Published: July 30, 2025
Are you a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient planning to travel abroad? Generally, DACA holders cannot travel outside the US without securing a travel authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Advance parole is the specific travel document that makes it possible for you to travel overseas without losing your DACA status.
Still, even if USCIS grants you an advance parole, the purposes for international travel are restricted in scope. Reentry to the US also depends on the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer’s discretion, making international travel particularly risky if you’re a DACA recipient. Therefore, before making any travel plans abroad, it’s imperative to understand the corresponding requirements, considerations, and potential risks involved.
Essential Requirements to Qualify for DACA Advance Parole
Approval for advance parole is not an automatic right for DACA holders. Eligibility is also subject to approval and primarily depends on the purpose of your travel. This means you can’t acquire DACA advance parole for any reason, such as traveling abroad for vacation, attending a friend’s wedding, or reconnecting with family. As per the existing guidelines, USCIS will approve your advance parole document if you travel outside the US for the following purposes:
- Humanitarian purposes: These include urgent family-related matters, such as visiting an ill family member, attending a relative’s funeral, and obtaining medical care.
- Educational purposes: These involve participating in semester-abroad programs or conducting academic research.
- Employment purposes: These encompass meeting clients abroad, attending training or conferences, completing overseas assignments, or engaging in entrepreneurial activities.
A case-by-case approach is utilized when granting DACA advance parole. They will give favorable consideration to your request if you can justify that the purpose of your travel aligns with humanitarian, educational, or employment reasons. Thus, provide as much proof as possible to support your valid purpose for traveling abroad with DACA advance parole.
Considerations and Risks When Traveling With DACA Advance Parole
Even with an approved advance parole document, traveling outside the US is not without risk for DACA recipients. It does provide you with an opportunity to travel overseas without losing your DACA status. However, since the authorization is discretionary and restricted, you must consider the following factors and risks:
- The CBP officers can admit or deny you back into the US due to admissibility issues or other unresolved immigration concerns.
- Be ready for the possibility of secondary inspection, or an outright denial of reentry in rare circumstances.
- Stick to the travel dates specified on your approved advance parole document to avoid the loss of DACA protections and denial of reentry.
- Ensure that all the necessary documents for your travel remain valid while you’re staying outside the US.
- Remain updated on DACA and advance parole regulations by monitoring USCIS and reliable legal resources.
Plan Your Travel With a Credible Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer
International travel can be challenging to navigate, depending on your specific immigration circumstances. Even if you obtain an authorization from the USCIS, traveling abroad is permissible for specific purposes.
A credible Los Angeles immigration lawyer can effectively evaluate your eligibility and travel risk based on your situation. As a starting point, consider consulting with our team at ALG Lawyers. We can walk you through what’s required to qualify for the advance parole and whether there are special risks in your case. Connect with our firm for a one-on-one immigration consultation.
FAQs on What DACA Recipients Should Know About Traveling With Advance Parole
What happens if you leave the US without securing the advance parole?
Suppose you leave the US without obtaining an approved advance parole from the USCIS. This is considered unauthorized travel, causing you to lose your status as a DACA recipient. Consequently, it will bar you from returning to the US lawfully.
How long are DACA holders allowed to travel overseas with advance parole?
In accordance with the USCIS policy, advance parole is issued for multiple entries into the US. Likewise, it’s typically valid for up to one year, covering the estimated processing time for your green card application. That means you can spend up to one year abroad, ensuring to return before the expiration date on your advance parole.
What can you do to travel safely with DACA advance parole?
Traveling with an advance parole as a DACA holder comes with some risks. Still, you can travel safely by preparing with the tips highlighted below.
- Seek a consultation with a Los Immigration immigration lawyer before traveling overseas.
- Go back to the US by the date indicated on your advance approval notice.
- Allow extra time for your return journey in case of unforeseen delays.
- Ensure you have all the approved travel documents in your possession.
- Provide copies of your approval notices to a trusted contact in the US.
- Prepare supporting documents for reentry to the US.
(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.)