Form I-131: Travel Document Application Guide

If you're a green card applicant, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee who needs to travel internationally, knowing Form I-131 is critical. This USCIS form is your gateway to obtaining travel documents that protect your immigration status while you're abroad. Traveling without proper documentation can have serious consequences. Depending on your situation, leaving the United States without the right authorization could result in an abandoned adjustment of status application, jeopardized refugee or asylee status, or difficulties reentering the country. Form I-131 exists to prevent these outcomes by providing a formal process for requesting travel authorization.

Below, we'll cover the different types of travel documents, eligibility requirements, the filing process, processing times, and fees. Whether you need an advance parole document, a reentry permit, or a refugee travel document, you'll find actionable guidance here.

What is Form I-131?

Form I-131, officially titled Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records, is the standard form used to request travel authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and operates under the authority of Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 212(d)(5)(A).

The form serves multiple purposes depending on your immigration status. For some, it provides a way to travel without abandoning a pending application. For others, it documents intent to maintain permanent resident status during extended absences. The specific document you receive depends on your current status and any pending applications with USCIS.

Form I-131 is not a visa. Instead, it authorizes you to present yourself at a U.S. port of entry and request admission or parole upon your return. The actual decision to admit or parole you into the United States is made by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the time of your arrival. This distinction helps set appropriate expectations about what the document does and does not guarantee.

Types of travel documents

Form I-131 can be used to request several different types of travel documents, each with its own eligibility criteria, validity period, and limitations. Before filing, determine which document type matches your situation.

Advance parole document

An advance parole document is for aliens inside the United States who need to travel abroad while maintaining eligibility for a pending benefit. The most common use case involves applicants with a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. If you leave the country without an advance parole document while your adjustment of status application is pending, USCIS will generally consider your application abandoned.

Important exception: If you hold H-1B, H-1B1, H-4, L-1, L-2, K-3, K-4, or V nonimmigrant status, you may travel abroad without advance parole and your I-485 will not be considered abandoned. You must have a valid visa stamp in your passport (or be visa-exempt) and remain eligible for and admissible in that category upon applying for admission at the port of entry.

Reentry permit

A reentry permit is for lawful permanent residents or conditional permanent residents planning an extended stay outside the United States. The permit allows you to apply for admission upon returning without needing a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

A reentry permit is typically valid for up to 2 years. If you have been outside the United States for more than 4 of the last 5 years since becoming a permanent resident or since being granted your last reentry permit (whichever is later), USCIS will limit the permit to 1 year. You must be physically present in the United States when filing and for your biometrics appointment.

Refugee travel document

A refugee travel document is for individuals in valid refugee or asylee status, or for lawful permanent residents who obtained their status as a direct result of refugee or asylee status. This document allows you to travel abroad and seek admission upon your return.

Refugee travel documents are valid for 1 year and cannot be extended. You must apply for and complete biometrics before leaving the United States. Traveling to your country of claimed persecution may terminate your asylee status under INA section 208(c)(2)(D).

TPS travel authorization document

A TPS travel authorization document is for Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries inside the United States who wish to travel abroad. If approved, USCIS issues Form I-512T, which is evidence of DHS's prior consent to your travel under INA section 244(f)(3).

If you travel and return in accordance with your TPS travel authorization and your TPS remains valid, you will be admitted in the same status you had at departure, unless inadmissible for certain criminal or security grounds.

Arrival/departure records

Form I-131 can also be used to request arrival/departure records for parole in place and re-parole. Parole in place is for aliens present without having been admitted (such as military parole in place). Re-parole is for those who need an additional parole period.

Eligibility requirements

Eligibility depends on the document type you are requesting. Each category has distinct requirements you must meet before USCIS will approve your application.

Advance parole eligibility

You may apply for an advance parole document if you meet one of the following criteria:

• Pending Form I-485 adjustment of status application
• Pending affirmative Form I-589 (asylum application)
• Pending initial Form I-821 (TPS application)
• Approved DACA (Form I-821D), but only for educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes (vacation does not qualify)
• Approved T nonimmigrant status (Form I-914)
• Approved U nonimmigrant status (Form I-918) or pending Form I-918
• Current parolee under INA section 212(d)(5)(A)
• Approved Form I-817 (Family Unity Benefits)
• Pending Form I-687 (temporary resident status under INA section 245A)
• Approved V nonimmigrant status
• CNMI long-term resident status

Reentry permit eligibility

To qualify for a reentry permit, you must be a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident, physically present in the United States at filing, and complete biometrics before departure.

Refugee travel document eligibility

You may apply for a refugee travel document if you hold valid refugee or asylee status, or if you are a lawful permanent resident who obtained status from refugee or asylee status. You must file before departing. If you are outside the U.S., USCIS may accept your application at its discretion if you have been outside for less than 1 year.

Who cannot file

Certain individuals are generally ineligible to file Form I-131:

• Aliens in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings (generally)
• Aliens outside the U.S. seeking advance parole (advance parole is specifically for people inside the U.S.; however, other parole categories on Form I-131 can be filed from abroad under different provisions)

Note regarding J-1 visa holders: If you hold or held J-1 nonimmigrant status subject to the 2-year foreign residence requirement under INA section 212(e), you may not be able to obtain advance parole for purposes of adjustment of status. You may still be eligible to file Form I-131 for other document types if you have obtained a waiver of the 2-year requirement or are no longer subject to it.

How to file Form I-131

The application process involves several steps. Following each step carefully helps avoid delays and denials.

Step 1: Determine your document type

Review Part 1 of Form I-131 and select the box that corresponds to your situation. The document type you select determines your filing location, required evidence, and applicable fee. Selecting the wrong category can result in rejection or denial.

Step 2: Complete Form I-131

Download the current edition from the USCIS website. Complete all required sections based on your document type. For paper-filed forms, you must sign in ink with a handwritten signature. USCIS will reject stamped signatures on paper forms. Online-filed forms use an electronic signature certification. If you are under 14, a parent or legal guardian may sign on your behalf.

Step 3: Gather supporting documents

Assemble the required supporting documents for your application type:

• Photo identity document (passport, EAD, or government-issued driver's license)
• Two identical passport-style photos (2x2 inches, white background)
• Evidence of status (I-797 approval notice, I-485 receipt notice, or green card copy)
• For reentry permit: copy of front and back of Form I-551 (green card)
• For refugee travel document: copy of approval document showing refugee or asylee status

Step 4: Pay the filing fee

Check the current USCIS fee schedule for applicable fees. USCIS accepts payment via credit, debit, or prepaid card (Form G-1450) or ACH bank transfer (Form G-1650). Personal checks are no longer accepted unless you qualify for an exemption.

Step 5: Submit your application

You may file online (for certain categories) or mail your application to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox. Filing addresses vary by document type and state. Include Form G-1145 for e-notification when USCIS receives your application.

Step 6: Attend a biometrics appointment

After filing, USCIS sends an appointment notice for biometrics at an Application Support Center (ASC). Biometrics are required for ages 14-79 for reentry permits, refugee travel documents, parole in place, and re-parole. Failure to appear will result in denial.

Filing fees and costs

Knowing the fee structure helps you budget appropriately and avoid rejection due to incorrect payment. Fees changed significantly under the April 1, 2024 USCIS fee rule, and additional fees under H.R. 1 (Pub. L. 119-21) took effect in late 2025.

Important note on concurrent filing: Under the April 1, 2024 USCIS fee rule, filing fees are now charged separately for Form I-485, Form I-131, and Form I-765, even when filed concurrently. The previous practice of including advance parole at no additional cost when filed with Form I-485 ended in April 2024. You must now pay separate filing fees for each form.

New $1,000 immigration parole fee: Per H.R. 1 (Pub. L. 119-21), effective October 15, 2025, CBP collects a $1,000 immigration parole fee at the port of entry for paroled entries. Adjustment of status applicants traveling on advance parole issued pursuant to a pending I-485 are exempt from this fee. Other advance parole categories (DACA, asylum, etc.) may be subject to this fee upon return.

Fee waivers

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may request a fee waiver by submitting Form I-912. You must demonstrate an inability to pay based on income or hardship. Not all Form I-131 categories are eligible for fee waivers.

Fees change periodically, so verify current amounts on the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055) before filing. If you need a work permit during the green card process, those fees are separate.

Processing times

Processing times for Form I-131 vary based on document type, service center, and USCIS workload. Setting realistic expectations helps you plan travel accordingly.

Current typical ranges (verify on USCIS for most current estimates):

• Advance Parole (standalone): 4-8 months
• Advance Parole (filed with I-485): 4-12 months
• Reentry Permit: 4-12 months
• Refugee Travel Document: 3-6 months

Check USCIS processing times for updated estimates specific to your document type and filing location.

How to check your case status

After filing, USCIS sends a receipt notice with your receipt number. Use this number to check status online at uscis.gov/casestatus. The myProgress tool is also available for Form I-131 applicants.

Expedite requests

If you have an urgent need to travel, you may request expedited processing for humanitarian reasons, severe financial loss, medical emergencies, or USCIS error. Contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 to submit an expedite request.

For extremely urgent situations, emergency advance parole may be available at USCIS field offices. Bring all required documentation and evidence supporting your emergency.

If you are waiting on Form I-140 approval, coordinate your travel plans with your overall case timeline.

Online filing vs. paper filing

USCIS offers online filing for some Form I-131 categories, providing faster receipt notices and easier case tracking.

Online filing available for: Reentry permits, refugee travel documents, certain advance parole categories (pending I-485 with IOE receipt, pending I-821, approved I-821D, approved I-918), and certain re-parole categories (Afghans, Ukrainians, FWVP, IMMVI, CAM, FRTF, Military PIP).

Paper filing required for: TPS travel authorization, advance parole based on pending I-589 or approved I-914/I-817/I-687, advance parole for V status or CNMI long-term residents, and initial parole documents for aliens outside the U.S.

To file online, create an account at my.uscis.gov. You cannot change the application type after filing online, so ensure you select the correct category. Online filing categories have expanded in 2024-2025, so check the USCIS website for the most current list of eligible categories.

Important warnings and compliance

Before traveling with any Form I-131 document, understand these critical warnings that could affect your immigration status.

Warning for advance parole applicants: Issuance does NOT guarantee parole upon return. DHS makes a separate discretionary decision at the port of entry and may revoke advance parole at any time, including while you are abroad. If you have been ordered to be removed and depart, you will be considered removed even with advance parole.

Warning for adjustment of status applicants: Leaving without advance parole while your I-485 is pending will result in USCIS considering your green card application abandoned (with exceptions for H-1B, H-1B1, H-4, L-1, L-2, K-3, K-4, and V status holders who have valid visa stamps). You must have the document before departing.

Legal protection for applicants with unlawful presence: Under Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly (BIA 2012), travel on advance parole by I-485 applicants does not constitute a "departure" that triggers the 3-year or 10-year inadmissibility bars for unlawful presence under INA section 212(a)(9)(B). This protection applies to adjustment of status applicants traveling on advance parole pursuant to a pending I-485.

Warning for refugees and asylees: Returning to your country of persecution may terminate your asylum status under INA section 208(c)(2)(D). Using a passport from your country of persecution may indicate voluntary re-availment of that country's protection, which could also jeopardize your status.

Warning for CNMI long-term residents: Travel to Guam or other U.S. locations without advance permission results in automatic termination of CNMI long-term resident status.

What happens if your document expires while abroad: A reentry permit that expires while you are outside the United States cannot be renewed from abroad. If your reentry permit expires during an extended absence, you would need to apply for a returning resident visa (SB-1) at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to return. Plan your travel duration carefully to avoid this situation.

Form I-131 and the green card process

For many applicants, Form I-131 is closely connected to the green card application process. You can file Form I-131 concurrently with Form I-485 (adjustment of status), though each form now requires its own filing fee under the April 2024 fee rule.

Combo card: If you file Form I-131 concurrently with Form I-485 and Form I-765, USCIS may issue a single combo card serving as both your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole Document. This is the most common scenario for adjustment applicants and provides both work authorization and travel authorization in one card.

If you have a pending I-485, you should NOT travel without either:

1. A valid advance parole document in hand, OR
2. Maintaining H-1B, H-1B1, H-4, L-1, L-2, K-3, K-4, or V nonimmigrant status with a valid visa stamp for reentry

Travel planning during green card processing

Apply for advance parole at least 3-6 months before planned travel to account for processing times. Keep copies of all documents when traveling, including your I-797 approval notice, passport, and advance parole document.

Monitor the Visa Bulletin if your green card case depends on priority date availability. Coordinate travel plans with your immigration timeline.

Renewal and replacement

Reentry permits and refugee travel documents cannot be extended. When your document approaches its expiration date, you must file a new Form I-131 to obtain a replacement.

Replacement scenarios

You may request a replacement document if the original was:

• Never received after USCIS issued it
• Lost, stolen, or damaged
• Issued with incorrect information

To request a replacement, complete Part 4 of Form I-131 indicating the reason for replacement and provide the receipt number from your original application. If the error was caused by USCIS, no additional fee is required. If the document was lost, stolen, damaged, or contained errors you caused, you must pay the applicable filing fee.

Before requesting a replacement, check your case status online or call the USCIS Contact Center to determine whether your document was returned to USCIS. This step can save time and money if the issue is simply a delivery problem.

Choosing the right support partner

Filing Form I-131 requires coordination with pending applications, strict documentation requirements, and compliance with USCIS rules. Errors can result in abandoned applications, denied travel, or jeopardized immigration status.

Lighthouse helps professionals and employers work through these challenges through eligibility diagnostics to identify the correct document type, documentation guidance to ensure complete filings, legal review to strengthen applications, and case management technology that tracks deadlines and coordinates with related filings. Our team combines immigration expertise with technology to keep your case on track.

Many applicants benefit from consulting an immigration attorney or working with a law firm that specializes in immigration cases. Professional legal advice can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your application is complete. Fill out our eligibility form to see how Lighthouse can help with your immigration journey.

FAQs

What is an I-131 form for?

Form I-131 is the official USCIS form to request travel documents, parole documents, and arrival/departure records. Different applicants use it to obtain advance parole (for pending green card applicants), reentry permits (for permanent residents planning extended travel), refugee travel documents (for refugees and asylees), or parole in place documentation. The specific document depends on your immigration status and travel needs.

How long does it take to get an I-131?

Processing times vary by document type and USCIS workload. Standalone advance parole typically takes 4-8 months, while advance parole filed concurrently with Form I-485 can take 4-12 months. Reentry permits range from 4-12 months, and refugee travel documents typically take 3-6 months. Check current processing times on the USCIS website using your receipt number. Expedited processing is available for qualifying urgent circumstances such as medical emergencies or severe financial loss.

Do I need I-131 if I have a green card?

Green card holders do not need Form I-131 for short trips abroad. Your green card (Form I-551) functions as a travel document for reentry. If you plan to remain outside the United States for more than 1 year, you should apply for a reentry permit to protect your permanent resident status and demonstrate that you did not abandon residency. Without a reentry permit, lengthy absences could support a finding that you abandoned your status.

How does I-131 affect my green card?

For pending green card applicants, Form I-131 provides advance parole that allows international travel without abandoning your adjustment of status application. Without it, leaving the U.S. while your I-485 is pending will result in USCIS treating your application as abandoned. This rule applies on a case-by-case basis, with exceptions for certain H-1B, H-4, L-1, L-2, K-3, K-4, and V visa holders who maintain valid status and visa stamps.

How do I know if my I-131 is approved?

USCIS will mail a Form I-797 approval notice to your address on file when your application is approved. You can also check your case status online using your receipt number at uscis.gov/casestatus or through the USCIS myProgress tool. If your mailing address changes, update it with USCIS promptly to avoid missing important notices.

Does I-131 need biometrics?

Yes, for most applicants ages 14-79 requesting reentry permits, refugee travel documents, parole in place, or re-parole. USCIS will send you a biometrics appointment notice to appear at an Application Support Center (ASC). For refugee travel documents, you must complete biometrics before departing the United States. Failure to attend the biometrics appointment may result in denial of your application.

Can I file Form I-131 from outside the United States?

Advance parole is specifically for aliens inside the United States. If you are outside the U.S. and need to travel to the United States, you would apply for an initial parole document under a different section of Form I-131 (such as under a specific parole program) or through consular processing for a visa. Refugees and asylees who departed the U.S. without a refugee travel document may, at USCIS discretion, file from abroad if they have been outside for less than 1 year.

What happens if my I-131 is denied?

If your Form I-131 is denied, USCIS will send you a denial notice explaining the reasons. You cannot appeal most I-131 denials, but you may file a new application addressing the deficiencies. If you traveled without the document or if your document was revoked while abroad, you may face difficulties returning to the United States and may need to apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.