Denise K
Jan 30, 2024
Using Advance Parole for the first time - my experience
Hello everyone!
Wanted to share my experience of using the Advance Parole (AP) document for the first time, for anyone planning on traveling.
- I’m married to a USC. PD April 7 2023. Received my AP in Nov. 2023 and traveled to my home country in January 2024 for 10 days.
- Traveled with United. The check in agents in my home country didn’t seem familiar with the AP document so the check in process was a bit longer than normal (30+ mins). It was okay in the end and I was cleared to board.
- On arrival, the US border agent asked for my passport as well as the AP document. They asked about how long I’d been away, my final destination, and the purpose of my trip. Nothing else.
- I was then sent to a secondary inspection area. The officer took my passport and AP document and I was asked to wait. They called my name after 15 minutes or so, and cleared my re-entry into the US. Both my passport and AP document were stamped with a parole stamp. And I was free to go.
Learning points, from my experience:
1. Plan extra time at check in on the way back into the US, as not all airline check in agents will be familiar with the AP document (depends on where you’re traveling from).
2. Carry the original AP document and your passport. I was not asked for any other documents by the border agent.
3. Be ready to discuss your reason for travel. In my case, I returned to my home country to visit a sick parent.
4. I’ve read that some people say not to travel without your USC spouse. The agent did not ask me about this at all. In any case, I was ready to explain the reason why I had traveled on my own.
5. If you’re connecting on arrival in the US, plan for extra time for the secondary inspection.
Hope this helps someone! Happy travels!
ADVERTISEMENT
William UJan 30, 2024
Congratulations on your travel. I'm sure traveling took a lot of stress from this process.
Denise KJan 30, 2024
@William u thanks so much, it was so good to go home for a little bit and change the environment! This process continues to be stressful for all of us. Hoping we all hear good news soon so we can move on with our lives!
JM .Feb 3, 2024
Thanks for sharing, I just got my advance parole a few weeks ago and still thinking about if is safe to travel and come back. I haven’t heard of someone with a bad experience yet.
Denise KFeb 3, 2024
@JM . congrats on getting your advance parole! Wishing you a safe trip if you decide it’s right for you to travel.
