What is the process for traveling outside the US while my application is pending?

If you are an immigrant in the United States and plan to travel outside of the country while your immigration application is pending, you will need to take certain steps to ensure that you are able to return. Depending on your current status, you will need to apply for a travel document or re-entry permit. If you are currently a Lawful Permanent Resident, or green-card holder, you will need to apply for a Re-entry Permit before leaving the US. This document will allow you to be readmitted to the US after traveling abroad. To apply for this permit, you will need to complete Form I-131 and submit it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to provide proof of your current status, such as a copy of your green card and other proof that you are currently in the US lawfully. If you are a non-immigrant, such as a student or visitor, you will need to apply for a travel document, known as an Advance Parole, before leaving the US. This document will authorize your readmission to the US. To apply for this document, you will need to complete Form I-131 and submit it to the USCIS. You will also need to provide proof of your current non-immigrant status. It is important to note that if your application for travel documents or re-entry permit is approved, it does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter the US. This decision is made by US Immigration officials when you attempt to enter the country. Additionally, your travel abroad may have an impact on your immigration application. Therefore, it is important to speak to an immigration lawyer before traveling to ensure that your travel will not affect your pending application.

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El proceso para viajar fuera de los Estados Unidos mientras se está esperando el resultado de la aplicación de inmigración varía según el estado en el que vive. En Washington, el proceso es el siguiente: Primero, tendrá que presentar una Solicitud de Autorización de Viaje al Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS). Este formulario se puede encontrar en el sitio web del USCIS. La solicitud deberá ser acompañada de una copia del formulario I-797 que le fue enviado después de presentar su solicitud, una copia de su documento de identidad, una carta explicando la razón de su viaje, los documentos que demuestren que posee fondos suficientes para cubrir los gastos asociados con el viaje, y un itinerario del viaje. Una vez que se hayan presentado todos los documentos necesarios, el USCIS tardará entre 3 y 6 semanas en emitir una Autorización de Viaje. Si se aprueba, se le emitirá una tarjeta de autorización de viaje temporal. Esta tarjeta le permitirá salir de los Estados Unidos y regresar mientras su aplicación de inmigración aún está pendiente. Si no se le aprueba, el USCIS le informará las razones por las que no se ha aprobado.

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