I received my asylum-based work permit. Can I travel outside the United States?

A work permit alone does not authorize international travel. If you are an asylum applicant, you must apply for advance parole before leaving the United States. Departing without advance parole can result in your asylum application being considered abandoned. Even with advance parole, travel to your home country is strongly discouraged, as it may raise serious credibility concerns about your fear of persecution.

Before planning travel, you should apply for advance parole and wait for approval. Keep in mind that returning to your country of claimed persecution can significantly damage your asylum case. USCIS and immigration judges may question whether you genuinely fear harm. Travel should be temporary and carefully documented, and legal guidance is recommended before departure.