As a DACAmented student, you may be able to study abroad if you successfully apply for advance parole. Because this application process can take some time, we encourage you to meet with an Education Abroad Advisor as soon as possible.
You and your family’s immigration history is unique and we strongly encourage you to speak with an immigration attorney and with your family before deciding whether or not to study abroad. Even with the proper documentation, there is risk involved in leaving the country. While there are no immigration attorneys in the High Country, we would recommend that you find an attorney through the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Advance parole is a travel document that authorizes temporary parole of an individual into the US. Under advance parole, there are three types of travel allowed for DACAmented students, including “educational purposes, such as semester abroad programs or academic research.” Therefore, you must apply for, and receive the advance parole travel document, before leaving the US. OIP can issue a Confirmation of Study Abroad Participation letter to you. While this does not guarantee that you will receive Advance Parole, it can help to support your application.
When you return to the US, you will present your advance parole document to the airline at check-in to authorize your entry into the US (instead of a visa). Once you arrive in the US, you will present your advance parole document, your passport, and your DACA card to the border agent, who may then parole you into the US.
You can apply for advance parole by filing the Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document). When you file this form, you will pay an application fee to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you need financial assistance to help pay this application fee, please talk with your Education Abroad Advisor. While funding is not guaranteed, we will make every effort to assist. The processing time for the advance parole application is estimated to take about 3 to 8 months but could take longer. Please do not leave the US without your advance parole document (valid for your entire study abroad program) as you will not be allowed back in the US without it.
Questions to Consider
When does your DACA expire?
Your DACA must be valid during your entire study abroad program and through the date you re-enter the US. USCIS recommends that you submit your renewal request between 120 and 150 days before your DACA expires. You are not able to file for advance parole and DACA renewal at the same time.
When does your passport expire?
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your time abroad and for six months after you return to the US. If you will need to renew your passport, we recommend starting this process six months before departure to allow enough time for processing and any potential delays.
Will you need a visa to study in your host country? If so, can you apply for that visa in the US?
You will need to determine the visa requirements for your host country based on what country your passport is issued from. It’s also important to ensure that you can apply for your visa from the US. To research these requirements, you can visit your host country’s Embassy or Consulate website.
Does advance parole guarantee that you can return to the US?
No. DACAmented students who leave the country, even with advance parole, are not guaranteed re-entry into the US. You are still subject to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection process at the port of entry into the US. While many DACAmented students have successfully studied abroad, there is always an inherent risk in leaving the country. OIP strongly encourages you to meet with an immigration lawyer for specific advice regarding your family’s immigration history and the impact it may have on your advance parole application.
Planning Timeline
1 year in advance:
Meet with an Education Abroad Advisor
Discuss your plans with your family and immigration attorney
9-12 months in advance:
Renew your DACA, if applicable (DACA must remain valid through the end of your program plus 120-150 after your program ends)
Renew your passport, if applicable (your passport must remain valid within 6 months after the end of your program)
Apply to your study abroad program
Gather documents for your Advance Parole application, including a Confirmation of Study Abroad Participation issued by OIP
6+ months in advance:
Apply for Advance Parole
3+ months in advance:
Apply for your visa, if applicable
Participate in Pre-Departure Week
Book your flight
1-3 months in advance:
Gather all documentation that you will be required to bring with you on your travels, including your passport, visa, Advance Parole document, DACA card, insurance information, program acceptance letter, etc.