The process of obtaining a green card, especially after being granted advance parole, can be complex and confusing. Whether you’re adjusting status through marriage to a U.S. citizen or based on other eligibility factors, you may be wondering, “How long does it take to get a green card after advance parole?”

This updated guide for 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of how long it takes to receive a green card after advance parole, addressing common questions and providing actionable insights to help you navigate the process.

What Is Advance Parole?

Advance parole is a travel document issued to individuals with a pending adjustment of status (AOS) application, typically those who have filed Form I-485. It allows you to travel outside the U.S. without abandoning your green card application. 

However, advance parole is not a guarantee of reentry—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers still hold discretion to deny entry based on specific concerns.

Timeline Overview for Green Card After Advance Parole

  1. Filing Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
    • The first major step in the green card process is filing Form I-485, which is the application to adjust your status to permanent residency.
    • Processing time (2024): The time it takes USCIS to process Form I-485 typically ranges from 12 to 26 months, depending on your location, USCIS office workload, and other variables like national backlogs.
  2. Advance Parole Approval
    • To apply for advance parole, you must file Form I-131 alongside your I-485 application. Approval for advance parole generally occurs before the green card, allowing you to travel while your application is pending.
    • Processing time (2024): In most cases, advance parole is approved within 3 to 8 months, although this may vary based on the processing center and volume of applications.
  3. Green Card Approval After Advance Parole
    • Advance parole allows for international travel but does not influence the processing time of the green card itself. After you’ve received advance parole, your green card approval can still take several months.
    • Post-advance parole timeline (2024): After receiving advance parole, expect to wait an additional 6 to 14 months for green card approval. This means the total green card process, from filing to approval, can range from 12 to 26 months or more, depending on individual circumstances.

Factors That Affect Green Card Timeline After Advance Parole

  1. USCIS Processing Delays
    • As of 2024, USCIS continues to experience backlogs, causing significant delays in processing both I-485 and advance parole applications. These delays vary depending on your region and the specific USCIS service center handling your case, with some applicants waiting over two years for green card approval.
  2. Request for Evidence (RFE)
    • If USCIS requires additional documentation or clarification, they will issue an RFE. Responding to an RFE and waiting for USCIS to process your response can add several months to the overall timeline.
  3. Interview Scheduling Delays
    • In some cases, applicants are required to attend an in-person interview before receiving their green card. If your local USCIS office is dealing with a high volume of cases, you may face delays in scheduling your interview, adding months to the process.
  4. Country of Origin and Priority Date
    • While most family-based applicants (including those adjusting status through marriage) are not subject to visa bulletin delays, applicants from countries with high immigration volumes (such as India or China) may experience longer waits based on priority dates.

Steps to Take After Receiving Advance Parole

While waiting for your green card after receiving advance parole, staying informed and prepared can help ensure a smooth process. Here are some proactive steps to consider:

  1. Regularly Check Your Case Status
    • Use your USCIS receipt number to monitor your case status on the official USCIS website. Updates will help you anticipate next steps, such as receiving an interview notice or additional requests for documentation.
  2. Prepare for Your Interview
    • If a green card interview is required, gather all necessary documents well in advance. This includes proof of your bona fide marriage (if applying through marriage), financial records, and any other relevant information. Preparing thoroughly can minimize delays once the interview is scheduled.
  3. Manage International Travel Carefully
    • Although you can travel with advance parole, avoid extended periods abroad, as this could raise questions about your intention to establish permanent residence in the U.S. and may complicate your green card approval.

Common Questions About Green Cards and Advance Parole

1. Can I work in the U.S. with advance parole?

  • No, advance parole only allows you to travel while your green card application is pending. To work legally in the U.S., you’ll need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which can be filed concurrently with your I-485.

2. Does advance parole guarantee reentry to the U.S.?

  • No, advance parole does not guarantee reentry. CBP officers at the port of entry have discretion to deny entry if they find a reason, so it’s essential to have all necessary documentation when traveling.

3. Can I expedite my green card processing after receiving advance parole?

  • While there’s no direct way to expedite the green card process simply because you have advance parole, applicants with urgent humanitarian reasons or compelling cases (e.g., military service members) may qualify for expedited processing under specific circumstances.

4. What happens if my advance parole document expires before I get my green card?

  • If your advance parole document expires, you must apply for a new one by filing Form I-131 again. Avoid international travel without valid advance parole, as doing so could result in USCIS considering your green card application abandoned.

Conclusion

The timeline for receiving a green card after advance parole varies depending on several factors, including USCIS processing times, the need for additional documentation, and scheduling delays for interviews. In 2024, the average time to receive a green card ranges from 12 to 26 months, with advance parole generally being approved within the first 3 to 8 months.

While advance parole allows you to travel during the pending green card process, it does not speed up the green card approval timeline itself. To avoid potential delays, it’s important to remain proactive, monitor your case status, and promptly respond to any USCIS requests.

By staying informed about potential delays and preparing for each step of the process, you can manage expectations and increase the likelihood of a smooth green card journey after being granted advance parole.

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