Work Permit and Advance Parole

Need permission to work or travel while your immigration case is pending?

A work permit and advance parole can help you legally work and travel during your immigration process.

Schedule a consultation with one of our immigration attorneys.

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What is work authorization?

Work authorization (Employment Authorization Document – EAD) allows eligible individuals to legally work in the U.S. while their immigration case is being processed.

Advance parole provides individuals who entered the U.S. without formal admission the ability to travel abroad and return legally, gaining “parole” status upon re-entry. This process can be especially beneficial for those seeking adjustment of status (such as family-based green card applicants), as it allows them to travel without jeopardizing their immigration applications.

What is advance parole?

Advance parole permits temporary travel outside the U.S. without jeopardizing your immigration status.

What are the requirements to file for a work authorization?

You must have a pending immigration case (such as asylum, adjustment of status, or Temporary Protected Status).
File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Demonstrate eligibility based on your immigration status or pending application.

What are the requirement to file for Advance Parole?

File Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
You must be in the U.S. at the time of filing and have a pending immigration application (e.g., adjustment of status or DACA).
Prove that your travel is temporary and does not abandon your immigration process.

Work Authorization Renewal

To continue working legally in the U.S., you must renew your EAD before it expires. The renewal process involves submitting Form I-765 with the required documentation. You should apply at least 180 days before your current EAD expires to avoid gaps in employment authorization. Eligibility for renewal is typically based on your current immigration status

Ready to apply for a work and/or travel permit?

Let our experienced immigration attorneys guide you through the application process.

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Advance Parole Renewal

Advance Parole must also be renewed if you need to travel abroad while your immigration case is pending. To renew, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, before your current Advance Parole document expires. It’s crucial to apply for renewal well in advance, as leaving the U.S. without valid Advance Parole can have serious consequences on your pending immigration case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is work authorization (EAD)?

Work authorization, also known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), is a document that allows eligible non-citizens to work legally in the U.S. while their immigration case is being processed.

Who is eligible for work authorization?

You may be eligible for an EAD if you have a pending immigration application, such as asylum, adjustment of status (green card), or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Your eligibility depends on your current immigration status.

How do I apply for work authorization?

To apply for work authorization, you need to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, along with the necessary supporting documents and filing fee (unless you qualify for a fee waiver). An immigration lawyer can assist in ensuring your application is properly prepared and submitted.

What is Advance Parole?

Advance Parole is a travel document that allows non-citizens to temporarily leave the U.S. and return without jeopardizing their pending immigration applications. It is particularly useful for those applying for adjustment of status, asylum, or TPS.

Can I leave the U.S. without Advance Parole if I have a pending immigration application?

If you leave the U.S. without an approved Advance Parole document while your immigration application (such as for adjustment of status) is pending, your application may be considered abandoned. This can result in denial or complications in your case, so it’s critical to secure Advance Parole before traveling abroad.

How long does it take to get work authorization or Advance Parole?

Processing times for work authorization and Advance Parole vary, typically ranging from 2 to 6 months. Processing times depend on the type of application and USCIS workload.

What happens if my work authorization or Advance Parole expires?

If your work authorization expires, you may lose your ability to work legally in the U.S. until it’s renewed. If Advance Parole expires and you leave the U.S., you may not be allowed to re-enter, and your immigration case could be at risk. It’s important to renew these documents on time to avoid these issues.

Can I apply for work authorization and Advance Parole at the same time?

Yes, if you’re eligible, you can apply for both work authorization and Advance Parole simultaneously, especially if you’re filing for adjustment of status. This allows you to work and travel while your case is pending.

Can I still apply for work authorization if I have a criminal record?

Eligibility for work authorization depends on your specific immigration status and the nature of your criminal record. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify you, but an experienced immigration lawyer can assess your situation and advise you on your options.

Need help with your work permit and/or advance parole application?

Hablamos Español

Vasquez Asker & Rojas Law Group

Work Permit and Advance Parole

Need permission to work or travel while your immigration case is pending?

A work permit and advance parole can help you legally work and travel during your immigration process.

Schedule a consultation with one of our immigration attorneys.

What is work authorization?

Work authorization (Employment Authorization Document – EAD) allows eligible individuals to legally work in the U.S. while their immigration case is being processed.

What is advance parole?

Advance parole permits temporary travel outside the U.S. without jeopardizing your immigration status.

What are the requirements to file for a work authorization?

What are the requirement to file for Advance Parole?

Work Authorization Renewal

Ready to apply for a work and/or travel permit?

Let our experienced immigration attorneys guide you through the application process.

Advance Parole Renewal

Frequently Asked Questions

Need help with your work permit and/or advance parole application?

Hablamos Español

Vasquez Asker & Rojas Law Group

Work Permit and Advance Parole

Need permission to work or travel while your immigration case is pending?

A work permit and advance parole can help you legally work and travel during your immigration process.Schedule a consultation with one of our immigration attorneys.

What is work authorization?

Work authorization (Employment Authorization Document – EAD) allows eligible individuals to legally work in the U.S. while their immigration case is being processed.

What is advance parole?

Advance parole permits temporary travel outside the U.S. without jeopardizing your immigration status.

What are the requirements to file for a work authorization?

What are the requirement to file for Advance Parole?

Work Authorization Renewal

Ready to apply for a work and/or travel permit?

Let our experienced immigration attorneys guide you through the application process.

Advance Parole Renewal

Frequently Asked Questions

Need help with your work permit and/or advance parole application?

A work permit and advance parole can help you legally work and travel during your immigration process.

Schedule a consultation with one of our immigration attorneys.