12/13/2005

Visa expiration dates, as stamped in the passport, should be checked if there is a possibility of travel outside the U.S. Plans should be made in case there is some sort of an emergency that could require unexpected travel. As explained above, the expiration date on the visa "stamp" in the passport does not affect status or permission to remain in the U.S. A valid visa, however, is generally required for reentry to the U.S. It is no longer possible to revalidate visas from within the United States through the Department of State (DOS).

One who has a pending I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status, may also request issuance of an Advance Parole document. This Advance Parole is essentially advance permission to return to the U.S. to continue with the I-485. For such persons who do not also hold H or L status, the Advance Parole is a necessity. 

A person who files the I-485 should obtain advance parole. Even if one is in H or L status, the Advance Parole can be a useful backup document. It is usually issued for one year, with multiple entries. The expiration date should be clearly stamped on the document. It is absolutely necessary to return to the U.S. prior to the expiration date, if one is relying on Advance Parole. 

If the Advance Parole is approaching expiration, an extension should be requested while in the U.S. We recommend allowing at least a few months to avoid any problems due to delays in processing.