Form I-512L is a critical immigration document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It serves as an Advance Parole Document, granting its bearer permission to travel to the United States and request "parole" at a port of entry.
Key Concept: "Parole"
In immigration law, "parole" does not mean release from prison. It is a temporary permission for an individual to be physically present in the U.S. for a specific, urgent purpose without being formally "admitted." It is a discretionary benefit granted by the Department of Homeland Security and is not a visa and does not confer a formal immigration status.
Who Needs Form I-512L?
This document is typically issued to individuals who:
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Are outside the United States and need to enter for a compelling humanitarian or significant public benefit reason.
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Have a pending application with USCIS (e.g., for Adjustment of Status) and need to travel internationally without abandoning their application.
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Are beneficiaries of certain immigration programs (like DACA - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and have received prior authorization to travel.
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Need to enter the U.S. for reasons such as urgent medical treatment, serving as a witness in court, or other emergency situations.
It is the result of an approved application, most commonly Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
Key Sections and Information on the Form
While each I-512L is tailored to the beneficiary, a standard form generally includes:
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Beneficiary Information:
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Full name (Family Name, Given Name)
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Date of Birth
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Country of Birth
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Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
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Document Details:
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Date Issued: When the document was generated.
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Valid Until: The expiration date. The bearer must seek entry before this date.
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Travel Authorization Clause: This section informs airlines and other carriers that they are authorized to board the bearer without liability, as the individual has official permission to travel to the U.S. despite not having a visa.
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Parole Authorization: The core of the document. It explains to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer that the bearer has been authorized for parole under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It specifies the validity (e.g., for one entry) and the purpose.
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Critical Notices and Warnings: This is a vital section that outlines the legal conditions and risks, including:
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Parole is discretionary and not guaranteed upon arrival.
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Parole is not an "admission" to the U.S.
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Traveling with Advance Parole can have serious immigration consequences for some individuals, especially those with prior unlawful presence.
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The document can be revoked at any time.
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Important Considerations
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Not a Guarantee of Entry: Possession of a valid I-512L does not guarantee entry. The final decision is made by a CBP officer at the port of entry.
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Does Not Change Status: Time spent in the U.S. under parole does not count toward residency for naturalization purposes.
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Legal Complexity: Due to the potential risks, it is highly recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney before applying for or using an Advance Parole document.
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Always Use the Latest Version: Immigration forms are updated. Always download the current version of Form I-512L (and its prerequisite Form I-131) directly from the official USCIS website.
Always refer to the official USCIS website for the most current forms, instructions, and filing information.
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Official Form Page: https://www.uscis.gov/i-512l
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Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document)
Using an outdated form version or misunderstanding its conditions can lead to the denial of entry and severe immigration consequences. It is highly recommended to consult with an accredited immigration attorney before making any international travel plans based on this or similar documents.