Ask ISSP column

Q: I have been with my fiancée now for two years. She is an American citizen. I am on an F-1 visa. We were considering getting married at some point this year. Once married, do I get any type of paperwork allowing me to travel and come back in the US?

A: Once you are married, your spouse can file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf and you can concurrently apply to adjust status to become a permanent resident. You should also be able to apply for what is called an advance parole document that will allow you to travel. Travel is usually only a problem for certain people who have immigration status violations.

Assuming that is not the case for you, then getting the parole document should not be a problem except that you would want to apply for the document as early as possible since it can take a few months to process the application, and you need to remain in the US while the document is being processed.

Also, note that the travel document would be valid for a year and you'll want to make sure you return from any trip before the document expires. Hopefully, the application to adjust status would be processed and you will receive your permanent resident card before that became an issue. Filing for permanent residence is a complicated process. You may want to hire an immigration attorney to assist you.