Advance Parole for Canadian Citizens

Advance Parole for Canadian Citizens is an important topic for those who wish to travel internationally while their U.S. immigration application is pending. Leaving the United States, even for a brief period of time, can be extremely complicated for foreign nationals. This risk increases if an individual wishes to leave the United States while an adjustment of status (AOS) application remains pending, because that individual runs the risk of abandoning their pending AOS application. To prevent this from occurring, advance parole serves as a valid immigration document for re-entry into the United States following international travel. Only a handful of visa holders may leave the U.S. with a pending AOS application without having first acquired advance parole (i.e. individuals and dependents in valid H-1B, L, and K3/4 status). For everyone else, applying for advance parole requires several months of processing times and valid documentation. However, if you are a citizen of Canada, you may lack the proper documentation to receive approval for both advance parole and an AOS.

When foreign national arrives into the United States, Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) provides them with a copy of their arrival/departure record or Form I-94. As one of the few exceptions, Canadian citizens do not receive an I-94 upon arrival into the United States. Thus, Canadian citizens are at a disadvantage because adjustment of status requires a record of arrival/departure i.e. Form I-94. To complete the application, Canadian citizens may request an arrival/departure record through the Deferred Inspection Site. Additionally, if you do not have any evidence of your legal entry, Canadian citizens may request their arrival document through a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request.

Although citizens of Canada may enter the United States without a visa, they must obtain advance parole before leaving the United States if their application for permanent residence is pending at the time of the departure. Unless the citizen of Canada holds one of the special classes of visa excluded from the advance parole requirement, the individual will abandon their pending AOS application upon departure. If you are unsure whether you require advanced parole before you upcoming trip, please feel free to contact our office for a consultation.

In conclusion, Advance Parole for Canadian Citizens is an important consideration for those who wish to travel internationally while their application for adjustment of status is pending with the USCIS. Canadian citizens who are in the United States and wish to travel internationally should consult with an immigration attorney to determine if they are eligible for Advance Parole and to assist with the application process.