Work Permit and Advance Parole While Your Green Card Is Pending
Immigration » Adjustment of status » Work permit and travel
Most applicants can ask for a work permit and a travel document at the same time as the green card application.
Work permit (Form I-765)
Once filed, the work permit lets you work in the United States while the case is pending. It is valid for a limited time and should be renewed if the case takes longer.
Advance parole (Form I-131)
Advance parole allows travel and return in many cases without abandoning the application. It is not a guarantee of reentry. Customs and Border Protection decides at the airport.
Travel risks
- Leaving without advance parole can end the application for most applicants.
- People who have been unlawfully present for long periods may trigger bars when leaving.
- Some visa holders, such as H-1B and L-1 workers, may be able to travel on their visa. We review carefully first.
- Current rules and processing change, so confirm before you book any trip.
Our advice
Ask us before you leave the country while a case is pending. A trip can cost much more than a delay.
Adjustment of status guide
- Adjustment of status overview
- Adjustment of Status Eligibility: Who Can Apply for a Green Card in the U.S.
- Adjustment of Status Process: Step by Step
- Adjustment of Status Documents and Evidence Checklist
- Adjustment of Status Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare
- Adjustment of Status Denials and Common Problems
- Adjustment of Status Frequently Asked Questions
How our firm helps with adjustment of status
- We review your entry, status history and any arrests before filing, because eligibility problems are easier to prevent than to fix.
- We prepare the application, medical forms, affidavit of support and evidence as one coordinated package.
- We prepare you for the interview and attend with you where allowed.
- We manage work permits and travel documents so you can work and, where safe, travel while the case is pending.
- We respond to requests for evidence and, if needed, pursue a motion or a new filing.
Situations we handle
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Employment-based applicants with long waits
- People with a past overstay or arrest
- Cases with a request for evidence or an interview notice
Why clients choose our firm
- A Texas-licensed attorney serving immigration clients in all 50 states.
- Russian-language service for clients and families.
- Clear communication and updates through our client portal.
- A full review of your history before anything is filed, so problems are caught early.
- Organized filings and representation through interviews, requests for evidence and appeals.
Get help with adjustment of status
Request a consultation to review your situation. Legal plan members can mention their plan when booking.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration rules, policies and fees change often. Last updated: November 2026.