How to Expedite Your Advance Parole Request: 2025 Complete Guide to Emergency Travel Authorization

If you’ve filed your green card application and something unexpected comes up, maybe a family emergency overseas, a funeral, or a medical crisis, you may need to leave the U.S. quickly.

You realize you haven’t yet received your advance parole document.

So you ask:

“Can I expedite my advance parole request? Is there a way to travel in an emergency?”

The good news is: yes, in many cases, there is. USCIS allows emergency advance parole expedite requests in urgent situations, and if you meet the USCIS expedite criteria, you may be able to get approval faster than the usual processing time.

What Is an Advance Parole Document and Why Does It Matter?

Before we dive into expediting, let’s recap why advance parole matters. If you’ve filed Form I-485 for adjustment of status (green card), you generally cannot travel outside the U.S. without advance parole, unless you’re on certain nonimmigrant visas like H or L. If you do, your green card application is considered abandoned.

Advance parole is an emergency travel document that gives you permission to re-enter the U.S. while your I-485 is pending.

In 2025, USCIS processing times for Form I-131 (advance parole) can take 6–10 months or more. That’s manageable if you’re planning future travel, but if you suddenly need to travel, waiting isn’t an option.

That’s where advance parole urgent processing comes in.

What are the qualifying criteria for expediting an advance parole request in 2025?

Here’s what USCIS considers when reviewing an expedite request for Form I-131:

USCIS must determine that your request falls under one of its recognized expedite categories. As of 2025, the most relevant USCIS expedite criteria for advance parole expedite requests include:

• Severe financial loss to a person or company

• Emergency situations, such as:

• A seriously ill or dying family member abroad

• Funeral arrangements

• Medical emergencies

• Humanitarian reasons

• Nonprofit organization requests in furtherance of cultural/social interests

• U.S. government interests (e.g., national interest or security)

• Clear USCIS error

In practice, the most common and accepted reason for an expedite I-131 application is a medical or family emergency abroad.

How do I submit an expedite request for my I-131 application to USCIS?

You can submit an expedite I-131 application request after USCIS issues your receipt notice for Form I-131.

Here’s how the process typically works:

• Call the USCIS Contact Center:
  Request to expedite your pending I-131 application. Have your receipt number ready and explain the emergency advance parole need clearly and succinctly.
  
  

• USCIS Review:
  If USCIS determines your situation meets the expedite threshold, they will instruct you to submit supporting documentation—typically via your MyUSCIS account or by email/mail.
  
  

• Request an Emergency In-Person Appointment:
  If your travel is imminent (within 48–72 hours), you may request an emergency appointment at your local field office. These are only granted for truly urgent cases.

What documentation is required to support an emergency advance parole request?

This is the part where documentation makes all the difference.

USCIS requires clear evidence that your situation meets their emergency travel document criteria. The more thorough and organized your packet, the better your chances.

Essential Documentation Checklist:

• A detailed letter explaining the emergency (either from you or your immigration attorney)

• Proof of the emergency, such as:

• Doctor’s letters (on letterhead) explaining the medical crisis

• Hospital records

• Death certificate or funeral notice

• Affidavits from family abroad confirming the urgency

• Travel itinerary, if available

• Copy of your I-131 receipt notice

• Proof of your pending I-485 application, if not already linked in your USCIS file)

• For in-person appointments:

• Completed and signed Form I-131

• Passport-style photo

We often prepare these materials as a single, well-labeled PDF with a cover letter referencing the specific expedite criteria being relied upon.

Example: We recently helped a client secure same-day parole for her father’s emergency heart surgery overseas. Her supporting documentation included cardiologist records, flight confirmation, and a notarized letter from the hospital abroad.

How long does it take to get approval for an expedited advance parole application?

Processing timelines vary depending on how the request is submitted.

Phone or Online Expedite Requests:
If you call USCIS and submit documentation electronically, you can often receive a response within 7–10 business days. In urgent cases, we’ve seen approvals in as little as 3 days.

Emergency In-Person Appointment at USCIS Field Office:
If granted, these are typically scheduled within 24–48 hours. If the officer approves your request, they may issue same-day emergency advance parole, a single-entry travel document valid for your trip.

Note: This is not the same as the standard advance parole combo card issued through normal I-485 processing.

Expert Tips for Advance Parole Expedite Requests

If you’re preparing an advance parole expedite request, here’s what I always tell clients:

• Start immediately. Even emergency requests take coordination.

• Submit strong documentation. USCIS won’t approve based on emotion alone.

• Be specific. Vague claims don’t satisfy the expedite criteria.

• Call early for emergencies. If you’re traveling in 48–72 hours, request a field office appointment without delay.

• Consider working with an attorney. We know how to frame the request to meet USCIS expedite criteria and increase your chances.

What If I Already Traveled Without Advance Parole?

Don’t do this unless you fully understand the consequences.

Leaving the U.S. without a valid advance parole document while your I-485 is pending will likely result in abandonment of your green card application—unless you are on a valid H or L visa.

If you’re already abroad, your options become much more limited and may involve exploring Humanitarian Parole or starting over through consular processing.

Bottom Line: Emergency Travel Happens, You Just Need to Prepare

Life doesn’t wait for USCIS. When family emergencies arise, advance parole urgent processing can help but only if you act quickly and submit a clear, well-documented request.

We’ve successfully handled emergency advance parole requests for medical crises, funerals, and other humanitarian emergencies. Each case is different, but the key is showing USCIS exactly what they need to see and doing it fast.

Need help with an advance parole expedite request?

Let’s talk through the situation. I can help you build a compelling request, gather the strongest evidence, and give you the best shot at fast approval.