What we can do for you?
1. We can help you to apply for Advance Parole
If you are now filing your application for adjustment of status (i.e., application for green card), or if you have already filed your application for adjustment of status, and you plan to travel to overseas before the green card application is approved, you should have an approved travel document which is called Advance Parole. If you depart before the application for advance parole is approved, the authorities would treat it as “abandoned”. That will cause a lot of trouble and inconvenience. Advance Parole is valid for 1 year. Before your green card is approved, you can renew it every year. With an Advance Parole, you can enter the U.S. without a U.S. visa.
2. We can help you to apply for Re-entry Permit
If you have already received your green card, and if you plan to travel to overseas for over 6 months, you should submit your application for re-entry permit before your departure. You cannot submit your application in a foreign country. If you stay over 6 months in a foreign country without a re-entry permit, when you return to the United States, the immigration officer at the U.S. Custom might assume that you intended to abandon your permanent residence. However, if you have a re-entry permit, you may stay in a foreign country for not more than 2 years. Re-entry permit is valid for 2 years. As long as you return to the U.S. before its expiration date, the immigration officer usually doesn’t ask you questions about your foreign stay.
3. We can help you to apply for Asylee or Refugee Travel Document
If you are in Asylee or Refugee Status, or if you have a green card which was issued on the basis of Asylee or Refugee Status, you should apply for an “Asylee or Refugee Travel Document” and the application must be approved before your departure. With an “Asylee or Refugee Travel Document”, you do not need a passport to go to a foreign country, and when you return to the U.S., you do not need a U.S. visa. Note that you need to apply for a foreign visa using the “Asylee or Refugee Travel Document” before you go to that foreign country. For example, if your asylum application was based on Country A’s persecution against you, and now you want to visit your relatives in Country B, you do not need to have a passport from Country A or from any other country. You need to have an “Asylee or Refugee Travel Document” issued by U.S. government, and use the travel document as your “substitute passport” to apply for a visa from Country B’s embassy or consulate in the U.S. When you get the visa from Country B’s embassy or consulate, you may visit Country B. Because of the travel document, when you return to the U.S., you do not need a U.S. visa.
If you need help in applying for the above discussed travel documents, please contact Leon E. Jew, attorney at law, at (510) 785-9588, or (510) 710-3539, or visa@dahyee.com
