What to know about Advance Parole for DACA Recipients
Can I Apply for Advance Parole as a DACA Recipient in 2026?
Yes, as a DACA recipient, you may be eligible to apply for advance parole in 2026. Advance parole allows you to travel outside the United States and re-enter legally. It’s an important option for DACA recipients who need to leave the country for specific purposes while maintaining their immigration status.
What Is Advance Parole?
Advance parole is a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that permits certain non-citizens to travel internationally and return to the U.S. without jeopardizing their legal status. For DACA recipients, this can open doors to new opportunities and experiences that were previously out of reach.
Why Would a DACA Recipient Need Advance Parole?
Advance parole is only granted for specific reasons:
- Educational: Studying abroad, attending conferences, or participating in exchange programs.
- Employment: Work-related travel, such as attending training or business events.
- Humanitarian: Visiting an ill or dying family member, attending a funeral, or seeking necessary medical treatment.
How to Apply for Advance Parole
- Complete Form I-131: This is the Application for Travel Document.
- Provide Evidence: Include proof of your reason for travel, such as a letter from your employer, school, or doctor.
- Pay the Filing Fee: The fee for Form I-131 is $575.
- Submit Your Application: Mail the completed application to the address listed on the USCIS website.
Important 2026 Updates
- Processing times for Form I-131 can now take 6 to 17 months or longer, so plan well in advance.
- A new $1,000 parole fee is required upon re-entry at the U.S. border or airport (paid to CBP — this is in addition to the USCIS filing fee and is collected when you return).
- Even with approved advance parole, re-entry is never guaranteed — U.S. Customs and Border Protection makes the final decision at the port of entry.
How to Apply for Advance Parole
- Complete Form I-131: This is the Application for Travel Document.
- Provide Evidence: Include proof of your reason for travel, such as a letter from your employer, school, or doctor.
- Pay the Filing Fee: The fee for Form I-131 is $630 (check uscis.gov for the exact current amount, as fees can change; online filing may be lower).
- Submit Your Application: Mail the completed application to the address listed on the USCIS website.
What Are the Benefits?
- Legal Re-entry: Advance parole allows you to return to the U.S. without losing your DACA status.
- Immigration Options: In some cases, traveling with advance parole may help DACA recipients adjust their status to lawful permanent residency.
How Chris Cain Law Can Help
Applying for advance parole as a DACA recipient can be complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Chris Cain Law, we’ve helped many DACA recipients in Monterey County successfully apply for advance parole and explore the benefits of international travel.
Call us at (831) 296-0060 to schedule a consultation. Let us help you take this important step with confidence.