Last Updated: October 4, 2016 2:40:24 PM PDT
UC San Diego students without immigration status: Make an informed decision about whether, where and when to travel outside the U.S.
Studying abroad can be an exciting educational and life experience. It is important for all students to make sure that they have all of the information they need to make an informed decision about whether, where and when to travel.
Students without immigration status often need additional information before they make a decision. The UCSD Undocumented Student Services Center, UCSD Study Abroad Office, and UCSD Student Legal Services are here to help!
Also, UC San Diego students and their families have access to free immigration legal services provided by the UC Undocumented Legal Services Center. The program is staffed by attorneys and fellows who are available to give legal advice. Assistance with advance parole for study abroad is just one example of ways they are available to assist UC San Diego students.
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Can undocumented students study abroad?
Students with approved Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may be able to study abroad through a process called advance parole. “Parole” in this case simply means “permission.” Advance parole is a request in advance for permission to enter the United States at a future time. Advance parole is not a guarantee of re-entry.
Students who are undocumented who do not have DACA are strongly encouraged not to study abroad, because they are not eligible for advance parole. This includes students who are exempt from out-of-state tuition pursuant to AB540 but who do not have DACA.
Students who are eligible for DACA but not yet approved are not eligible for advance parole. A person must have been approved for DACA to apply for advance parole.
What is advance parole?
Students with approved Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may be able to study abroad through a process called advance parole. “Parole” in this case simply means “permission.” Advance parole is a request in advance for permission to enter the United States at a future time. Advance parole is not a guarantee of re-entry.
Students can request advance parole for an educational purpose, an employment purpose, or a humanitarian purpose.
What do I need to do to apply for advance parole?
Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an immigration attorney for guidance completing an application for advance parole. Even students who have completed their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals applications/ renewals without the help of an attorney would benefit from discussing advance parole with an immigration attorney. A reputable attorney will discuss the advance parole process and help potential advance parole applicants weigh pros and cons of advance parole.
UC San Diego students who are considering applying for advance parole are encouraged to speak with the UCSD Undocumented Student Services Coordinator or UCSD Student Legal Services.
UC San Diego students who are considering applying for advance parole for study abroad should contact the UCSD Study Abroad Office and meet with a Study Abroad Advisor. Students with DACA will get the most out of their meeting with the Study Abroad Advisor, if the student shares that the student has DACA.
Start early! Advance parole applications and study abroad program applications take some time and coordination. Start planning early, so you can make sure to utilize all of the resources available to you.
Can I apply for advance parole to go on vacation?
No. Students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals may only apply for advance parole for trips with an educational purpose, an employment purpose, or a humanitarian purpose.
A vacation or travel for pleasure is not a basis for advance parole. Unfortunately, advance parole is not authorized for trips to visit family, friends, or “sight-see.”
I pay in-state tuition based on AB540 and/or I receive California Dream Act funds. Can I study abroad?