Can I travel outside the US with DACA?
If you are wondering: Can I travel outside the US with DACA? We prepare this content to explain and present you our services in immigration solutions! Keep reading!
As a DACA recipient or someone with a pending DACA application, traveling can present challenges. To avoid any immigration complications, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with travel restrictions and requirements.
To ensure smooth travel experiences, we’ve gathered important information every DACA holder should know before making domestic or international travel plans.
Domestic Travel
Good news for those living in the U.S. and planning domestic travel! Both DACA recipients and individuals with pending DACA applications are able to travel domestically with proper ID documents.
When flying within the U.S., a valid government-issued ID that matches the name on the flight reservation must be presented to a TSA agent at a security checkpoint before boarding.
The ID must be valid and issued by an official government body. Acceptable forms of ID include a state-issued driver’s license or permit, a passport from your country of nationality, or, as a secondary option, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.
If you are in need of a new ID or are a frequent traveler, you may be familiar with the REAL ID, a security standard for government-issued documentation.
The Department of Homeland Security has extended the enforcement deadline for REAL ID-compliant documents to May 7, 2025.
On this date, all individuals 18 years and older must have a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the U.S. REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses are identifiable by a star icon at the top of the card.
In addition to state-issued driver’s licenses, several other forms of identification are considered REAL ID-compliant.
DACA recipients can typically obtain a REAL ID at their state’s DMV. It’s important to note that a current EAD is also considered REAL ID-compliant and can be used for domestic flights within the U.S.
For those who do not have a valid EAD or are unable to obtain a REAL ID before the enforcement deadline, a passport from their country of nationality will be required for travel.
For further information on domestic travel in the U.S. and how to prepare for your flight, contact us! Wizard Visa is always ready to help you!
International Travels
Domestic travel within the U.S. is usually possible for DACA recipients, but international travel may be more challenging depending on your immigration status. In general, DACA recipients cannot travel outside of the U.S. without obtaining Advance Parole, which is specific travel authorization issued by the U.S. government.
Even if you have an Advance Parole travel document, international travel is limited and only allowed for specific reasons.
How do you apply for Advance Parole as a DACA recipient?
DACA recipients may require urgent international travel. To travel outside of the U.S., DACA recipients can apply for Advance Parole, which allows them to travel abroad and re-enter the country lawfully.
Upon approval of the Advance Parole application, USCIS will provide a document to present to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for re-entry into the U.S.
For DACA recipients, “Advance Parole” provides a means to leave the United States and return lawfully.
This process can allow DACA recipients to travel abroad for important reasons such as a business conference, study abroad program or medical treatment.
However, it’s important to note that Advance Parole for DACA recipients is more limited and not granted for leisure trips. To be eligible for Advance Parole, exceptional circumstances must be present.
Getting approval for Advance Parole can be a game-changer for DACA recipients. Re-entering the United States through this process is considered a lawful entry, which makes DACA recipients eligible to apply for green cards and eventually citizenship.
Who is eligible for DACA Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is a process in U.S. immigration law that allows DACA recipients to leave and then re-enter the country lawfully. It can be requested for three specific purposes: employment, education, or humanitarian reasons.
Humanitarian reasons include medical treatment, visiting a sick relative, or attending a funeral. Employment-related travel could include work assignments, conferences, and job interviews, while education-related travel refers to study abroad programs or academic research trips.
Vacations are not considered a valid reason for Advance Parole. To apply, you must file Form I-131 with USCIS and provide proof of your reason for travel. It’s important to demonstrate to USCIS that your trip is necessary and not for leisure purposes.
Advance Parole creates an opportunity for Dreamers to pursue a path toward naturalization. For information on obtaining Advance Parole for international travel as a DACA recipient, visit Wizard Visa.
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