Leases are legally binding, but in some situations, you can legally break your lease without penalties . Don’t let a landlord scare you into staying when you have the law on your side. 1. Legal Reasons to Break a Lease Unsafe living conditions Landlord harassment Active military duty (under SCRA) Domestic violence protection laws Job relocation over 50+ miles (in some states) 2. Required Steps Give written notice Provide documentation (e.g., military orders, police report) Follow your state’s legal timeline (usually 30 days) 3. What If It's Not a Legal Reason? Negotiate early termination Sublet if allowed Pay a lease-break fee (if reasonable) Final Thought: Know your rights. Some leases are breakable—especially if your health, safety, or legal protections are at risk.
Once you've submitted your Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence), traveling outside the United States becomes risky. Many applicants don’t realize that leaving the country without proper authorization may result in their application being considered abandoned.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the do's and don’ts of international travel while your Green Card is still pending.
1. What Is Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is a document issued by USCIS that allows you to re-enter the U.S. without losing your pending adjustment of status. You must apply using Form I-131, and it must be approved before you travel. If you leave the U.S. before obtaining it, your I-485 application may be denied.
2. Who Needs It?
If you're applying for a Green Card from within the U.S. (adjustment of status), you must get Advance Parole before traveling internationally unless you are in a valid H, L, or V visa category. Most applicants do not fall under these exceptions.
3. How Long Does It Take?
It can take 3 to 6 months to receive your Advance Parole document. Expedited processing is available in emergency cases (like illness or death in the family), but approval is not guaranteed.
4. What Happens Without It?
If you leave the U.S. without Advance Parole:
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Your I-485 application will be deemed abandoned.
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You will have to restart the Green Card process.
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Re-entry into the U.S. may be denied.
5. What If You Already Left?
If you already traveled without Advance Parole, consult an immigration attorney immediately. You may need to reapply from abroad or explore options like consular processing.
Final Thoughts
Traveling during your Green Card process should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, apply for Advance Parole early, and do not leave until you have it in hand. This one precaution could save your entire immigration journey.
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