Emergency Advance Parole in Corona: Urgent Travel While Your Green Card is Pending
How to request expedited travel authorization for family emergencies in the Inland Empire
Quick Answer
When a family emergency strikes and you need to travel internationally while your green card application is pending, every day counts. For Corona and Inland Empire families, SoCal Immigration Services helps navigate the emergency advance parole process to get you the travel authorization you need quickly.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
When a family emergency strikes and you need to travel internationally while your green card application is pending, every day counts. For Corona and Inland Empire families, SoCal Immigration Services helps navigate the emergency advance parole process to get you the travel authorization you need quickly.
What is Emergency Advance Parole?
Emergency Advance Parole (also called expedited advance parole) is a request to speed up processing due to urgent circumstances. USCIS may issue emergency travel authorization within days rather than months when you have a qualifying emergency.
When Can You Request Emergency Advance Parole?
- •Death or serious illness of a family member abroad
- •Need to obtain critical medical treatment abroad
- •Humanitarian emergencies affecting family members
- •Business emergencies requiring your presence abroad
- •Other compelling circumstances USCIS determines are urgent
Important Warning: Don't Travel Without Advance Parole
• Abandon your pending I-485 application
• Be unable to return to the U.S. on your current status
• Potentially trigger bars to re-entry
This is why emergency advance parole is so important - it allows you to travel without abandoning your green card application.
How to Request Emergency Advance Parole
- 1File Form I-131 (if not already filed)
You need a pending I-131 application to request expedite. If you haven't filed, submit immediately.
- 2Submit Expedite Request
Contact USCIS through the Contact Center or submit an expedite request online through your USCIS account.
- 3Provide Evidence
Submit documentation proving the emergency: death certificates, medical records, hospital letters, etc.
- 4USCIS InfoPass Appointment
You may be directed to schedule an emergency appointment at your local USCIS field office.
- 5Receive Travel Document
If approved, you'll receive your advance parole document, often at the USCIS office appointment.
Required Documentation for Emergency Requests
- •Copy of your pending I-485 receipt notice
- •Copy of pending or approved I-131 receipt (if filed separately)
- •Evidence of the emergency (death certificate, medical records, doctor's letter)
- •Evidence of your relationship to the person abroad (if family emergency)
- •Flight itinerary or travel plans
- •A detailed letter explaining the emergency and why immediate travel is necessary
- •Your passport and any current immigration documents
USCIS San Bernardino Field Office
• Location: 655 West Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92410
• Emergency appointments: May be available through the USCIS Contact Center
• InfoPass: Schedule through the USCIS website when directed
Note: Emergency appointments are limited and given based on the urgency of your situation. Not all requests are granted.
Processing Times: Regular vs. Emergency
| Request Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Regular I-131 | 3-6 months |
| Emergency Expedite (approved) | 1-14 days |
| In-person emergency appointment | Same day (if approved) |
| Denied expedite request | Reverts to regular processing |
What If Your Expedite Request is Denied?
• You can resubmit with additional evidence
• Your I-131 continues processing at the normal pace
• Consider consulting with an immigration attorney for complex situations
• Do NOT travel without advance parole - this will abandon your application
We help Corona families prepare the strongest possible expedite requests to maximize approval chances.
Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services?
- •Urgent response to emergency situations
- •Experience preparing compelling expedite requests
- •Arabic and English-speaking staff for clear communication
- •Help gathering and organizing emergency documentation
- •Translation of foreign documents (death certificates, medical records)
- •Guidance through USCIS emergency appointment process
Planning Ahead: Avoid Emergency Situations
• File I-131 when you file I-485 - they can be filed concurrently
• If approved, keep your advance parole document current
• Advance parole is typically valid for one year
• Renew before expiration if your I-485 is still pending
Having valid advance parole means you can travel quickly when emergencies arise without needing emergency processing.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does emergency advance parole take to get?
A: If USCIS approves your emergency request, you may receive your advance parole document within 1-14 days, or even the same day if issued at an in-person emergency appointment. However, approval is not guaranteed.
Q:Can I travel if my I-131 is still pending?
A: No, you cannot travel until you actually receive the advance parole document. Having a pending I-131 is not sufficient - you must have the physical document in hand before departure.
Q:What counts as a qualifying emergency?
A: USCIS considers death of close family members, serious illness of family members, urgent medical treatment needs, and humanitarian emergencies. Business emergencies may also qualify. Each case is evaluated individually.
Q:Will emergency advance parole affect my green card application?
A: No, properly obtained advance parole allows you to travel without affecting your pending I-485. However, traveling without advance parole will abandon your application.
Q:Can I return to the U.S. on advance parole if I have unlawful presence?
A: This is a complex situation. If you have accrued significant unlawful presence, traveling abroad could trigger 3 or 10-year bars to re-entry. Consult with an immigration attorney before traveling if you have any period of unlawful presence.
Q:What if my family member passes away while I'm waiting for advance parole?
A: You can request emergency expedite even after the death occurs. Provide the death certificate, evidence of your relationship, and information about funeral arrangements. USCIS understands that families need closure.
Facing a Travel Emergency?
Our team provides urgent assistance to Corona families needing emergency advance parole. Contact us immediately if you have a family emergency requiring international travel.
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