If you are not yet a permanent resident and need to cross U.S. borders or wish to bring a spouse-to-be into the country, you have some paperwork ahead of you.
It’s likely to be a long and complicated process anytime you deal with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). There are numerous confusing forms, and the department has a long backlog of requests.
When you have a pressing need to travel or reunite with a loved one, you’ll want to be backed by the immigration experts at FileRight.com. We can simplify the process of filing for an advance parole travel document or a K-1 visa.
Who Needs an Advance Parole Document?
Advance parole is a travel document that allows particular U.S. residents to temporarily leave the country and come back without a visa. Naturalized citizens and green card holders do not need advance parole, but you must obtain this authorization before travel if you: However, it is critical for applicants awaiting permanent residency approval, including those undergoing an adjustment of status from K1.
- Have applied for legal permanent resident status, but you are still waiting to receive your green card
- Have submitted an application for asylum that is still pending
- Have been approved for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
This authorization is typically only granted for a few specific purposes, and applicants may not use it to travel outside the U.S. on vacation. You can obtain a travel document if you need to leave the country for:
- Humanitarian reasons, such as receiving medical treatment, attending a funeral, or managing a family emergency
- For business purposes
- For educational pursuits, like conducting academic research or taking courses abroad
Applying for a Travel Document
To receive advance parole, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. In return, you may obtain permission to re-enter the country in Form I-512.
If you do not obtain this crucial document before beginning your travels, you run the risk of being denied entry upon your return.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Advance Parole?
You should attach identifying paperwork and documents that support your request to travel, including evidence of the purpose of your trip. This documentation may include copies of:
- Your photo ID or passport
- USCIS paperwork proving your legal immigration status
- A letter from an applicable authority figure (boss, educator, or physician) explaining your need to leave the country
- A personal note of explanation
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Travel Document?
The USCIS charges most applicants a $575 filing fee and $85 for a biometrics exam to verify their identity. However, some age-related and humanitarian exceptions could lower your cost.
USCIS fees are non-refundable, so they will keep these charges even if you later withdraw your petition or they deem you as ineligible.
Obtaining a K-1 Visa
A K-1 visa allows your spouse-to-be to enter the country.
- First, you will need to file Form I-129F, the petition for alien fiance(e). Any children who will be immigrating must also be included on this document.
- They may then receive a K-2 visa for dependents.
- If the petition is accepted, your future husband or wife can come to the U.S. under the condition that you wed within 90 days.
- People who travel with a K-1 visa can then receive a conditional green card through marriage by filing Form I-485, which is valid for two years.
What Documents Do I Need for a K-1 Visa?
Evidence to support your K-1 visa petition will generally include documentation of your U.S. citizenship status and the validity of your relationship with your fiancé(e). For example, you might need to attach copies of:
- Your birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
- Your U.S. passport.
- Divorce documents for previous marriages.
- Photographs of yourself.
- Proof that you and your fiancé(e) have met in person in the last two years, although the USCIS may waive this requirement if you can demonstrate that such a meeting would result in a hardship.
- Proof that you plan to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s arrival.
How Much Does a K-1 Visa Cost?
The USCIS filing fee for Form I-129F is $535 for all applicants. There is no biometrics requirement for this petition, so you do not have to pay that additional fee. As with the travel document costs, this fee is non-refundable.
What’s Included in Our Application Preparation Services?
FileRight will ensure you have all the paperwork you need to travel and to bring your family together. We offer filing packages for preparing your Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), and Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
The filing packages always include up-to-date versions of the necessary forms. Thus, once you’ve completed your application, you will have properly formatted documents ready to print and send to the USCIS. In addition, you will benefit from:
- Online software that double-checks your responses so that you can correct errors before filing
- 24/7 technical support in case you have any questions along the way
- Detailed instructions for filing with the government
- A barcode on every form to speed the process along
We also offer a money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with any purchase, you will receive your money back. Plus, should your application be rejected, we will refund any government fees as well.
Apply for Your Travel Document or K-1 Visa Today
Although processing times vary, the USCIS can take as long as two years to approve a travel document application and up to 13 months to approve a petition for an alien fiancé(e). These long wait times are why you mustn’t delay.
When you have an urgent need to travel or acquire a visa, however, you don’t have to let red tape slow you down. FileRight will help you complete and submit your application quickly and easily by asking one simple question at a time.
Take a qualification quiz now to check your eligibility and get started today.
