If you have a green card application or another immigration case pending and you are thinking about traveling abroad this year, please read our advance parole travel guide before you book a ticket. An important rule about advance parole changed on August 13, 2026, and it may affect you even if you traveled safely on advance parole in the past.
The pages below are listed in the order questions tend to come up over the season, from planning a trip to the new year.
Before booking travel
Advance parole after August 13, 2026
Advance parole is a travel document that USCIS issues on Form I-512L after approving a Form I-131 application. An important rule about advance parole changed on August 13, 2026.
Before booking travel
Combo EAD/advance parole cards
Many applicants receive advance parole on a "combo card", which also serves as their work permit. Holding a combo card does not by itself mean a trip is safe.
Winter break
H-1B and L-1 workers traveling abroad
USCIS recognizes a narrow exception that lets some H-1B and L-1 workers travel on their visa instead. Which document to use is a legal question, so review any trip with your attorney first.
Winter break
Family members on dependent visas
H-4, L-2 and TD dependents are the families of H-1B, L-1 and TN holders. Our dependent visa page covers dependent status and work authorization.
Family visits
Marriage-based green card cases
USCIS often issues a combo EAD/advance parole card, but having one does not make travel risk-free, so please speak with an attorney before any trip.
January
Case delayed after the holidays?
Current green card processing times, the factors that affect your timeline, and what you can do if your case is delayed, including a writ of mandamus.
Talk to Joya Law before you travel
If you have a pending immigration case and are thinking about traveling abroad, schedule a consultation with a Joya Law attorney. We can review your immigration history and explain the risks that may apply to you before you make plans.
This page provides general information about a recent change in immigration law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and the outcome of any matter depends on its own facts. Kamran Joya is licensed in New York. His California practice is limited to federal immigration law.
