Published: August 18, 2025
Are you or a loved one a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program? DACA provides temporary protection from deportation, particularly for qualified individuals who came to the US as children and meet the specified qualification criteria.
Although DACA doesn’t enable recipients to secure a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship, it gives authorization to work, which is subject to renewal every two years.
As of March 2025, approximately 525,210 individuals benefit from the DACA program. DACA recipients can obtain an advance parole to leave the US temporarily for authorized situations.
Travel for work-related purposes is one of the valid grounds for advance parole. Learn how the DACA advance parole works and impacts the employment of its eligible recipients.
Overview of DACA Advance Parole and Its Eligibility
USCIS grants advance parole to certain noncitizens inside the US needing to travel and reenter the country after a temporary duration. DACA recipients are one category of noncitizens who are eligible for this travel document, enabling them to return to the US without compromising their deferred status and work authorization.
Eligibility for an approved advance parole isn’t automatic for DACA holders. There should be a qualifying reason to travel outside the US. As per USCIS’s existing guidelines, they will only approve the DACA recipient’s advance parole if the travel meets the criteria for employment, humanitarian, and education purposes.
Notably, USCIS utilizes a case-by-case assessment when granting an approved advance parole document. Ensure to substantiate the purpose of your travel with clear and convincing evidence to increase your approval chances.
Employment Impact of Advance Parole on DACA Recipients
An approved advance parole document can significantly expand the scope of employment prospects for DACA recipients in different ways, such as the following:
- Participating in international training programs and conferences will allow them to gain specialized skills and networking opportunities with professionals overseas.
- Accepting leadership roles that require them to complete or oversee particular work assignments abroad.
- Making study abroad programs or international internships accessible helps them to strengthen their job prospects and gain a competitive advantage in the labor market.
- Opening doors to lawful entry and an opportunity to secure employer sponsorship that will remove employment limitations associated with DACA renewals.
Limitations and Risks DACA Recipients Must Consider
DACA recipients should be aware that even with an approved advance parole document, traveling overseas still carries some risks. Although it allows international travel without losing your DACA status, admissibility concerns or other unresolved immigration issues can cause the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to deny you reentry.
The CBP officers may also conduct a secondary inspection to verify your immigration history, travel purpose, and qualification for reentry. While uncommon, there’s a possibility of outright denial if they determine you’re inadmissible. Ensure that all the documents required for your travel are valid while outside the US.
Likewise, it’s vital to travel and return within the timeframe indicated on your advance parole document. Doing so can help preserve your DACA protections and rights to work in the US legally. Thus, acquire assistance from an immigration lawyer to determine whether your case has special risks before considering any internal travel while on DACA status.
Protect Your DACA Status While Navigating Job Transitions
The DACA program has opened doors to employment opportunities for its qualified recipients despite several restrictions, such as traveling outside the US. Suppose your new job involves out-of-the-country travel. Ensure to have an approved advance parole document to avoid putting your DACA status and work rights at risk.
Collaborating with a credible Los Angeles immigration lawyer can be beneficial in protecting your DACA status while navigating job prospects and transitions. Our team at ALG Lawyers can guide you in meeting the required qualifications for potential employment-based pathways and strengthening your case for approval. Call our law firm to start your first one-on-one consultation today.
FAQs on the Impact of Advance Parole on DACA Recipients’ Employment
How long is the waiting timeframe for approval of DACA advance parole?
On average, it can take 5-24 months to process your advance parole document. However,
the specific waiting timeframe depends on USCIS workload, application volume, and other individual factors of the case. You can check USCIS processing times as a reference point for the approval of your advance parole request.
What are the repercussions of returning to the US after your DACA advance parole expires?
You may encounter difficulties returning to the US if your advance parole expires while traveling overseas. It’s crucial to be mindful of the travel dates indicated on your document to avoid losing your DACA protections and being denied reentry.
Can you travel overseas while your initial DACA request remains pending with USCIS?
Traveling overseas while your initial DACA request remains pending with USCIS can result in the denial of your application. Likewise, you can only secure the advance parole document after an approved DACA. Traveling without that carries risks, such as being denied reentry. Therefore, USCIS advises DACA recipients to get an approved advance parole document before traveling abroad to minimize the risk of being unable to return to the US and maintain DACA protections.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)