOS: I have been learning a lot to let go of things I can't control, and this is just me speaking for myself. And I've learned that my status in this country is something that I can't really control. I do want to say that a lot of people have written to me because I've shared my immigration story before, not just on this podcast, but in different places I've worked at in journalism. People ask me, well, why can't you just, you know, go and stand in line through the immigration process? And I tell them it's way more complicated than that. It's not as clear-cut as people may think.

And so me just being at peace that I'm trying my best to figure out where I stand in this country, and later, that does affect who I am in this country. I think I'm working towards, at least I got to do this trip and got to know a little bit of my heritage. I think there's always going to be a piece of me that I'm always going to be missing, just having the opportunity to be in Mexico. But I do realize who I am, and I'm still learning. I think that's what I want to say. I'm still learning who I am.

CHANG: Yeah, I am, too. And I know that you've talked to other DACA recipients for this series who probably feel very similarly. Brian De Los Santos is the host of the "How To LA" podcast from LAist Studios. His three-part series "Finding Home Con DACA" is available now. Brian, thank you so, so much for this.

DE LOS SANTOS: Thank you, Ailsa.

Copyright © 2023 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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Home » Blog » Traveling Abroad with Advance Parole for DACA

Traveling Abroad with Advance Parole for DACA

December 28, 2023 Humanitarian Travel Documents

Individuals who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), may also have the opportunity to travel abroad. DACA does not automatically provide travel authorization. Beneficiaries must request special permission. The travel purposes are limited in scope, and travel must be authorized before departure through what is known as advance parole for DACA.

Who is eligible to apply for a DACA-based advance parole document? How do I request advance parole for DACA? What can I do if I have a travel emergency? How can advance parole help me apply for a green card? Is it safe to travel abroad with DACA? How does the AP travel document work? How does CitizenPath help?

Advance Parole makes it possible to travel outside the United States and return without losing DACA status. It’s not available to everyone and for all travel reasons. Therefore, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria and how to prepare the application for advance parole correctly.

Eligibility for Advance Parole as a DACA Recipient

Persons with DACA can’t travel for any reason. Unfortunately, traveling to a home country for vacation, to reconnect with family or for a friend’s wedding are not valid reasons to obtain advance parole with DACA. However, it may be possible to travel for humanitarian, educational, or employment reasons.

Before applying for an advance parole travel document, an individual must apply for and receive a DACA approval. In fact, an individual is disqualified from DACA if they depart the United States at any time after August 15, 2012, unless they are first granted both DACA and advance parole. According to USCIS , advance parole for DACA will generally be granted for the following reasons:

• Humanitarian Humanitarian purposes related to “travel for emergent, compelling, or sympathetic circumstances.” This category includes obtaining medical assistance, attending a funeral service for a family member, visiting a sick relative, or other urgent family-related purposes.
• Educational Educational purposes include study-abroad programs and academic research.
• Employment Employment purposes include overseas assignments or client meetings, interviews, conferences, trainings in other countries, and travel needed to pursue a job with a foreign employer in the United States.

Documentation to support your reason will be required in the advance parole application (covered in the next section).

The USCIS DACA National Standard Operating Procedures Manual provides that the humanitarian, educational, and employment categories “are to be construed broadly.” USCIS approves advance parole on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, there may be additional valid reasons for travel.

Before even applying, DACA recipients who are interested in advance parole should speak with an immigration attorney to get an individualize assessment about risks associated with leaving the United States.

DACA Green Card through Marriage

How to request advance parole for daca.

Applicants use Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , to request advance parole. When preparing the application package, DACA recipients should include the following items:

• Prepared and signed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• Copy of a photo identity document (with photo, name and date of birth) such as an Employment Authorization Card (work permit) or driver’s license
• Proof that you have been approved for DACA (Form I-797)
• Two identical passport-style color photographs
• USCIS filing fee ($575)

In addition to preparing the form, application packages should provide as much evidence as possible to justify the purpose of stated travel abroad.

Evidence for Trips with Humanitarian Reasons

When submitting a DACA advance parole request for a trip involving a humanitarian purpose, proper evidence includes but is not limited to the following:

• A letter from a medical professional explaining the reason for the need to travel abroad to obtain medical treatment;
• A letter from a hospital or treating medical professional explaining the relative’s ill condition; and
• A death certificate for a deceased relative

Evidence for Trips with Educational Reasons

For a trip involving an educational purpose, evidence includes but is not limited to the following:

• A letter from an educational institution explaining the purpose of travel abroad; and
• A document showing enrollment in a program or class and documents showing the applicant is required to travel for a program or class or will benefit from such travel.

Evidence for Trips with Employment Reasons

For a trip involving an employment purpose, appropriate evidence includes but is not limited to the following:

• A letter from an employer explaining the need to travel abroad; and
• A document showing an employment need, such as a conference or training program, and showing the applicant’s participation.

The applicant should provide a statement, also known as a declaration, to clarify the purpose of the travel request. A declaration is not a substitute for the evidence above. However, it can help support a request for the AP travel document.

You may use a single Form I-131 to request multiple trips. However, the recipient must show that each trip is intended to serve a humanitarian, employment, or educational purpose and explain why the DACA recipient needs to travel multiple times.

Urgent Travel Requests

Generally, it takes USCIS a few months to approve a DACA advance parole document. Therefore, plan your trip accordingly. This could be problematic if you’re traveling for “urgent” humanitarian reasons. For the most part, USCIS does not grant expedited requests for advance parole for DACA recipients. However, in a dire emergency, USCIS may consider an expedited request at a local USCIS office. If you are preparing your advance parole application through CitizenPath , we can also provide special instructions for expedited requests.

Adjusting Status to Permanent Resident with Help from Advance Parole Entry

Advance parole doesn't provide eligibility for a green card or permanent status. But it does remove an obstacle for many individuals with DACA who have the opportunity to apply for a green card.

In order to apply for a green card inside the United States through the adjustment of status process, the applicant must have a lawful entry. Even if the applicant entered legally many years ago and that visa expired, it still counts as a lawful entry. However, many DACA recipients did not have a lawful entry. They were brought in to the U.S. by parents who entered without inspection. In other words, they didn't enter through an official port of entry and were not inspected by an immigration official. This is a major obstacle for many undocumented immigrants who later have an opportunity to apply for a green card.

Risks of Traveling on Advance Parole

Even with a grant of DACA and an advance parole document, there are some risks associated with traveling abroad.

DHS always reserves the right to revoke or terminate an advance parole document. The individual traveling is also subject to inspection by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the time of seeking parole into the United States. DACA recipients traveling with the travel document should be aware of these facts – and of any risks presented in their cases – prior to traveling abroad.

It is important to know if you have any special risks in your case. Some of the reasons to contact an immigration attorney before requesting DACA advance parole with Form I-131 include that you have:

• Ever been arrested or convicted of a crime;
• Ever been in immigration court proceedings;
• A current DACA grant that will expire during your intended travel dates;
• Ever been detained or refused entry at the border; or
• Ever left the United States after August 15, 2012, without being granted DACA and Advance Parole.

Using an AP Travel Document

Known formally as Form I-512L, Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United States, USCIS prints the advance parole document on a standard, letter-size piece of paper.

Upon receiving the document from USCIS, review it to confirm all of the information is correct. An advance parole travel document will also include the last day that you may use it to re-enter the U.S. Be sure that your travel is complete and that you return before this date.

Take the original advance parole document with you when you leave the United States. You’ll need to present it before getting on a plane, ship, bus, or train headed back to the U.S. and to the Customs and Border Protection officer when you arrive.

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• Updated: December 5, 2023

Guidance for DACA Recipients and Legal Practitioners – Frequently Asked Questions

[UPDATE ON 10/26/2023]   – On September 13, 2023, Judge Hanen in Texas found the new 2022 DACA regulations unlawful for similar reasons that he had previously found DACA under the 2012 policy memorandum unlawful. But the court again partially paused its decision, which allows current DACA recipients to continue to renew and apply for advance parole if they are eligible while the decision is appealed to higher courts. 

For now, those who currently have DACA, or those whose DACA has expired within one year, can continue to renew and advance parole remains available . Initial DACA requests (and late renewal requests from those whose DACA expired over a year ago) can be filed, but will not be granted at this time . The litigation is ongoing and we encourage you to periodically visit our website and follow us on social media to learn of any new developments.   To receive the latest updates and developments on DACA ,sign up here

I currently have DACA. How does the latest court ruling affect me?

If you currently have DACA, your DACA and work permit are still valid. You can still use your social security number and work permit; everything stays the same with your current DACA status. Don’t let your DACA and work permit expire. Consider renewing, ideally with the assistance from an accredited organization or an immigration attorney now! Also consider discussing travel on Advance Parole with an accredited organization or immigration attorney.

Questions on first-time (initial) DACA requests.

Judge hanen ruled again that uscis cannot grant daca to new daca requestors. i have never had daca before and filed a request before the recent hanen decisions. what will happen next.

Judge Hanen’s recent orders, like his 2021 order,  prohibit USCIS from granting any first-time initial DACA requests at this time.  If you filed your first-time initial DACA request with USCIS but it was NOT granted or denied, USCIS continues to hold your request and your payment, but will not approve or deny your request until further notice. 

Are first-time DACA requests automatically rejected now?

No. USCIS can still accept first-time initial DACA requests (meaning USCIS will not reject and return your request) but cannot grant requests at this time due to Judge Hanen’s orders. 

I was planning on sending my first-time request out soon. Should I still?

Judge Hanen’s orders prohibit USCIS from granting any first-time initial DACA requests at this time, even though initial requests can be accepted for filing. We recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative before filing your request. As litigation proceeds through the courts, we will keep you updated here.

Does the new DACA rule change anything?

Not currently. The rule has been partially enjoined by Judge Hanen, and first-time requests will not be granted. However, renewals and advance parole continue for current recipients of DACA.

Am I at risk of deportation now?

President Biden and DHS have made it clear that Dreamers are not a priority for deportation. Even Judge Hanen’s orders state that his decision does not require “DHS or Department of Justice to take any immigration, deportation, or criminal action against any DACA recipient, applicant, or any other individual.”

If you do have any problems with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP), please download Notifica from UWD’s Deportation Defense as well as your Senator or Representative , who may be able to liaise with ICE on your behalf.

Questions on DACA Renewals

Are renewal daca requests being processed .

Yes. If your DACA has not expired or expired within one year, USCIS will continue accepting and processing DACA renewal requests unless and until there is a higher court order saying otherwise. Don’t let your DACA and work permit expire. Consider renewing, ideally with the assistance from an accredited organization or an immigration attorney.  If your DACA expires soon, renew now!

Should I renew early?

We recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative to determine the best timing for your DACA renewal request.  Due to the ongoing litigation, there may be a limited window of opportunity to apply for renewal. USCIS encourages renewals to be filed between 120 and 150 days prior to the expiration of your DACA. However, USCIS will accept renewal forms earlier than 150 days before expiration. USCIS may hold early-filed requests and not process them until they are within 150 days of the current DACA period expiration. Or, USCIS may process early-filed requests quickly, which could result in cutting short the current DACA grant and having the new DACA grant expire sooner than it would have if the renewal had been processed later. 

Can I submit an expedite request for my DACA? 

While USCIS does not currently process formal expedite requests from DACA requestors, it is our understanding that USCIS may still consider circumstances– such as those described on USCIS’ expedite request webpage — that warrant more expeditious processing. We therefore encourage you to include any information that may be helpful to USCIS in processing your renewal in a cover letter that you include with your DACA renewal filing. 

Can I file online?

Yes, DACA renewals can be filed online. Current DACA recipients must first create a USCIS online account in order to file Forms I-821D (DACA), I-765 (application for work authorization) and I-765WS online. The online account provides a potentially quick method of submitting forms, paying fees, and tracking the status of USCIS applications. This is only applicable to DACA renewal requests. It is always recommended to receive assistance from an accredited organization or an immigration attorney when filing any immigration documents and they may be able to help troubleshoot issues when applying online. 

How should I pay for my renewal?

You should include two separate payments in your request, one for each form. For example, if you are paying by check you must include a check for $410 for the Form I-765 and a separate check for $85 for the Form I-821D. Checks that are made for $495 (the full cost of requesting DACA) may be returned and USCIS may reject the entire package. USCIS has indicated that it will no longer accept one bundled payment (check, money order, etc.) for all the forms you include in your request for DACA.

If you need financial help, please see “Additional Resources” at bottom.

How long will USCIS be accepting DACA renewal filings?

USCIS is likely to continue accepting and processing DACA renewal requests until there is a court order mandating otherwise. Judge Hanen ruled that DACA under the new rule is unlawful. (Judge Hanen and the Fifth Circuit also previously ruled that DACA under the 2012 memorandum is unlawful). However, Judge Hanen has permitted renewals to continue to be processed and granted by USCIS, for now. It is likely that Judge Hanen’s recent orders will be appealed. 

I would like to renew my deferred action and work authorization under DACA, but my DACA lapsed for a year or more. What does this mean for me? 

If you submit a DACA request a year or more after your last DACA grant expired or after your most recent DACA grant was terminated, your request is currently considered by USCIS as an initial request and will not be granted at this time . USCIS will accept these requests for filing, accept the payment and issue receipt notices, but will not process or approve these filings at this time. See the guidance provided by USCIS.

Not really. The new DACA rule went into effect on October 31, 2022, except as to initial DACA requests. The new rule maintains the same eligibility requirements and process as the 2012 DACA policy. Judge Hanen has ruled that both the new rule and the 2012 policy are unlawful, but has permitted renewals to continue for now. 

Questions on Advance Parole

Is advance parole open for daca recipients right now.

Yes. According to the current guidance from USCIS, the agency will continue to process and grant advance parole for current DACA recipients. We recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative before applying for advance parole and before traveling outside the U.S. Due to the ongoing litigation, there may be a limited window of opportunity to apply for advance parole.

I was approved for advance parole, how will the Fifth Circuit’s decision and Judge Hanen’s decision affect me?

We recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative before traveling outside the U.S. Judge Hanen’s decision permits Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to honor advance parole granted to DACA recipients by USCIS, but the individual will still be subject to an immigration inspection at the port of entry. It is unclear how travel on advance parole will be impacted by future court orders.

My advance parole request is still pending. Will USCIS process it?

According to the current guidance from USCIS, the agency will continue to process and grant advance parole to current DACA recipients. We recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative before traveling outside the U.S. Judge Hanen’s decision permits US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to honor advance parole granted to DACA recipients by USCIS, but the individual will still be subject to an immigration inspection at the port of entry. It is unclear how travel on advance parole will be impacted by future court orders.

I have DACA and am currently outside the United States with advance parole. Can I still return to the U.S. using my advance parole under DACA? 

Judge Hanen’s decision permits CBP to honor advance parole granted to DACA recipients by USCIS, but the individual will still be subject to an immigration inspection at the port of entry. It is unclear how travel on advance parole will be impacted by future court orders.

Will Judge Hanen’s latest decision be appealed?

After Judge Hanen’s September 13, 2023 decision, any party could appeal further to the Fifth Circuit and, from there, to the Supreme Court of the United States. 

I heard that the processing of DACA requests is taking a long time. What is the current status?

Anecdotally we’ve heard that many DACA renewal requests have been processed within 90 days. In March 2022, USCIS announced changes to processing times and established new internal cycle time goals . New cycle time goals include 6 months for I-821D DACA renewals. It’s hard to determine what this means for DACA renewal processing since many cases are processed much faster. You can look up processing times per service center here and your case status here .

Am I at risk of deportation if my DACA request cannot be granted?

President Biden and DHS have made it clear that “Dreamers” are not a priority for deportation. Even Judge Hanen said in his recent order that his decision does not require “DHS or the Department of Justice to take any immigration, deportation, or criminal action against any DACA recipient, applicant, or any other individual that would not otherwise be taken.”

If you currently have DACA, the best protection against deportation is to ensure that you don’t lose this protection. If your DACA expires soon, renew now!

What can we do now?

It’s important that Congress pass legislation that provides pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, including immigrant youth and DACA recipients. If you’re a DACA recipient, know that you are lawfully present in the U.S. and have rights.

Take Action

We’ve known since the beginning that DACA is not enough. Now more than ever, we need President Biden to be bold in protecting DACA recipients and DACA-eligible youth by defending DACA in court and pushing Congress to take action to pass permanent protections, like citizenship, for all undocumented people.

Democrats must take action now! The writing is on the wall, unless Biden and Congress take action soon, DACA will end on their watch. They must ACT NOW to permanently protect all immigrant youth, our families, and our communities. Text “HOME IS HERE” to 787-57 to demand action NOW! 

We won’t go back, we won’t back down. We are here to stay! Text DACAINFO to 787-57 to demand action RIGHT NOW and get the latest updates!

Additional Resources

• Financial help for DACA requesters – for a how-to renew guide, and a list of organizations that provide financial help
• DACA Renewal Fund – to Donate
• Map of low-income & pro-bono lawyers across the country. : https://www.immigrationlawhelp.org/

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Can DACA Recipients Travel? What You Need to Know

Traveling the world is an enriching experience. However, some DACA ( Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ) recipients are scared to leave the county for fear of losing their eligibility. There is some good news. DACA recipients can travel but with a few restrictions. Here is what you need to know about traveling as a DACA recipient. 

Can You Travel with DACA within the U.S.?

DACA recipients can travel within the United States . That means DACA recipients can take planes, buses, and boats without issues. They will still need to show the appropriate identification to board these vessels. If any travel requires you to leave the United States, you will need to apply for Advance Parole, which allows you to leave the United States without losing your DACA status. 

In late 2021, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved to travel to Puerto Rico and the United States territories without advance parole . DACA recipients could leave the United States and re-enter without losing their status. The USCIS recommends keeping all DACA documentation with the traveler to avoid any problems at the border or other port of entry. 

Related: How Long Does DACA Take To Process? 

Where Can I Travel with DACA?

In the past, leaving the United States often put the status of DACA recipients in jeopardy . Travel was limited to the borders of the United States. With Advance Parole, it is an opportunity for DACA recipients to travel outside of the United States and return legally. To obtain Advance Parole, you need to get Form I-512L. 

Form I-512L is almost similar to a visa. After the official inspects the Advance Parole document, you can re-enter the United States. However, an Advance Parole document is not without any risks. Not every DACA holder is eligible for Advance Parole either. You cannot travel for any reason as a DACA recipient, such as visiting friends and family. These travel reasons must be for a humanitarian reason or one with significant public benefit. 

Some of these reasons include:

• Traveling outside the country to support the federal law enforcement or national security interests of the U.S.
• Traveling to support the wellbeing, safety, or care of an immediate relative, especially a minor child
• Traveling abroad to get some medical treatments that help sustain their lives, especially for treatments that cannot be obtained while in the U.S.

Related: A Complete Guide to DACA 

Can I Use My DACA Card as an I.D.?

Over the next few years, there is a push for all United States citizens to carry a READ ID. Applicants must meet stricter criteria to obtain the identification , and they will be required for domestic flights. Most states allow DACA cards to be used as an I.D., and some even let the holder present it for a REAL ID. But if the DACA has expired, the recipient will need to submit another form of identification. Using a DACA card for an I.D. depends on the specific state, as they set their own requirements for licenses and official identification. 

Do You Need a Passport for DACA?

If you want to travel, you need to have some photo identification . In many cases, the DACA recipient does have a passport from their country of birth. You can travel with a valid, unexpired passport from your country. Before you travel internationally, you need to check the latest information about the program as it can change. For now, DACA recipients can travel with a passport to a foreign country. 

Do DACA Recipients Have Green Cards?

Yes, a DACA recipient can obtain a green card, but only under certain circumstances. If you have entered the United States with Advance Parole or an initial entry on a valid visa, you could qualify for a green card . There are many types of green cards, including employment-based, family-based, and humanitarian. Like most green cards, the applicant must meet specific eligibility requirements to apply and get approval for these statuses. 

Can DACA Recipients Marry a Citizen?

While the definite answer will depend on certain situations and factors, generally, the answer is yes . U.S. citizens are free to marry anyone, including those DACA recipients. The U.S. citizen will not have issues with their residency status, but the spouse will see a change. With the marriage, the DACA recipient might obtain a marriage-based green card. Like most applicants, a few requirements must be met, such as the marriage was made in good faith and not to receive immigration benefits for the DACA holder. 

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Biometrics Appointment

How Can DACA Recipients Get Citizenship?

The issue of citizenship for DACA recipients has been hotly contested. For most recipients, DACA is not a clear path to citizenship . There are a few steps to take. First, the DACA recipient would need to get a permanent residence or green card to help pave their way to citizenship. The DACA recipient must have entered the United States lawfully with a valid U.S. visa . 

In some cases, you can petition USCIS for an immigration visa if you have an immediate relative with U.S. citizenship. Unfortunately, you cannot get a green card for those who did not enter the country legally . You might be able to meet the lawful entry requirement with Advance Parole. With that, you need to leave the country and re-enter. However, there are risks, and you need approval to travel abroad. 

Once you have a green card for several years, you can apply for naturalization . U.S. veterans can apply after three years, while civilians can apply after five . After the naturalization process, you are considered an official and lawful U.S. citizen. 

DACA holders do face some hurdles when it comes to traveling abroad . While you can get Advance Parole, you can travel abroad for specific circumstances. DACA is a complicated status, and you should always speak to an attorney before leaving the country. 

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After lawsuit, DACA recipients win permits to travel outside the U.S. — and come back legally

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After a Long Beach educational organization sued the Biden administration last month, several dozen immigrants have received travel permits to study abroad.

The approvals came just in time for the students’ trip to Mexico, which is part of a Cal State Long Beach program and is scheduled to begin Saturday.

All the applicants have been spared from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which temporarily shields so-called Dreamers who came to the United States as children and have lived here without legal immigration status. A provision under DACA allows for legal travel for work, school or humanitarian reasons.

The complaint filed against the Biden administration in April had sought a response from immigration authorities to the applications that 84 Dreamers submitted nine months ago. They’d had to push their trip back by five months because of the delayed reply.

Attorney Jorge Gonzalez said some of the applicants had received notices saying their paperwork would not be expedited. After the lawsuit was filed, he noticed a change — applicants started receiving notification that their travel documents were being generated.

“This is a timeliness issue,” he said. “If it’s not granted in time, then it’s worthless.”

A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spokeswoman said the agency has been working diligently to resolve the issue but would not comment further on pending litigation.

Last week, 22 members of Congress signed a letter written by Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) urging immigration officials to speed up processing times.

“Applications for travel authorization are currently ranging from three months to more than two years, preventing DACA recipients from traveling to attend to family emergencies or for legitimate educational reasons,” Lowenthal wrote.

Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, a law professor and director of the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at Penn State Law, said the outcome sends a signal that USCIS can process the applications more quickly.

“I am cautiously optimistic that USCIS will continue to process advance parole applications for DACA recipients consistent with the court order and the administration’s own commitment to preserve DACA,” she said, using the formal term for the process by which Dreamers and certain other immigrants can apply to travel.

“Moving forward, USCIS should invest the resources necessary to ensure that all applications for advance parole by DACA recipients are processed in a timely manner — this should be done without pressure from Congress or litigation.”

Winning the approvals also removes some of the hurdles that have kept those DACA recipients from gaining citizenship, a pathway that had been blocked when President Trump moved to end DACA entirely in 2017. It has remained closed off for many Dreamers, despite a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that the Obama-era program, which protected some 700,000 Dreamers, must be restored.

Before Trump moved to end the program, nearly 46,000 DACA recipients nationwide were approved for international travel under the advance parole provision.

The California-Mexico Studies Center, a named plaintiff in the lawsuit, had led more than 160 DACA recipients on study-abroad trips before 2018. The program isn’t for academic credit.

Beyond allowing Dreamers to reconnect with family, there’s a deeper reason that receiving advance parole is significant. Immigrants who leave the U.S. after having entered without authorization are penalized. Returning to the U.S. through an established port of entry erases those penalties, clearing the way for a DACA recipient who has someone to sponsor them for legal residency, such as a U.S. citizen parent or spouse.

For some, the news came too late. After the recent death of her grandmother, one applicant said she no longer had a reason to attend. Four dropped out, and 79 of the 80 remaining applicants were approved to travel.

Another 130 DACA recipients hoping to study abroad later this summer through the California-Mexico Studies Center have pending travel applications.

Gonzalez said the lawsuit has generated interest among immigration lawyers. The question now, he said, is whether federal immigration authorities will begin to more quickly process travel applications for all DACA recipients.

If the plaintiffs can’t reach an amicable agreement with the federal government, they could seek a class-action lawsuit. Gonzalez said the goal is to establish a timeliness standard for all future applicants.

He also sees the lawsuit as a catalyst for working toward something bigger — getting rid of the years-long penalties associated with unlawful entry.

“Biden is talking about immigration reform in little steps,” he said. “We’re playing the long game.”

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Andrea Castillo covers immigration. Before joining the Los Angeles Times, she covered immigrant, ethnic and LGBTQ+ communities for the Fresno Bee. She got her start at the Oregonian in Portland. A native of Seattle, she’s been making her way down the West Coast since her graduation from Washington State University.

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DACA Recipients Can Travel Abroad only in Limited Circumstances

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status comes with several benefits. DREAMers who receive deferred action status get a two year reprieve from deportation. Along with that they can get renewable work permits. They can also get Social Security cards and driver’s licenses.

The other most important benefit that these DREAMers get is the ability to travel abroad. However, these DREAMers will get into trouble if they travel abroad without permission. To travel abroad legally, a deferred action recipient must get an advance parole document.  To get advance parole, Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , must be filed.

This advance parole document issued by the USCIS grants the holder of this document permission to travel abroad and to return to America, even if the person does not hold a valid visa. To get this document, the deferred action recipient must file an application for a travel document with the USCIS and pay the required form filing fee.

Apart from that, the applicant must establish that he/she seeks to travel abroad for humanitarian, employment or educational purposes. In simple words, a person who has been granted deferred action status can travel abroad only for compelling reasons, he/she cannot travel abroad for vacation.

DREAMers who have filed applications for deferred action status cannot travel abroad while their petitions are pending and cannot file applications for travel documents. If they leave the country while their applications are pending, their request for DACA status will be denied.

However, it is unclear what qualifies as a humanitarian purpose. USCIS now has to clarify whether the deferred action recipients can get travel documents and travel abroad to visit their family members who were deported in the past.

There are many DACA recipients in the United States who have been separated from their family members. They are unable to meet their relatives and parents as they cannot travel abroad. DACA recipients who travel abroad with travel documents also face risks as advance parole does not guarantee readmission into the United States.

These DREAMers who travel abroad and return to the United States will be inspected by immigrants offices at the port of entry. Only after inspection, the DACA recipients who hold advance parole documents will be granted entry into the country.

Activists say that the USCIS must permit the DACA recipients to visit their families. They also want the immigration authorities to ensure that these DREAMers who hold advance parole documents are not denied entry into the country.

Before you continue, please understand that:

• This website is run by a private company. We have no connection to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or any other government agency.
• YOU must send your completed government forms directly to the USCIS or other government agency. We don’t do that for you.
• YOU must pay any required fees directly to the USCIS or other government agency. We don’t do that for you.

Can I travel outside the US with DACA?

If you are wondering: Can I travel outside the US with DACA? We prepare this content to explain and present you our services in immigration solutions! Keep reading!

As a DACA recipient or someone with a pending DACA application, traveling can present challenges. To avoid any immigration complications, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with travel restrictions and requirements.

To ensure smooth travel experiences, we’ve gathered important information every DACA holder should know before making domestic or international travel plans.

Domestic Travel

Good news for those living in the U.S. and planning domestic travel! Both DACA recipients and individuals with pending DACA applications are able to travel domestically with proper ID documents.

When flying within the U.S., a valid government-issued ID that matches the name on the flight reservation must be presented to a TSA agent at a security checkpoint before boarding.

The ID must be valid and issued by an official government body. Acceptable forms of ID include a state-issued driver’s license or permit, a passport from your country of nationality, or, as a secondary option, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.

If you are in need of a new ID or are a frequent traveler, you may be familiar with the REAL ID, a security standard for government-issued documentation.

The Department of Homeland Security has extended the enforcement deadline for REAL ID-compliant documents to May 7, 2025.

On this date, all individuals 18 years and older must have a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the U.S. REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses are identifiable by a star icon at the top of the card.

In addition to state-issued driver’s licenses, several other forms of identification are considered REAL ID-compliant.

DACA recipients can typically obtain a REAL ID at their state’s DMV. It’s important to note that a current EAD is also considered REAL ID-compliant and can be used for domestic flights within the U.S.

For those who do not have a valid EAD or are unable to obtain a REAL ID before the enforcement deadline, a passport from their country of nationality will be required for travel.

For further information on domestic travel in the U.S. and how to prepare for your flight, contact us! Wizard Visa is always ready to help you!

International Travels

Domestic travel within the U.S. is usually possible for DACA recipients, but international travel may be more challenging depending on your immigration status. In general, DACA recipients cannot travel outside of the U.S. without obtaining Advance Parole, which is specific travel authorization issued by the U.S. government.

Even if you have an Advance Parole travel document, international travel is limited and only allowed for specific reasons.

How do you apply for Advance Parole as a DACA recipient?

DACA recipients may require urgent international travel. To travel outside of the U.S., DACA recipients can apply for Advance Parole, which allows them to travel abroad and re-enter the country lawfully.

Upon approval of the Advance Parole application, USCIS will provide a document to present to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for re-entry into the U.S.

For DACA recipients, “Advance Parole” provides a means to leave the United States and return lawfully.

This process can allow DACA recipients to travel abroad for important reasons such as a business conference, study abroad program or medical treatment.

However, it’s important to note that Advance Parole for DACA recipients is more limited and not granted for leisure trips. To be eligible for Advance Parole, exceptional circumstances must be present.

Getting approval for Advance Parole can be a game-changer for DACA recipients. Re-entering the United States through this process is considered a lawful entry, which makes DACA recipients eligible to apply for green cards and eventually citizenship.

Who is eligible for DACA Advance Parole?

Advance Parole is a process in U.S. immigration law that allows DACA recipients to leave and then re-enter the country lawfully. It can be requested for three specific purposes: employment, education, or humanitarian reasons.

Humanitarian reasons include medical treatment, visiting a sick relative, or attending a funeral. Employment-related travel could include work assignments, conferences, and job interviews, while education-related travel refers to study abroad programs or academic research trips.

Vacations are not considered a valid reason for Advance Parole. To apply, you must file Form I-131 with USCIS and provide proof of your reason for travel. It’s important to demonstrate to USCIS that your trip is necessary and not for leisure purposes.

Advance Parole creates an opportunity for Dreamers to pursue a path toward naturalization. For information on obtaining Advance Parole for international travel as a DACA recipient, visit Wizard Visa.

Ready to take the next step in securing your immigration status with Wizard Visa? Discover our comprehensive immigration solutions today! Our packages are tailored to meet your unique needs and provide peace of mind during the process. Click now to learn more and start your journey toward a brighter future. Contact us!

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I-131, Application for Travel Document

ALERT: On Jan. 31, 2024, we published a  final rule in the Federal Register, that adjusts the fees required for most immigration applications and petitions. The new fees will be effective April 1, 2024.

Applications and petitions postmarked on or after April 1, 2024, must include the new fees or we will not accept them.

What to Know About Sending Us Your Form

The new filing fee is effective for filings postmarked April 1, 2024, and later. If you are filing an acceptable prior form edition on or after April 1, 2024, you must include the new filing fee.

Alert:  Beginning July 1, 2022, we will issue a new travel authorization document to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries: Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States, at our discretion if we find the beneficiary merits this authorization. We will no longer issue advance parole documents as evidence of our prior authorization for a TPS beneficiary to be permitted to reenter the United States if the beneficiary travels outside the United States.

Beginning July 1, 2022, we will issue a new travel authorization document to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries: Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States, at our discretion if we find the beneficiary merits this authorization. We will no longer issue advance parole documents as evidence of our prior authorization for a TPS beneficiary to be permitted to reenter the United States if the beneficiary travels outside the United States.

If you are a TPS beneficiary with an existing, unexpired advance parole document, you may continue to travel and seek reentry to the United States after a trip outside the United States through the period of validity printed on your advance parole document.

If you are a TPS beneficiary applying for a new travel authorization document, you should continue to use Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. If you have a pending Form I-131, you do not need to file a new application.

We will continue to issue advance parole documents to noncitizens with pending initial applications for TPS (Form I-821).

TPS beneficiaries and individuals with pending initial TPS applications should carefully read the Form I-131 Instructions which contain warnings about certain risks an individual may face if they are outside of the United States while USCIS is considering their TPS reregistration or initial application, such as missing important request for evidence or other notices or being denied TPS while outside the United States.

ALERT: Court decisions regarding DACA.

On Sept. 13, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a decision finding the DACA Final Rule unlawful and expanding the original July 16, 2021, injunction and order of vacatur to cover the Final Rule. However, the court maintained a partial stay of the order for “all DACA recipients who received their initial DACA status prior to July 16, 2021.” See the Memorandum and Order (PDF, 1.35 MB)  and Supplemental Order of Injunction (PDF, 72.53 KB) .

Accordingly, current grants of DACA and related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) remain valid until they expire, unless individually terminated.  In accordance with this decision, USCIS will continue to accept and process DACA renewal requests and accompanying applications for employment authorization under the DACA regulations at 8 CFR 236.22 and 236.23, as it has since October 31, 2022. We will also continue to accept initial DACA requests, but in accordance with the District Court’s order, we will not process initial DACA requests.

Current valid grants of DACA and related EADs will continue to be recognized as valid under the Final Rule. This means that individuals with DACA and related EADs do not have to submit a request for DACA or employment authorization until the appropriate time to seek renewal.

Please see the  DACA Litigation Information Page  for important updates and information related to court rulings on the DACA policy.

Use this form to apply for a reentry permit, refugee travel document, TPS travel authorization document, advance parole document (including parole into the United States for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit), or advance permission to travel for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) long-term residents.

For information on travel documents, including potential immigration-related consequences of traveling outside the United States, see our Travel Documents page. If you are in the United States and you have an urgent need to travel outside the United States, see our Expedite Requests page and  Emergency Travel  page.

If you file this form to request an Advance Parole Document authorizing you to seek parole in the United States when you return to the United States after temporary travel abroad, and you depart the United States before we issue your Advance Parole Document, we will consider your Form I-131 abandoned unless you were previously issued an Advance Parole Document that remains valid for the entire time you are outside the United States.

If you file this form to request an advance permission to travel for CNMI long-term residents document, and you leave the CNMI without having an advance permission to travel document, your status will automatically terminate.

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Form Details

Form I-131 (PDF, 451.87 KB)

Instructions for Form I-131 (PDF, 285.07 KB)

04/01/24 . Starting June 3, 2024, we will accept only the 04/01/24 edition. Until then, you can also use the 06/06/23 E edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Dates are listed in mm/dd/yy format.

If you complete and print this form to mail it, make sure that the form edition date and page numbers are visible at the bottom of all pages and that all pages are from the same form edition. If any of the form’s pages are missing or are from a different form edition, we may reject your form.

If you need help downloading and printing forms, read our instructions . 

Please check our Filing Addresses for Form I-131  page for information on where to mail your application. Applications that are not submitted to the appropriate direct filing address may experience processing delays.

You can find the filing fee for Form I-131 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.  

The fee is effective for filings postmarked April 1, 2024, and later.

You can pay the fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check, or pay by credit card or debit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions . If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

When you send a payment, you agree to pay for a government service. Filing fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition, or request, or if you withdraw your request.  If you pay by credit card or debit card, you cannot later dispute the payment. Use our Fee Calculator to help determine your fee.

If you are submitting multiple forms, pay each filing fee separately. We are transitioning to electronically processing immigration benefit requests, which requires us to use multiple systems to process your package. We may reject your entire package if you submit a single, combined payment for multiple forms.

Payment if you file at a field office: You cannot pay fees with a money order or cashier’s check when filing at a field office. You can only pay with a personal check, debit card, credit card, or reloadable prepaid credit or debit card.

You do not need to pay an additional fee for Form I-131 if:

• You are filing Form I-131 Application Type B or D;
• You filed a Form I-485 with a fee on or after July 30, 2007, and before April 1, 2024; and
• Your Form I-485 is still pending.

For refugee travel document applications filed from outside of the United States, you must pay the applicable fee(s) to the cashier at the USCIS overseas office or U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your location. Please see the website of the appropriate  embassy or consulate  to confirm acceptable forms of payment. Include the fee receipt from the U.S. embassy or consulate when you file your application package.

Please do not mail cash, personal checks or traveler’s checks. If you do not include a fee receipt with your filing, we will reject your application.

Please do not submit this checklist with your Form I-131. The checklist is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form, but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements. We recommend that you review these requirements before completing and submitting your form. Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations.

If you submit any documents (copies or original documents, if requested) in a foreign language, you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate, and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.

Read more information about the types of evidence that may be relevant to specific parole requests on our  Humanitarian Parole  page.

Complete all sections of the form. We will reject the form if these fields are missing:

• Family Name
• Physical Address
• Date of Birth
• 1.a. – 1.f.
• Family Name (If 1.f. selected)
• Physical Address (If 1.f. selected)

Filing Tips:  Review our  Tips for Filing Forms by Mail  page for information on how to ensure we will accept your form.

Don’t forget to sign your form. We will reject any unsigned form.

E-Notification: If you want to receive an e-mail and/or text message that we have accepted  your form at a USCIS lockbox, complete  Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance , and clip it to the first page of your form.

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