ALERT: Applications for Advance Parole Will Be Denied if Applicant Travels Before Approval

The USCIS has announced a change in policy regarding adjudication of advance parole applications. An advance parole is an application filed with the USCIS seeking permission to return to the U.S. after international travel.  Commonly, someone files this application along with an application to register permanent residence to permit international travel during the adjudication period of an application to register permanent residence.  The USCIS is denying this application if the applicant travels before it the advance parole is approved.  The policy applies even where the applicant has an underlying status that permits travel without having the advance parole, e.g. H-1B or L status.  Moreover, even if the applicant has a current valid advance parole and a renewal application is filed, the renewal will be denied if the applicant travels before it is approved. The applicant can return on the current advance parole if it is still valid, but would have to refile the renewal and could not travel until it is approved.