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Advance Parole

Due to recent changes to U.S. immigration law, travel outside of the United States may have severe consequences for aliens who are in the process of adjusting their status or applying for an immigrant visa (refugees and asylees). Upon return, these aliens may be found inadmissible, their applications may be denied, or both. It is important that the alien obtain the proper documentation before leaving the United States.

Aliens who have pending applications for certain immigration benefits need Advance Parole to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad.

Aliens applying for advance parole on the basis of a pending application for adjustment of status must be approved for advance parole prior to leaving the United States in order to avoid the termination of their pending application for adjustment . Note: this does not apply to aliens who have applied to adjust to permanent resident status and who maintain H-1B (Specialty Worker) or L-1 (Intracompany Transferee) status, or their dependents, who have applied to adjust to permanent resident status and who have valid H-1B or L status and valid visas, V nonimmigrants who have a valid V nonimmigrant visa, are in valid V nonimmigrant status and have or obtain a valid V nonimmigrant visa before applying for readmission to the US, and K-3/4 nonimmigrants who have applied to adjust to permanent resident status and who have a valid K-3/4 nonimmigrant visa, are in valid K-3/4 nonimmigrant status and have or obtain a valid K-3/4 nonimmigrant visa before applying for readmission to the US.

An I-131 application for Advance Parole is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) pursuant to the instructions found on their Website.

Aliens in the United States should, prior to departure , obtain Advance Parole in order to re-enter the United States after travel abroad if they have:

• Filed an application for adjustment of status but have not received a decision from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services;
• Hold refugee or asylee status and intend to depart temporarily to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa in Canada; and/or
• An emergent personal or bona fide reason to travel temporarily abroad.

Applicants who are the beneficiary of a Private bill and Applicants who are under deportation proceedings must file to the Department of Homeland Security, 425 I Street, NW, ATTN: Parole and Humanitarian Assistance Branch, Washington, DC 20536. Aliens in the United States are not eligible for Advance Parole if they are:

• In the United States illegally; or
• An exchange alien subject to the foreign residence requirement.

Please note that Advance Parole does not guarantee admission into the United States. Aliens with Advance Parole are still subject to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection process at the port of entry.

For more information, please visit the State Department website or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website. To apply for a passport, U.S. citizens can visit State Department website or call the U.S. Passport Office at 1-877-4USA-PPT or TDD/TYY: 1-888-874-7793. Foreign residents should contact their respective governments to obtain passports.

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The “Advance Parole” I-131 Application for Travel Document

How to apply for a travel permit while waiting for your green card.

In this guide

• Why You Need a Travel Document
• When and How to Apply For a Travel Document
• Travel Restrictions and Renewing Your Travel Document
• Emergencies
• Planning Your Trip
• Returning to the United States With a Travel Document
• More Advance Parole FAQs
• Related Information

What is a travel permit?

A travel permit is a document that allows someone living in the U.S. while awaiting their green card to travel abroad without nullifying their green card application.

What is USCIS Form I-131?

Form I-131 is officially called the Application for Travel Document, and can be used to apply for one of several types of travel documents, such as a re-entry permit , refugee travel document , TPS travel authorization document , or the advance parole travel document , which is the subject of this guide.

What is Advance Parole?

The advance parole travel document permits you to travel back to the U.S. without applying for another visa, and without nullifying the application you have in progress. It is commonly used when someone has a pending application for permanent residence , adjustment of status or asylum .

Your green card application will be terminated if you leave the United States while that application is pending, unless you have a valid travel document at the time you leave the country.

Even if you don’t have any specific travel plans, it’s a good idea to apply for a travel document at the same time you first submit your green card application. Then, if you do need to travel for a family emergency, a business opportunity, or any other reason, you won’t need to decline because of your pending green card application.

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The travel document provides someone living in the United States with “advance parole.” (This has nothing to do with the “parole” you hear about in an episode of Law & Order . In the context of immigration law, “advance parole” is just a technical way of saying “permission ahead of time to re-enter the United States.”)

If you leave the United States while your green card application is pending and you don’t have a travel document, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will consider your green card application abandoned and will deny it. At best, that means you’ll have to redo all of the paperwork and pay the fees a second time. At worst, you could find yourself unable to re-enter the United States.

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The fastest and easiest way to apply for a travel document is as part of the original marriage green card application package you send to USCIS, by including Form I-131 (“Application for Travel Document”) along with the main forms ( I-130 and I-485 ).

You must attach a copy of your photo identification (such as a copy of the photo page of your passport) to the travel document application, as well as two passport-sized photos . There is no additional fee if you submit your travel document application (Form I-131) at the same time as your initial application for a green card (Form I-485, filed anytime after July 30, 2007).

If you’ve already submitted your green card application, you can still get a travel document that will allow you to leave the United States. In this case, when you file Form I-131 with USCIS, include a copy of your photo ID, two passport-sized photos, and a copy of the receipt notice showing that USCIS previously received your green card application including the full application fee. You will still be required to pay the $630 fee to file Form I-131 with a pending green card application.

It’s essential that you don’t leave the United States until you’ve actually received your travel document, but otherwise there are no travel restrictions for marriage-based green card applicants. You can only remain outside the United States, however, as long as you re-enter the U.S. before the expiration date printed on your travel document.

The travel document is valid for one year after it’s issued, typically within 150 days (in some cases longer) after submitting your application materials to USCIS. (Until recently, the normal processing time for a travel document was 90 days, but a growing backlog has caused additional delays. USCIS provides a database where you can check the most current processing times , updated once per month.)

If you haven’t received your green card yet and you plan to travel after that year has elapsed, it’s important to renew your travel document in a timely fashion. You can file a renewal application as early as 120 days before your current travel document expires, and it’s a good idea to submit the renewal as early as possible. The renewal travel document is usually processed within the same timeframe as that for the initial application: 150 days or longer. It’s important to plan ahead to avoid gaps in your ability to travel.

To renew your travel document, submit Form I-131 with a copy of your current travel document, a copy of the receipt notice from your green card application, and two passport-sized photos. There is no additional fee.

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It is possible to get an expedited travel document if you need to travel because of an emergency. USCIS issues emergency travel documents in situations like the death or sudden illness of a family member abroad. If you find yourself in this situation, you can make an appointment with your local USCIS office . You should bring your completed I-131, two passport photos, and evidence to prove that you have an urgent need to travel. This evidence might be a death certificate, medical records, or a signed letter from your family member’s doctor. There is no additional fee for an emergency travel document.

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The travel document usually arrives within 150 days (sometimes longer) after submitting your application. You can’t leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand, so you should expect to spend the 3–5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States.

Theoretically, you could be out of the United States for as long as you have a travel document (one year plus renewals). In practice, however, that’s not possible, because then you would miss your fingerprinting and green card interview appointments . If you find that you are unable to attend your fingerprinting or interview appointment, you should promptly follow the rescheduling instructions printed on the USCIS appointment notice.

In general, it’s a good idea to make arrangements to be alerted of any USCIS notices that are sent to you while you are abroad. (For example, you can ask a friend or a neighbor to inform you of any USCIS notices you receive by mail.)

Even after you have submitted your green card application, you are still not a permanent resident of the United States. When you re-enter the United States , you’ll be considered an “arriving alien.” It’s fairly common for people with travel documents to be pulled aside for secondary inspection. Don’t be alarmed if that happens—the border agent is likely just verifying that you have a pending green card application.

Travel documents do not guarantee that the border agent will allow you back into the United States, however. If you have any reason to suspect that you might be turned away at the border, you should carefully consider whether or not you need to travel before your green card application has been approved.

For example, If you have been in the United States for any amount of time without legal immigration status, then leaving the United States under most circumstances will trigger a bar from re-entering the United States for either three or ten years , depending on how long you were in the United States without status. If you’re in this situation, it is a good idea to avoid travel until you have a green card.

In summary, there is really no downside to applying for a travel document at the same time you submit your green card application, so you should do so even if you don’t have any specific travel plans.

If you are in the U.S. and have applied for a green card but are still waiting for your application to be processed, then you might be interested in applying for a travel permit to travel outside the U.S.. Otherwise, if you leave without the travel document, USCIS may consider your green card application abandoned.

If you already have a green card, and wish to leave the U.S. for more than a year but less than two years, then you might also be interested in arranging for a travel document before you leave.

No, Advance Parole does not guarantee admission into the United States. Upon arriving at a port of entry, you’ll undergo inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers who will make the final decision on whether to admit you.

The Advance Parole document itself does not grant permission to work. However, individuals who have filed an adjustment of status application may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while waiting for a decision on their application.

If your Advance Parole document expires while you’re abroad, you might have difficulties returning to the U.S. It’s generally advised to return to the U.S. before your Advance Parole expires.

You can choose not to apply for a work permit now. If the applicant changes their mind later, they may apply for the work permit at any time after filing Form I-485 (officially called the “Application for Adjustment of Status”).

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Immigration guides.

• Green Cards, Explained
• Average Green Card Processing Times
• Marriage Green Cards, Explained
• How is a Fiancé Visa Different from a Marriage-Based Green Card?
• How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage Green Card in the U.S.?
• What Are The Costs of a Marriage Green Card?
• What Documents Do I Need for a Marriage-Based Green Card?
• What is an Affidavit of Support? U.S. Immigration Help for Spouses
• Preparing for the Green Card Interview—U.S. Immigration Help
• U.S. Immigration Forms
• Traveling Outside the United States as a Green Card Holder
• Can I Travel Outside the U.S. While My Adjustment of Status Is Pending?

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Application for Travel Document: Form I-131 Explained

How to apply for advance parole.

If you’re waiting to be issued a green card or you have an active case with immigration, USCIS doesn’t want you to leave the country without advance permission. 

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, allows people with pending cases to obtain permission to travel outside of the country temporarily. This is what you should know about how, when, and why to use form I-131.

What Is Form I-131?

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document is used to apply for an advance parole document. Advance parole allows people who are not permanent residents or U.S. citizens to leave and re-enter the United States under specific circumstances for a limited amount of time. 

The word “parole” is often associated with a criminal being let out of prison before they’ve completed their term. In immigration, the term “parole” means something different . You aren’t in trouble, and you certainly aren’t regarded as a criminal. The term as used by immigration means that you’ve received special permission to travel while your application is pending and you are “paroled” into the U.S. to continue the application process. 

If you are not yet a permanent resident or a citizen, you may need an approved Form I-131 before you can depart the country without jeopardizing your immigration status or ongoing applications with USCIS. 

Leaving the country without obtaining a travel document could be interpreted as abandoning your USCIS case. A travel document shows intent to return to the United States.

Who Needs Form I-131?

If you have a pending application with USCIS for asylum or adjustment of status, you aren’t allowed to leave the country. This would result in your application being deemed abandoned. 

If you encounter a situation where you need to briefly leave the country (like to complete the sale of your old home, visit a sick family member, or attend the wedding of a loved one), you need permission from USCIS to travel. 

A travel document will give you permission to come and go before you become a permanent resident or asylee of the United States. Once you receive permanent resident status, you’ll no longer need a travel document for trips outside of the United States shorter than 12 months. If you become a citizen, you won’t need a travel document for any trips outside of the United States, regardless of their duration. 

Form I-131 can also be used to apply for a re-entry permit, which can allow permanent residents to remain outside the United States for a year or more.

How Do You Use Form I-131 for a Re-Entry Permit?

USCIS wants you to file Form I-131 before you leave the country. If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the United States, they want you to travel for less than one year at a time. If you’re a permanent resident who stayed outside of the United States for one year or more without a travel document, you may need to take a few extra steps before you return. 

If you’ve been gone for more than twelve months, you’ll likely be taken aside at the airport for secondary inspection by the Department of Homeland Security . Immigration officials can claim that you attempted to abandon your permanent resident status and attempt to have it revoked, which will lead to a lengthy legal battle. You may be placed into removal proceedings and ultimately returned to your country of origin if you cannot establish you did not intend to abandon your residence.

If you had a legitimate reason for staying outside of the United States for a year or more, you can apply for a returning resident visa. Consular officials will consider situations like serious illness or injury to you or a family member to be a pressing circumstance. They no longer consider COVID-related claims. 

After viewing your case, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate may issue you a returning resident visa. A returning resident visa will allow you to enter the United States with minimal risk to your resident status. 

The best course of action if you need to remain outside the U.S. for a year or more is to apply for a re-entry permit before departing the U.S. This shows your that you do not intend to abandon your lawful permanent residence.

What Happens If You Leave the United States Without an Approved Form I-131 Travel Document?

If you leave the United States without completing Form I-131 and receiving a travel document while you have a case pending with USCIS, they will deny your case. If you leave the United States while your case is still pending, USCIS considers your departure as abandonment of your case. 

Can You Leave the United States Before You Receive Your Travel Document?

You’re technically allowed to leave the United States before you receive your travel document if your Form I-131 has been reviewed and approved. However, it is always best to have the actual advance parole document on hand before leaving the country. 

Can You Get an Emergency Travel Document With Form I-131?

USCIS is willing to consider emergency processing of many documents on a case-by-case basis. If you’re dealing with an urgent situation, like the death or severe illness of a family member overseas, you can request an emergency appointment with USCIS regarding your travel paperwork. 

You’ll need to arrive at your appointment with your passport and passport photos, completed I-131 travel document forms, and proof of an emergency. You can have your family member’s doctor write an official letter declaring the situation to be an emergency and present that letter as evidence. 

USCIS may be able to issue you an emergency travel document that will allow you to return home right away. They won’t charge you an expedited processing fee for a legitimate emergency. 

Is It Safe To Travel With a Pending Immigration Case?

USCIS would prefer that you didn’t leave the country while your immigration case is pending, even if your application for a travel document was approved. If you miss vital communication with USCIS, like an interview appointment or a request for more information, your immigration case can be denied. 

If you intend to travel while your immigration case is still in progress, it’s vital to check the USCIS website for updates on your case frequently . Ask someone you trust to check your mail for you every day and inform you of correspondences relating to your immigration case. If the phone number you have on file with USCIS can’t be used to reach you while you’re away, update your contact information before you leave. Be prepared to return if USCIS needs you to come back.

When Should You Complete and File Form I-131 to Request Advance Parole?

It’s important to apply for a travel document a few months before you’ll need it. You aren’t allowed to leave the country on advance parole until you’ve been approved and received your travel document. If you leave without an approved travel document, you may not be able to re-enter the United States. 

USCIS estimates the wait time for a travel document to be approximately 90 days, but USCIS perpetually manages a large backlog of cases. It often takes them a while longer to process documents that aren’t considered to be emergency cases. It may take them up to 150 days to issue you a travel document, so you should plan accordingly. You should apply for a travel document even if there’s a chance that your green card may be approved by the time you need to leave the country. 

Life can be unpredictable. You have no way of knowing if an emergency may pull you back home before you’ve received your green card. If you have any strong ties to a country other than the United States, you can file form I-131 at the same time you file the forms for your green card. It’s better to have a travel document and not need it than it is to need a travel document and not have it. You’ll be able to leave at a moment’s notice if you have a valid travel document.

How Long Does a Travel Document Last?

Travel documents may be issued for up to five years from the issue date. You need to return to the United States before the expiration date on your advance parole docuement. You’re allowed to return to the United States and leave again as long as you return before your travel document expires.

If you believe you’ll need to stay outside the United States for longer than the validity, you must return and request another travel document. Your green card will likely be issued before your travel document expires. If that’s the case, return to the United States temporarily to retrieve your official green card. Once you have your green card, you’re free to travel outside of the United States for a maximum of one continuous year. 

If you intend to apply for citizenship , keep in mind that the residency requirement states that you must live primarily in the United States for at least five continuous years before applying or three continuous years if you received your green card through marriage. 

Traveling too frequently or spending too much time outside of the United States may interfere with your ability to apply for citizenship. It’s okay to visit your family back home for a few weeks every year, but be mindful of lengthy visits.

Can You File for a Travel Document Extension?

There is no process for extending a travel document that already exists. If you have a travel document that’s about to expire and need more time, you must return to the United States and file a new Form I-131. Processing times and fees aren’t different if you’re filing for a new travel document. 

The process will work the same exact way as it did the first time, and the waiting period will depend on USCIS’s current caseload. You’ll want to plan accordingly if you think you’ll need to be out of the country after your travel document’s expiration date. Because the waiting period can be several months long, it’s better to cautiously return to the United States and reapply for a travel document before your current travel document expires. 

Can Filing a Form I-131 Prevent You From Being Detained When You Return?

CBP may detain people with pending immigration cases when they re-enter the country, as well as lawful permanent residents who have been outside of the United States for a long period of time. 

Filing Form I-131 won’t prevent you from being pulled aside when you arrive in the United States. Border protection officers want to verify your travel documents and your pending case with immigration before allowing you to pass. It may be an intimidating situation, but there’s typically no reason to worry. If you’ve attended every immigration appointment and responded every time they contacted you, you’ll typically be allowed to re-enter the United States.

If you missed important calls, letters, or appointments while you were gone, you may not be allowed to re-enter. You’re expected to manage your side of your immigration case even if you’re traveling with a valid travel document. Always be mindful of important dates and letters USCIS may send. Ask a trusted person to check your mail in the United States while you’re away.

Do You Need Legal Assistance With Form I-131?

Knowing how and when to file Form I-131 and understanding the rules around traveling with an active green card application is crucial for immigrants who need to leave the United States. The experienced team of immigration attorneys at Cohen, Tucker + Ades may be able to help you navigate the situation.

Contact us for a consultation to review the details of your immigration case. We’ll be able to advise you of your options.

The Use of Parole Under Immigration Law | American Immigration Council

What is Secondary Inspection? | Study in the States | U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Emergency Travel | USCIS

How to check your immigration case status | USAGov

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Home » Blog » Advance Parole Travel with Adjustment of Status

Advance Parole Travel with Adjustment of Status

January 23, 2024 Apply for Green Card Travel Documents

During the adjustment of status process, the applicant remains in the United States while waiting for their green card. But it can take several months to receive status as a permanent resident after filing Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status. Many applicants may want (or need) to travel abroad during this time for the purpose of visiting family, taking a vacation, or even tending to urgent matters. However, leaving without the proper documentation will likely put the beneficiary's adjustment of status application in jeopardy. Generally, an adjustment applicant that leaves the United States without an advance parole travel document will abandon the I-485 application and will have trouble re-entering.

Why is an advance parol travel document so important for I-485 applicants? How do I request advance parole with my adjustment of status case? How much does advance parole cost? What can I do if there is an urgent need to travel abroad? Does advance parole guarantee my re-entry to the U.S.? What else should I know about my advance parole travel document? Does every adjustment of status applicant need advance parole? How can I get help with this process

Why I-485 Applicants Must Obtain Advance Parole Travel Documentation

Non-citizens applying for a green card through adjustment of status generally must be approved for advance parole prior to leaving the United States in order to avoid the termination of their pending application for adjustment. Additionally, advance parole may be necessary to re-enter the U.S.

With a little planning, the adjustment of status applicant can obtain an advance parole document and easily avoid these problems. Advance parole for adjustment of status applicants resolves two issues:

• Allows the adjustment of status applicant to return to the U.S. after travel abroad without obtaining a visa; and
• Preserves a pending adjustment of status application (Form I-485) already filed with USCIS.

Typically, anyone with a pending I-485 that anticipates a need to leave the United States (even for a day) should obtain an advance parole travel document, but there are some exceptions to the requirement.

How to Apply for Advance Parole

Obtaining an advance parole travel document is fairly simple, particularly if you apply at the time of filing Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status.

Advance Parole Application Package

Adjustment of status applicants may use Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , to request Advance Parole. When preparing the advance parole application package, applicants should include all of the following items:

• Prepared and signed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• Copy of a government-issued identity document (with photo, name and date of birth) such as an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) or passport
• Two identical passport-style color photographs
• Copy of I-485 receipt notice (Form I-797C, Notice of Action) if I-485 was previously filed and is still pending

You can download the application and filing instructions from the USCIS website . Applicants that want some additional reassurance that their application is prepared correctly can use the CitizenPath. CitizenPath provides simple, step-by-step instructions and even guarantees that USCIS will approve the application. There is no sign up or fee to get started. You pay upon completion. Learn more about the Travel Document Package >

In most cases, there is no interview associated with the Form I-131 application.

When to Submit the I-131 Application

You may submit Form I-131 at any time that I-485 is pending. However, it's typically easiest (and fastest) to file Form I-131 concurrently with Form I-485

You may submit Form I-131 to request an advance parole travel document at the same time you submit your green card application. This is the quickest way to get your application in the queue for processing. If there's any chance you will travel while Form I-485 is pending, we recommend that you submit the application concurrently.

However, you may file Form I-131 at a later date if necessary. You will need the Form I-485 receipt number so that USCIS can link your case. We've found that I-131 applications submitted after the initial I-485 filing take longer to process.

Form I-485 Processing Time

Advance parole for adjustment of status applicants fees.

At the time of writing this article, there is no USCIS filing fee for Form I-131 when applying for an advance parole document based on adjustment of status. Normally, the Form I-131 fee for an advance parole travel document is $575. Specifically, there is no USCIS fee for advance parole if you filed a Form I-485 (adjustment of status application) on/after July 30, 2007, with a fee, and that I-485 application is still pending.

However, USCIS has announced a new fee structure that will change the filing fee for adjustment of status applicants. Once this new fee structure is implemented, I-485 will pay the full fee of $660 when filing Form I-131.

When filing Form I-131 for advance parole with a pending adjustment application, we recommend that you include a cover letter to explain why no fee is included. View a sample cover letter for Advance Parole >

New USCIS Fee Increase Published by Biden Administration

Urgent requests for an advance parole travel document.

USCIS processing times for Form I-131 are currently greater than six months for most cases. This could be a problem if you’re traveling for an extremely urgent situation. USCIS may expedite your case if you have a dire emergency and can evidence the urgent need to travel. USCIS is willing to consider an emergency request for advance parole on a case-by-case basis. You will need to provide evidence to support the emergency request (e.g. medical documentation, death certificate). If you are preparing your Advance Parole application through CitizenPath , we can also provide more detailed directions in your filing instructions.

What You Should Know About Advance Parole

An advance parole travel document is not a guarantee for re-entry to the United States. You are still subject to the standard immigration inspection at a port of entry to determine admissibility into the U.S.

If you have any period of unlawful presence in the U.S., consult with an attorney before filing Form I-131 or traveling abroad. Unlawful presence can include time after unlawfully entering the U.S. or time in the U.S. with an expired visa. If this may apply to you, speak to an experienced immigration attorney before attempting to request advance parole.

Generally, asylees and refugees should not travel to the country you claimed persecution. By returning to that country, your actions suggest that you do not fear persecution. Your application will be denied and could negatively affect your asylum/refugee status in the U.S. In some cases, there are legitimate reasons for returning to the country you claimed persecution. If this applies to you, please speak to an experienced immigration attorney before filing Form I-131.

Traveling with Advance Parole

Known formally as Form I-512L, Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United States, the advance parole document, is often printed on a standard, letter-size piece of paper. It is generally valid for a period of one year. However, advance parole travel should be limited to a period of less than 90 days.

Applicants that applied for employment authorization concurrently may receive an Employment Authorization Card with “Serves as I-512 Advanced Parole" printed on the front.

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

Take the original AP 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.

When traveling with advance parole as an adjustment of status applicant, remember to:

• Take your original Advance Parole Document
• Take a photocopy of the I-797C Notice of Action confirming that your I-485 application was accepted
• Return before the deadline on your Advance Parole Document – leave extra time in case of travel delays

Exceptions to Advance Parole Requirements

In certain situations, adjustment of status applicants are not required to obtain an advance parole document. If you hold a valid H-1, H-4, K-3, K-4, L-1, L-2, V-2, or V-3 visa or status, you may travel without advance parole approval provided that you maintain your status. For example, you don’t need advance parole if you are traveling for the same employer that sponsored your H or L visa. The H or L status must be valid, and you must have evidence that you filed an adjustment of status application. Carry the Form I-797C Notice of Action that confirms you have filed Form I-485.

However, obtaining advance parole may be a useful strategy even if it isn't "required." For example, an H-1B worker may also have a pending adjustment of status case. If an H-1B renewal is denied while the beneficiary is outside the U.S., they will not be able to re-enter with H-1B status to resume the green card application process. By applying for and receiving an advance parole travel document before departing, that person has a backup strategy to re-enter the U.S. and finish adjustment of status (regardless of H-1B status).

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How To Write a Declaration in Support of Your Advance Parole (I-131) Application + Sample Letter

Even if you have legal immigration status, you may not be able to travel freely outside the United States and re-enter legally. To travel from and be allowed to return to the U.S., some people need to apply for advance parole from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can travel for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes, and part of the application process includes providing evidence for the purpose of your trip. One way to provide this evidence is to write a declaration in support letter explaining why USCIS should grant your Advance Parole request.

Written by Paige Hooper .  Written February 23, 2023

What Is Advance Parole?

Advance parole , in an immigration context, means permission to temporarily leave and then return to the U.S. so long as certain conditions are met. You need advance parole to travel outside the U.S. and reenter legally if 

You’re a legal permanent resident with a pending green card application or application to adjust status.

You’ve been granted asylum or refugee status or you have a pending Form I-589 Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.

You’re a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.

You have Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

To qualify for advance parole, you must be lawfully present in the U.S. You must also have a valid reason for traveling outside the U.S. that falls within one of these three categories:

Educational purposes : Such as performing academic research or participating in a study abroad program.

Humanitarian purposes : Such as attending a relative’s wedding or funeral, visiting a family member who is seriously ill, seeking necessary medical care for yourself, or another pressing health- or family-related issue.

Employment : Such as assignments, conferences, interviews, client meetings, training, and other work-related travel.

Is Traveling With Advance Parole Risky? 

Advance parole is meant to be used for urgent or unavoidable travel. Vacations or social visits usually don’t qualify. Traveling outside the U.S. always poses some risks to noncitizens. Even if you’ve been granted advance parole, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be allowed back into the U.S. when you return. For example, if your advance parole period expires before you return, you’ll likely be denied re-entry. Customs and Border Protection officers can also refuse to admit you into the U.S. for health or security reasons, even with valid advance parole documents.

To apply for advance parole, you must submit Form I-131: Application for Travel Document along with supporting evidence to USCIS. If your planned travel is for humanitarian reasons, one piece of that evidence can be a declaration letter in support of your trip.

What Is a Declaration in Support Letter?

You need to provide evidence along with your application for advance parole . In other words, you need to explain why your proposed travel is necessary and urgent. For employment or educational travel, this evidence usually consists mostly of official documents from your school, educational program, or employer. For humanitarian-based parole , official documentation isn’t always available.

That’s where the personal declaration (also called a “declaration letter” or “declaration in support”) comes in. This letter is an opportunity to explain in detail why you must travel outside the U.S. at the requested time. A declaration in support of advance parole usually contains these main components:

Introduction

Your declaration in support should begin with an opening paragraph that includes your name, immigration status, A-Number or other identifier, where and when you seek to travel, and a brief description of the reason for your trip.

Reasons for travel

Next, explain why you need to travel outside the U.S. in 1–3 paragraphs. Explain why this trip is important to you (and to your family, if applicable) and why it can’t wait until after you’ve secured your green card. If you have other evidence to support your application, reference it in this section.

Request for advance parole

Next, your declaration in support should include an explicit request for USCIS to grant your advance parole application. Explain how you’ll benefit if your request is approved and the potential negative consequences you’ll face if your request is denied.

Summary and closing

Finally, let USCIS know how to reach you with any questions. Sign your name, then print or type your full name below your signature.

Is a Declaration in Support Required for Advance Parole for Humanitarian Reasons?

The USCIS instructions for the Form I-131 Advance Parole application don’t explicitly require that applications for humanitarian parole include a declaration in support. But there’s generally less authoritative supporting evidence to back up a humanitarian parole request, as compared to parole for education or employment. A declaration in support not only bolsters the amount of evidence backing your application but also helps identify and explain the other supporting documentation you include with your application.

Declaration in Support of Advance Parole Letter Template

You can use the following template for guidance when writing your declaration in support. Copy or download the template document to make edits. While the template serves as an example, remember that you must edit the relevant sections to match your unique situation. Remember that this declaration is just one piece of evidence to support your request. Your application will be stronger if you include more documents to support the information in your request.

Declaration in Support of I-131 Advance Parole Application for [YOUR NAME]

To whom it may concern: 

My name is [FIRST AND LAST NAME]. I am a [DACA recipient or relevant status]. I am requesting Advance Parole to take one trip outside of the United States for [REASON]. I plan to travel to [COUNTRY] on [DATE], for a total of [NUMBER OF DAYS]. 

My [RELATIONSHIP, such as mother or aunt] [YOUR FAMILY MEMBER’S NAME] is [very ill (edit to match your situation)]. [She] is diagnosed with [DIAGNOSIS]. (See [DOCTOR’S LETTER OR OTHER RELEVANT EVIDENCE] attached). [She] takes several medications as prescribed by [her] doctor, but [her] health continues to decline. (See pharmacy list of medications/bills). [She] and I have a close relationship. I talk to [her] on the phone and [she] and I share our life with one another. We are very close despite living in two separate countries. I love [her] very much. 

I would like to travel and see [her] for MOTHER’S DAY/HER BIRTHDAY/DURING MY VACATION DAYS, ETC. I wish to see [her] and care for [her] before [she] becomes sicker. [She] wants to see me before [she] dies. (See [her] notarized declaration here). 

I kindly ask that my request be granted. We both would suffer if I was not able to visit [her]. [She] is a wonderful [woman] who has helped me and guided me throughout my life. (See attached [pictures of FAMILY MEMBER + APPLICANT], [PICTURES OF FAMILY MEMBER]). 

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at [PHONE NUMBER].  Thank you very much for your prompt consideration of my Advance Parole application.

[SIGNATURE]

[YOUR FULL NAME]

Tips for Writing a Declaration in Support Letter

When writing your declaration in support of your application for advance parole, be as specific as possible. Include relevant details about your circumstances that show the reviewer why your trip is so important. To increase the likelihood of eligibility, avoid vague, general language. For example, don’t say, “I want to attend my sister’s wedding.” Instead write, “My only sister is getting married. We’re very close and speak on the phone every day. We would both be devastated if I couldn’t attend her wedding.”

If possible, type your letter on a computer. Proofread your declaration carefully to check for spelling and grammar errors. If your declaration isn’t in English, you’ll need a certified English translation .

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DHS/CBP/PIA-073 Advance Travel Authorization (ATA)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is developing a new, voluntary Advance Travel Authorization (ATA) process to collect information from eligible noncitizens requesting advance authorization to travel to the United States to seek a discretionary grant of parole. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is publishing this new Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) to provide notice and assess the privacy risks associated with ATA. ATA launched October 12, 2022, to implement a parole process for certain undocumented noncitizens from select countries and their qualifying immediate family members, under which those individuals may request advance authorization to travel to the United States to seek a discretionary grant of parole. This Privacy Impact Assessment discusses the general workflow of ATA and the information collected, stored, and used at each step. CBP’s ATA collection is conducted through the CBP One™ mobile application, and CBP is publishing a CBP One™ Privacy Impact Assessment appendix update concurrently with this ATA Privacy Impact Assessment. Appendices regarding the Ad Hoc ATA Process and the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) Process were recently updated and expanded. February 2024

Associated SORN(s)

• DHS/CBP-006 Automated Targeting System,
• DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records
• Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA)
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Taxpayer dollars being used to fly ‘illegal aliens’ into U.S.? Nope.

“Do you support American taxpayer dollars being used to fly illegal immigrants from countries like Venezuela and Haiti into America to be settled in cities and towns near you? If so, then vote against me. Vote no to preserve this practice of using taxpayer dollars to charter planes that move and import thousands of illegal aliens into your states.”

— Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), in a speech on the Senate floor , March 23

“Have you had to cancel or rethink any upcoming summer trips because of high prices? Don’t worry — your taxpayer dollars will be used to pay for illegal immigrants to fly into a town near you.”

— Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, in a post on X , April 2

Two lawmakers from Tennessee have issued misleading statements about a Biden administration program that permitted an increased use of a process known as humanitarian parole for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Hagerty offered an amendment to a spending bill — defeated in a party-line vote — that he said would prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to fly in migrants. Green, on X, posted a Fox News article — headlined “All Senate Dems vote against barring taxpayer funds to fly illegal migrants to US towns” — and made a similar claim.

Under the Biden program, people from these countries who try to cross the border without the proper paperwork are ineligible for parole and subject to expulsion. Instead, before arriving, they must receive authorization to travel to the United States and a statement of financial support from a sponsor.

As of the end of February, the Department of Homeland Security says , more than 386,000 people from those countries had arrived lawfully in the United States while another 19,000 were vetted and authorized to travel. In other words, they are not in the country illegally, despite the rhetoric in the statements.

And beyond the question of whether these immigrants are “illegal,” if you listen to Hagerty and Green, U.S. taxpayers are footing the bill for their travel. That’s wrong.

The website for the program makes clear that people applying for humanitarian parole must pay for their tickets. Under a list of requirements, one is: “Provide for their own commercial travel to an air U.S. port of entry and final U.S. destination.”

When we asked spokespeople for Hagerty and Green, we received different answers about why they said taxpayers’ dollars were involved. Neither is convincing.

Hagerty’s staff said he was referring not to plane tickets, but to the fact that the program was created and administered with taxpayer dollars. His amendment said “no funds appropriated by this Act may be used to facilitate, provide, or purchase air transportation from a foreign country to the United States” — so “facilitate” is the operative word here.

But the arm of DHS that administers the program — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — is 96 percent funded by fees paid by people seeking to come to the United States. For instance, people in the parole program must pay as much as $520 to file an application for work authorization.

Moreover, parole applications (now totaling about 400,000) make up an even smaller part of nearly 10 million applications handled by USCIS each year, so the number of people handling the applications would be an infinitesimal part of the USCIS workforce. On top of that, the salaries of these workers are funded by fees, not congressional appropriations (“taxpayer dollars”).

In any case, as we noted, people approved for the program must book and pay for their own flights to come to the United States. There aren’t any charter flights, despite what Hagerty said.

Green’s staff offered a different explanation — that he was referring to nongovernmental organizations being reimbursed for transportation costs through the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, another arm of DHS. But this is also off base.

The SSP is focused on helping pay the costs for people who cross the border between ports of entry , such as with the help of smugglers, and find themselves abandoned in the middle of a desert. The recipients are mainly border cities and charities that assist these undocumented immigrants with food, shelter and transportation. But people in the parole program arrive with authorization and a confirmed financial sponsor. In fact, the Biden administration created the parole program to reduce unauthorized border crossings that have burdened border facilities.

So the only way SSP dollars would be used by someone in the parole program is if a disaster happened and this person found themselves in a shelter that received some funding from the SSP — a highly unlikely prospect.

The Pinocchio Test

Hagerty and Green are peddling a blatant falsehood here — that the Biden administration is paying for the flights of migrants from four countries in the parole program. In reality, the migrants must pay their own way. When challenged, their offices resorted to alternative explanations about the use of taxpayer dollars that strain credulity.

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June 24, 2023 - Wagner head says group standing down

By Helen Regan , Andrew Raine , Sophie Tanno, Hafsa Khalil, Tori B. Powell , Adrienne Vogt and Kaanita Iyer , CNN

Russian military carrying out necessary “combat measures” in southern city of Voronezh, governor says

From CNN's Uliana Pavlova

Russian military are carrying out the necessary “combat measures” in the southern Russia city of Voronezh, the region's governor said.

Alexander Gusev posted a brief update on his Telegram channel, as geolocated videos emerge showing Wagner fighters and vehicles on the move along the M-4 highway that leads to the city of Voronezh from southern Russia.

“As part of the counter-terrorist operation on the territory of the Voronezh region, the armed forces of the Russian Federation are carrying out the necessary operational and combat measures. I will keep you updated as the situation develops,” Gusev said.

Chechen leader Kadyrov condemns "treacherous march" of Prigozhin, urges support for Putin

From CNN's Tim Lister and Anna Chernova

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has condemned the actions of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and pledged his support to the Kremlin.

Addressing Wagner fighters, Kadyrov said: “Whatever goals you are given, no matter what promises you are told -- the security of the state and the cohesion of Russian society at such a moment is above all else! See how our enemies in the West are taking advantage of this situation….These are the expected consequences of Prigozhin's treacherous march.” 

He also spoke of a “vile betrayal” by Prigozhin. 

In a long statement on Telegram, Kadyrov said: “I have repeatedly warned that war is not the time to voice personal grievances and resolve disputes in our rear. The rear must always be calm and reliable. Imagine how the guys in the trenches feel now, in the face of which there is an enemy, and behind their backs a treacherous adventure. We are talking about stability, about the cohesion of the state, about the security of citizens.”

Kadyrov continued: “We have a Supreme Commander-in-Chief, elected by the people, who knows the whole situation to the smallest detail better than any strategist.”

Referring to President Putin ’s address to the nation Saturday, he said: “Vladimir Vladimirovich quite rightly noted in his address to the nation -- this is a military rebellion! There is no excuse for such actions! I fully support every word of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin!

“What is happening is not an ultimatum to the Ministry of Defense. This is a challenge to the state, and against this challenge it is necessary to rally around the national leader: the military, security forces, governors, and the civilian population.”

Kadyrov’s statement ends: “The rebellion must be crushed, and if this requires harsh measures, then we are ready!”

Some context: Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed Saturday to have seized control of key military facilities in Rostov and Voronezh, pledging to move on to Moscow if Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and top general Valery Gerasimov, did not meet with him.

Earlier, the official Russian news agency TASS reported that traffic had been blocked on the M-4 highway past Rostov-on-Don towards Aksay.

“All cars moving from Rostov-on-Don towards Aksay are being redirected back in the city, and police checkpoints have been reinforced,” TASS reported.

Russian Foreign Ministry urges unity around Putin to prevent "civil strife"

From CNN's Anna Chernova

The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a call for unity in Russia in order to prevent the potential threat of “civil strife.”

“We have one commander in chief [Vladimir Putin]. Not two, not three. One. And he urged everyone to unite,” spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a Telegram post, echoing sentiments expressed by other government officials.

“The enemy is just waiting for our civil strife,” she added.

Zakharova urged the men of Russia to unite despite their differing views. “Behind you are children, women, your parents! Behind you is the country. Behind you is everything that you defend with weapons in your hands. Behind you are the graves of those who did not spare themselves. You are future generations. Hold on and don't give in."

Zakharova concluded her message by urging Russians to stand strong.

“Today we are all being tempted, our strength tested. Don't give in! Together with the President! May God keep us!” she added.

Her words of defiance come as Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed Saturday to have seized control of key military facilities in Rostov and Voronezh, pledging to move on to Moscow if Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and top general Valery Gerasimov did not meet with him.

Voronezh governor disputes rumors about military equipment moving through the region

From CNN’s Uliana Pavlova and Anna Chernova

Rumors of military equipment moving through Russia's southern city Voronezh amid reports of Wagner fighters also traveling in the region, have been disputed by its governor Alexander Gusev.

“A lot of unreliable information is now being published on social networks about the alleged movement of columns of military equipment through the territory of the Voronezh region,” Gusev said in a statement Saturday.

“The legislation of the Russian Federation provides for liability for the dissemination of such messages,” he added, asking people to only follow information from official sources.

"I also ask the media to take a responsible approach to posting information,” Gusev said.

The Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted its correspondent in Voronezh as saying that “access to the buildings of the FSB and the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Voronezh is blocked, the police are on duty.”

Major Russian highway disrupted amid reports of Wagner presence

From CNN's Tim Lister

Motorists on a major highway in southern Russia have been advised to avoid the route, amid reports that convoys of Wagner fighters are using it.

The warning was posted on Telegram by the company Avtodor, which operates Russian highways.

“Drivers, Attention. Please choose routes around the M-4,” the message read.

The M-4 runs north from Rostov to Voronezh and onto Moscow.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed Saturday to have seized control of key military facilities in Rostov and Voronezh, pledging to move on to Moscow if Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and top general Valery Gerasimov, did not meet with him.

European leaders and NATO monitor situation in Russia

From CNN's Joseph Ataman, Sharon Braithwaite, Antonia Mortensen and Uliana Pavlova

NATO is "monitoring the situation" in Russia, a spokesperson told CNN Saturday, which the European Union has also said it is "carefully" doing.

"We are following the situation carefully and are in permanent contact with our Ambassador in Moscow and continuing our internal consultations with our Member States," EU spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Nabila Massrali told CNN.

"What we are witnessing is an internal Russian issue," Massrali added.

Other European leaders have also commented that they are monitoring the events.

French President Emmanuel Macron is following Russia "closely," the Elysee Palace said Saturday.

“The President is monitoring the situation closely. We remain focused on supporting Ukraine," the Elysee said.

Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas tweeted that they were also following developments and trading information with allies.

"Border security has been strengthened. I also urge our people not to travel to any part of Russia," she said after assuring they do not face any direct threat.

Similarly, Poland's President Andrzej Duda said they were watching the situation on an "ongoing basis."

"Due to the situation in Russia, we held consultations this morning with the Prime Minister and the Ministry of National Defense, as well as with the Allies. The course of events beyond our eastern border is monitored on an ongoing basis," Duda tweeted Saturday.

Meanwhile, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone Saturday morning, Belarusian official news agency reported.

"The Russian president informed his counterpart about the situation in the country,” BELTA said.

Belarus, which shares borders with both Russia and Ukraine, was a key ally to Putin when the war started February last year.

Anti-terrorist regime introduced in Moscow and Voronezh regions

The Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee announced the introduction of a counter-terrorist operation regime in Moscow, the Moscow region and Voronezh region.

"In order to prevent possible terrorist acts on the territory of the city of Moscow, the Moscow and Voronezh regions, a counter-terrorist operation regime has been introduced," the statement said. 

According to Russian state media, this is the first time that the counter-terrorist regime has been announced in these regions. 

The measures were announced as the head of the Wagner private military group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was accused of mounting an armed revolt against the Russian state. 

The counter-terrorist regime includes, but is not limited to:

• document checks
• strengthened protection of public order
• monitoring telephone conversations
• restricting communications
• restricting the movement of vehicles and pedestrians on the streets.

Key lines from Putin's address

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that those on the “path of treason” or armed rebellion will be “punished” after the head of the Wagner paramilitary group said his troops had taken control of military facilities in two Russian cities, plunging the country into crisis.

Here are some of the key lines from Putin's address:

• Putin vowed a harsh response and punishment of those involved in armed rebellion. "Any actions that fracture our unity" are "a stab in the back of our country and our people,” he said.
• Putin said the armed forces "have been given the necessary orders" and "decisive action will also be taken to stabilize the situation in Rostov." 
• He said, "additional anti terrorism, security measures have been imposed in Moscow, Moscow region and a number of other regions."
• Putin appealed to Wagner forces "pushed into the provocation of a military rebellion," saying at this time, "we require unity, consolidation, and responsibility."
• Putin described events in Rostov as an insurrection. He said the situation in Rostov "remains difficult during the armed uprising" and "the work of civil and military administration is basically blocked."
• Putin said the country had been "betrayed by those who are trying to organize a mutiny, pushing the country toward anarchy and fratricide." He said "excessive ambition and vested interests have led to treason."
• Putin said it was a "blow to Russia," adding, "Internal turmoil is a mortal threat to our statehood, to us as a nation."

Putin says Wagner's "betrayal" is a "stab in the back of our country and our people"

From CNN's Josh Pennington 

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wagner's "betrayal" and "any actions that fracture our unity," are "a stab in the back of our country and our people."

"What we are facing is precisely betrayal. Excessive ambition and vested interests have led to treason. Betrayal of one's country, one's people, and the cause for which the soldiers and commanders of the Wagner group had fought and died, side by side with our other units," Putin said. 

Putin called Wagner actions "internal treachery," saying that "all kinds of political adventurers and foreign forces, who divided the country and tore it apart, profited from their own interests. We will not let this happen again. We will protect both our people and our statehood from any threats, including internal treachery."

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Notice of FY 2025 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Selection Process Completion and Cap Season Reminders

H-1B Initial Electronic Registration Selection Process Completed

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). We have randomly selected enough properly submitted registrations for unique beneficiaries projected as needed to reach the H-1B cap and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for such beneficiaries.

Registrants’ online accounts will now show one of the following statuses for each registration (that is, for each beneficiary registered):

• Submitted:  The registration has been submitted and is eligible for selection. If the initial selection process has been completed, this registration remains eligible, unless subsequently invalidated, for selection in any subsequent selections for the fiscal year for which it was submitted.
• Selected:  Selected to file an H-1B cap petition.
• Not Selected: Not eligible to file an H-1B cap petition based on this registration.
• Denied – duplicate registration:  Multiple registrations were submitted by or on behalf of the same registrant for the same beneficiary. If denied as a duplicate registration, all registrations submitted by or on behalf of the same registrant for this beneficiary for the fiscal year are invalid.
• Invalidated – failed payment: A registration was submitted but the payment method was declined, not reconciled, or otherwise invalid.
• Deleted: The submitted registration has been deleted and is no longer eligible for selection.
• Processing submission:  USCIS is processing your submission. It may take up to 72 hours for all of your case information to show on the case details page. While it is processing, you will be unable to access your draft.

For more information, visit the  H-1B Electronic Registration Process  page.

FY 2025 H-1B Cap Petitions May Be Filed Starting April 1

H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2025, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with USCIS beginning April 1, 2024, if filed for a selected beneficiary and based on a valid registration.

Only petitioners with registrations for selected beneficiaries may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2025.

An H-1B cap-subject petition must be properly filed at the correct  filing location (see H-1B Form I-129 Filing Location Change to Lockbox section below)   or online at  my.uscis.gov and within the filing period indicated on the relevant selection notice. The period for filing the H-1B cap-subject petition will be at least 90 days. Petitioners must include a copy of the applicable selection notice with the FY 2025 H-1B cap-subject petition.

Petitioners must also submit evidence of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used at the time of registration to identify the beneficiary.

Petitioners filing for selected beneficiaries based on their valid registration must still submit evidence or otherwise establish eligibility for petition approval, as registration and selection only pertains to eligibility to file the H-1B cap-subject petition.

For more information, visit the  H-1B Cap Season  page.

New Fees and Form Edition

On Jan. 31, 2024, USCIS published a  final rule   that adjusts the fees required for most immigration applications and petitions. The new fees are effective April 1, 2024. Petitions postmarked on or after April 1, 2024 , must include the new fees or we will not accept them. Additionally, there will be a new 04/01/24 edition of  Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker . There will be  no grace period  for filing the new version of Form I-129 because it must include the new fee calculation.

What to Know About Sending Us Your Form I-129.

• We will accept the 05/31/23 edition of this form if it is postmarked  before  April 1, 2024;
• We will not accept the 05/31/23 edition of this form if it is postmarked  on  or  after  April 1, 2024; and
• We will only accept the 04/01/24 edition of this form if it is postmarked  on  or  after  April 1, 2024.

We will use the  postmark date  of a filing to determine which form version and fees are correct but will use the  received date  for purposes of any regulatory or statutory filing deadlines.

As a reminder, we recently  announced  a  final premium processing fee rule  that increased the filing fee for  Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service , to adjust for inflation, effective Feb. 26, 2024. If we receive a Form I-907 postmarked on or after Feb. 26, 2024, with the incorrect filing fee, we will reject the Form I-907 and return the filing fee. For filings sent by commercial courier (such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL), the postmark date is the date on the courier receipt.

Online Filing and Organizational Accounts

On Feb. 28, 2024, we launched new online organizational accounts that allow multiple people within an organization and their legal representatives to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and any associated Form I-907. Information on organizational accounts is available on the  Organizational Accounts Frequently Asked Questions page.

We also launched online filing of Form I-129 and associated Form I-907 for non-cap H-1B petitions on March 25. On April 1, we will begin accepting online filing for H-1B cap petitions and associated Forms I-907 for petitioners whose registrations have been selected.

Petitioners will continue to have the option of filing a paper Form I-129 H-1B petition and any associated Form I-907 if they prefer. However, during the initial launch of organizational accounts, users will not be able to link paper-filed Forms I-129 and I-907 to their online accounts.

H-1B Form I-129 Filing Location Change to Lockbox

Starting April 1, 2024, H-1B and H-1B1 (HSC) Form I-129 petitions are no longer filed directly with the USCIS service centers. All paper-based H-1B and H-1B1 (HSC) Form I-129 petitions are now filed at USCIS lockbox locations. This includes cap, non-cap, and cap-exempt H-1B filings.

We will reject H-1B or H-1B1 (HSC) petitions received at a USCIS service center on or after April 1, 2024. There will be  no grace period  provided.

USCIS has specific mailing addresses for cases that are subject to the H-1B cap. To determine the correct mailing address, please see our  Form I-129 Direct Filing Addresses  page.

If a petition is filed at the wrong location, we may reject the petition. Rejected petitions will not retain a filing date. If we reject a petition because it was filed at the wrong location, it may be refiled at the correct location, or online. H-1B cap subject petitions may be refiled at the correct location, or online, as long as the petition is refiled during the designated 90-day filing window listed on the selection notice.

No More Pre-paid Mailers

As of March 25, 2024, we are no longer using prepaid mailers to send out any communication or final notices for any H-1B or H-1B1 (HSC) petitions. With H-1B intake now occurring at the lockbox or online, we will not be able to use any prepaid mailers for H-1B or H-1B1 (HSC) filings.

The process of printing and mailing H-1B petition approval notices by first-class mail is fully automated. For petitions filed online, myUSCIS account holders will also receive an email or text message notification in their myUSCIS account when there is a case status change on a case in their account, followed by a paper notice by mail.

Receipt Notice Delays

When we receive a timely and properly filed H-1B cap subject petition, the petitioner (and, if applicable, the petitioner’s legal representative) will be provided a Form I-797, Notice of Action, communicating receipt of the petition. Due to increased filing volumes typically seen during H-1B cap filing periods, there are instances where a paper petition is timely and properly filed by mail, but issuance of the Form I-797 is delayed. If you are a petitioner and have confirmation from the delivery service that the petition was delivered, but you have not yet received a Form I-797 confirming receipt of the petition, you should not submit a second petition. If you have confirmation from the delivery service that the petition was delivered and you then submit a second H-1B cap petition for the same beneficiary, you will be considered to have submitted multiple H-1B cap petitions. This will result in denial or revocation of both petitions.

If more than 30 days have passed since the confirmation of delivery and you have still not received a Form I-797, you may contact the  USCIS Contact Center  for assistance.

If you receive notification from the delivery service, or your tracking information suggests that there may be a delay or damage to the package or that the package was misrouted, you should follow the Delivery Service Error Guidance on the  H-1B Cap Season  webpage.