Getting Your EAD And Advance Parole: A Helpful Guide For Work And Travel

Tyshawn Koelpin 05 Aug 2025

Are you someone living in the United States, perhaps on a nonimmigrant visa, and wondering how you can get permission to work or even travel outside the country? So, it can feel like there are many rules to learn about. For many folks who are not citizens or permanent residents, having the right papers is truly important for daily life here. This guide will talk about two very important documents: the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole.

You see, employers here in the United States need to make sure everyone who works for them has the proper permission. This is true for all employees, no matter where they come from. If you are not a citizen or someone with a green card, you will likely need to show an official paper that says you can work. This paper is often called an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD for short. It is, in a way, your work permit.

Beyond just working, there is also the matter of moving around. What if you need to visit family outside the United States or have a pressing reason to leave and then come back? That is where Advance Parole comes into play. It gives you the permission to re-enter the country without problems. We will explore both of these papers, how they help you, and what you need to know to get them, you know, right now.

What Are EAD and Advance Parole?
Who Can Get These Documents?
- Eligibility for an EAD
- Eligibility for Advance Parole
How to Apply for EAD and Advance Parole
Important Things to Know About Travel
- Traveling with Advance Parole
- Traveling Without Advance Parole
Common Questions About EAD and Advance Parole
Final Thoughts on Your Documents

What Are EAD and Advance Parole?

Let us begin by understanding what each of these papers actually is. They serve different purposes, but for many people, they come together as one very useful item. Basically, knowing what each one does helps you understand why they are so helpful, you know, for your life here.

The Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

An Employment Authorization Document, often called an EAD, is a work permit. It is a card that shows you have permission to take a job in the United States. As my text says, if you are not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you will need this paper to show that you can work here. It is your official proof.

This document is really important because employers must make sure all their team members are allowed to work in the country. If you have an EAD, you meet this rule. It means you can apply for jobs and accept them, just like other authorized workers, you know, for a specific period.

For a nonimmigrant visa holder, an EAD lets you work temporarily in the U.S. It is a paper that proves your ability to earn a living here. So, it is a key piece of identification for your employment status, a rather useful thing to have, actually.

Advance Parole: A Travel Permission
Now, Advance Parole is something quite different from the EAD. It is a document that gives you permission to travel outside the United States and then come back without causing issues for your immigration process. Think of it as a special pass for re-entry. It is, you know, a very important paper if you plan to leave the country.
If you are waiting for a green card or another immigration benefit, leaving the U.S. without Advance Parole could cause your application to be canceled. This is a big deal. So, having this paper before you travel is, in a way, a safety measure to protect your immigration case. It helps keep your process on track.
It is, frankly, a travel document that ensures your return is smooth. Without it, you might find yourself unable to re-enter, which would be a very difficult situation. This paper is about keeping your path clear, you know, for your future in the United States.

The Combo Card: A Single Document

For many people who apply for both an EAD and Advance Parole at the same time, the government often sends one card that serves both purposes. This is commonly known as a "combo card." It has your photo and information, and it clearly states that it is valid for both employment authorization and travel. It is, in fact, quite convenient.

This single card simplifies things a lot. Instead of carrying two separate papers, you just have one. It shows employers you can work, and it shows border officers you can re-enter the country after a trip abroad. It is, you know, a very practical solution for many applicants.

The combo card is a sign of efficiency. It means less paperwork for you to keep track of and a clearer picture for anyone who needs to see your immigration status. It is, you know, a really helpful item to have if you qualify for both types of permission.

Who Can Get These Documents?

Not everyone can get an EAD or Advance Parole. There are specific situations and types of immigration applications that make someone eligible. It is, you know, important to know if you fit the rules before you start the process.

Eligibility for an EAD

Many different groups of people can apply for an EAD. For instance, those who have applied for a green card through family or employment often get an EAD while they wait for their main application to be approved. As my text mentions, if you are not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you will need to prove your work authorization, and an EAD does just that.

Other groups include certain students, asylum seekers, and individuals with specific nonimmigrant visas that allow for a work permit. For example, some people with a U visa or a T visa can get an EAD. It is, you know, all about fitting into one of the specific categories the government has set up.

You might also qualify if you are in the process of adjusting your status to become a lawful permanent resident. This is a very common reason for getting an EAD. So, it is, in a way, a bridge to your future work life in the U.S., allowing you to support yourself while your main case is being decided.

Eligibility for Advance Parole

Advance Parole is typically for people who have a pending application for adjustment of status (a green card application). If you have applied for a green card and need to leave the country for any reason, you usually need Advance Parole to ensure you can come back without problems. It is, you know, a critical step for travel.

It is also available to individuals with certain other statuses, like those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients, who might have specific reasons to travel. The rules for Advance Parole are, you know, quite specific and depend on your current immigration situation and the type of application you have submitted.

The main idea is to prevent your green card application from being seen as abandoned when you leave the country. Without Advance Parole, leaving the U.S. could mean your application is automatically canceled. This is why it is, you know, a very important paper to get before any international trip.

How to Apply for EAD and Advance Parole

The application process involves filling out specific forms and sending them to the right government office. It is, you know, a step-by-step procedure that needs careful attention to detail. Many people find it helpful to gather all their information before they start.

Preparing Your Application

To apply for an EAD, you generally use Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. To apply for Advance Parole, you use Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. If you are applying for both at the same time as part of a green card application, you can send them together. As my text says, you can begin by creating a U.S. account, which is often the first step for many immigration forms.

You will need to gather supporting papers. This often includes copies of your passport, visa, I-94 arrival record, and any previous EAD cards. You will also need passport-style photos. It is, you know, a good idea to make a checklist of everything you need so you do not miss anything.

Make sure all your answers on the forms are correct and complete. Any mistakes or missing information could cause delays in your application. It is, you know, worth taking your time to get everything right the first time. You might also need to pay a fee for each application, though some categories are fee-exempt.

Submitting Your Forms

Once you have filled out the forms and gathered all your supporting papers, you will send them to the correct government address. The address depends on your specific type of application and where you live. It is, you know, very important to check the instructions for the forms to find the right mailing location.

You can usually mail your application packet through the postal service. Some forms might also have an option to file online, which can sometimes be faster. However, for EAD and Advance Parole, mailing is still very common. It is, you know, a good idea to send it with a tracking number so you can confirm it arrived.

When you send your forms, you are basically asking the government for permission to work and travel. This step officially starts the waiting period for your documents. It is, you know, a big step in your immigration journey.

What Happens After You Apply?

After you send your application, you will usually receive a receipt notice in the mail. This notice confirms that the government has received your forms. It will have a receipt number that you can use to check the status of your case online. It is, you know, a very important paper to keep safe.

For the EAD, you might be asked to go to a biometrics appointment. This is where they take your fingerprints and photo. This information is used for background checks. For Advance Parole, a biometrics appointment is also common, especially if you are getting a combo card. It is, you know, a routine part of the process.

Then comes the waiting period. Processing times can change a lot depending on the type of application and how busy the government offices are. You can check the current processing times on the official government website. It is, you know, helpful to keep an eye on these times so you know what to expect. Eventually, if approved, your EAD or combo card will arrive in the mail.

Important Things to Know About Travel

Traveling outside the United States when you have a pending immigration application requires careful thought. Advance Parole is designed to help, but there are still things you need to understand. It is, you know, very important to get this right.

Traveling with Advance Parole

If you have your Advance Parole document (or a combo card), you can generally travel outside the U.S. and return without issues for your pending green card application. When you come back, you will show your Advance Parole document to the border officer. They will then "parole" you into the country. This means you are allowed to enter, and your green card application remains active. It is, you know, a very smooth process if you have the right papers.

However, having Advance Parole does not guarantee re-entry. The border officer always has the final say. If there are any new problems with your case or if you have committed certain acts, you could still be denied entry. This is, you know, a rare occurrence for most people, but it is something to be aware of.

It is always a good idea to carry copies of your pending application forms when you travel, just in case. And, you know, make sure your Advance Parole document is valid for the entire time you plan to be outside the U.S. and for your return date. This paper is your ticket back, really.

Traveling Without Advance Parole

This is a critical point: if you have a pending adjustment of status (green card) application and you leave the United States without Advance Parole, your application will likely be considered abandoned. This means it will be canceled, and you will have to start all over again when you return, if you can even return. It is, you know, a very serious consequence.

There are very few exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are on an H-1B or L-1 visa and maintain that status, you might be able to travel and return using your visa, without Advance Parole, and still keep your green card application active. But this is a very specific situation, and it is, you know, best to get advice from a legal expert before doing so.

For most people waiting for a green card, leaving the country without Advance Parole is a risk you simply should not take. It could set your immigration plans back by many months or even years. So, you know, always wait for that travel document before you pack your bags for an international trip.

Common Questions About EAD and Advance Parole

Many people have similar questions about these documents. Let us clear up some of the most common ones. These are, you know, questions that come up a lot.

What is the difference between EAD and Advance Parole?

The EAD is your work permit. It gives you permission to take a job in the United States. Advance Parole is a travel document. It allows you to leave the U.S. and return without problems for your pending green card application. They are, you know, different papers for different purposes, even though they can come on one card.

Can I travel outside the US with just an EAD?

No, generally you cannot. An EAD only gives you permission to work in the U.S. It does not give you permission to re-enter the country if you leave, especially if you have a pending green card application. If you travel with just an EAD and a pending green card case, your application will likely be canceled. You need Advance Parole to travel and return safely. It is, you know, a very important distinction.

How long does it take to get an EAD and Advance Parole combo card?

The time it takes to get a combo card can change a lot. It depends on how many applications the government has and how busy the processing centers are. It can take several months, sometimes even over a year. You can check the current processing times on the government's official website for the most up-to-date information. It is, you know, a waiting game, but worth it.

Final Thoughts on Your Documents

Getting your Employment Authorization Document and Advance Parole is a very important step for many people building a life in the United States. These papers give you the freedom to work and the ability to travel, all while your larger immigration process moves forward. As my text reminds us, if you are not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you need to show you can work, and the EAD helps with that. Also, the ability to travel and return is, you know, a huge relief for many.

Remember to always keep your documents safe and to check their expiration dates. Renewing them on time is very important to avoid any breaks in your work permission or travel ability. Staying informed about your status and any rule changes is also a good idea. You can find more helpful information about these processes on official government sites, such as the USCIS website, for example. Learn more about immigration processes on our site, and link to this page to get in touch with us if you have more questions.

The journey through immigration can have many steps, but understanding papers like the EAD and Advance Parole makes it much clearer. These documents are, in a way, your keys to more freedom and peace of mind while you are here in the U.S., you know, living your life.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in the United States

O que é EAD e como funciona? | PRAVALER

What is EAD | Employment Authorization Document | USAHello

Global Artist Buzz