Can I Travel Abroad While My Adjustment of Status Application Is Pending? – TRW Law Firm Guide
Understand the Risks, Restrictions, and Legal Workarounds for Travel During Your Green Card Process
🌏 Overview
If you’ve submitted an Adjustment of Status (AOS) application to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) from within the United States, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to travel outside the country while your application is pending.
The short answer: You generally should NOT travel abroad while your AOS is pending, unless you have received a travel permit (Advance Parole) from USCIS.
At TRW Law Firm, we guide clients through every step of the green card process, including safe travel planning while AOS is pending.
⚠️ Why Traveling Abroad Is Risky During AOS
USCIS considers leaving the United States while your Form I-485 (AOS application) is pending without prior authorization as an automatic abandonment of your green card application.
This means:
- Your application may be denied immediately
- You may be denied re-entry to the U.S.
- You may have to restart the entire immigration process from scratch
TRW Tip: Even short trips abroad without permission can jeopardize months or years of immigration work.
🚪 What Is Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is a travel document (Form I-512L) issued by USCIS that allows certain immigrants to temporarily leave and re-enter the U.S. while their AOS is pending.
Who Needs It?
Anyone filing for AOS who wants to leave the U.S. before receiving their green card, unless:
- They are in H-1B or L-1 status and remain valid during re-entry
How to Apply:
- File Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document)
- Provide evidence of:
- Your AOS application (Form I-485 receipt)
- Reason for travel
- Emergency or humanitarian needs (if applicable)
- Wait for approval before traveling
Processing Time:
- Typically 3 to 6 months, though this can vary
- Can be combined with your EAD (Form I-765) in a combo card (EAD + Advance Parole)
Important: Do NOT travel until your Advance Parole is approved and the physical document is in your possession.
🌺 Exceptions to the Rule
You may travel internationally while AOS is pending without Advance Parole ONLY if:
- You hold valid dual intent visas such as H-1B or L-1, AND
- You re-enter the U.S. under that status, AND
- You remain employed with the sponsoring employer (if work-based)
Even then, it’s strongly recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer before traveling.
🏖️ Traveling Within the U.S.
Traveling domestically within the United States is permitted while your adjustment of status application is under review.
- You can travel between states for leisure or to visit family
- Do not travel for employment until your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) is issued
TRW Guidance: Carry your I-485 receipt notice and ID when traveling domestically for added protection.
✅ What To Do If Travel Is Unavoidable
If you must leave the U.S. while your green card application is processing:
- Apply for Advance Parole (Form I-131) as early as possible
- Consult with TRW Law Firm about emergency travel options
- Avoid travel unless it’s absolutely necessary
Note: Certain emergencies may qualify for expedited Advance Parole processing.
🚨 What Happens If You Travel Without Authorization?
If you travel abroad without Advance Parole:
- Your AOS application is considered abandoned
- You may be barred from re-entering the U.S.
- You may trigger inadmissibility bars (3- or 10-year bans)
TRW Law Firm can help assess:
- Whether you qualify for reentry waivers
- How to restart your AOS case safely
- Emergency re-entry options in rare cases
❓ FAQs from TRW Clients
Q: What if I have a family emergency abroad? You can request expedited Advance Parole with proper documentation. USCIS may approve it faster in serious cases (e.g., death or illness).
Q: Can I travel to Canada or Mexico without Advance Parole? No. You must still have approved Advance Parole. The same abandonment rule applies.
Q: What happens if I’ve already filed Form I-131 but haven’t received approval yet? You must wait for approval. If you travel before receiving it, your green card case could be automatically denied.
Q: Can I get Advance Parole and EAD at the same time? Yes. Most applicants file I-765 and I-131 concurrently and receive a combo card.
🌐 Why Trust TRW Law Firm?
- ✅ Experts in adjustment of status & re-entry strategies
- ✅ Rapid Advance Parole filing support
- ✅ Emergency consultation for family or health-related travel
- ✅ Deep understanding of travel restrictions for Bangladeshi applicants
✨ Book a Consultation with TRW Today
Don’t risk your green card over international travel. Let our expert immigration team help you plan your AOS journey safely.
🔗 Book Now: https://booking.tahmidurrahman.com
🌐 Website: www.tahmidurrahman.com
📧 Email: info@tahmidur.com | info@trwbd.com
📞 Phone: +8801708000660 | +8801847220062 | +8801708080817
TRW Law Firm – Your Legal Lifeline During the Green Card Journey