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USCIS Guide

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I-131: Application for Travel Document

What is form i-131.

Any non-U.S. citizen traveling outside the United States must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document with the exception of permanent residents.

Immigrant/non-immigrant Visa Holders

• Foreigners with immigrant or non-immigrant visas must file Form I-131 when traveling outside the United States.
• Traveling within the United States do not require Form I-131.

Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)

• If travel duration is less than 2 years , permanent residents are not required to file Form I-131 when traveling outside the United States.
• If travel duration is longer than 2 years , permanent residents must file Form I-131 when traveling outside the United States.
• Please note that for Permanent Residents who lose their green card while traveling outside of the United States, they must use Form 131A, Application for Travel Documents (Carrier Documentation) to obtain a reentry permit.

It is important applicants properly submit Form I-131 as failure to file I 131 may prevent the applicant from re-entering the country. When submitting, there are three types of travel documents for applicants:

• For green card holders who want to be outside of the United states for 1 year or more, they must apply for a re-entry permit in order to return to the country. Typically, a green card is enough to pass through customs back into the United States but only if the departure duration is for 1 year or less. Permit is only available for permanent residents and is valid for 2 years .
• This is only available for refugees and asylees who want to travel outside of the United States. Since people with refugee or asylum status do not have passports or green cards, they must apply for this travel document to be able to return to the country. The permit is valid for 1 year .
• Advance parole grants permission to reenter the United States for people who are adjustment of status applicants who are in transition and do not fall within any specific category of status, U visa holders, and those under a protected status. The permit is valid for 1 year .

While the USCIS does not require applicants to wait for approval before leaving the country, applicant should be aware the USCIS may request a fingerprinting appointment (biometrics service). Failing to show up at the appoint may lead to a rejection.

What are Form I-131 Instructions?

Filing fee and instructions for Form I-131 vary depending on the application type and age of the applicant.

Applicants under certain financial circumstances can file a fee waiver form (I-912) to waive the filing and biometric fees. An example of valid circumstance is an individual living at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines . In addition, no additional fee is necessary if the applicant meets one of the following criteria:

• Filing Form I-131 as Application Type B or D
• Filed Form I-485 with a fee after July 29, 2007

Who is Eligible for Form I-131?

Form I-131 is an application for a re-entry permit, or travel document, designed for citizens and permanent residents of the United States. Any individual who has received a green card, or is a citizen of the United States, is eligible to submit Form I-131.

What is the Latest Form I-131 Edition?

The most recent edition of Form I-131 is dated 09/30/20.

What are the Required Documents for Form I-131?

1. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document 2. Copy of your valid nonimmigrant visa (if applicable) 3. Copy of your passport identification page 4. Proof of payment of the filing fee 5. Two passport-style photos 6. Evidence of latest legal status in the U.S. 7. Evidence of relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (if applicable) 8. Evidence of employment authorization (if applicable) 9. Other relevant documentation (as applicable)

How to Submit Form I-131?

Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) is used to apply for various types of travel documents, such as advance parole, re-entry permits, and refugee travel documents. To submit the form, you must first download and print the form from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. After completing the form, you must gather supporting documents and submit them along with the form.

Once your form is completed and all the necessary documents are gathered, mail them to the USCIS address listed on the form instructions. Be sure to include the filing fee or an approved fee waiver request. If you require expedited processing, you must also include a request for expedited processing and provide proof of emergency situation. You can also submit your application electronically via USCIS’s e-Filing system.

After the USCIS receives your application, they may contact you if they need additional information or documents. After they complete their review of your application, they will make a decision regarding your request for a travel document.

What are the Filing Tips for Form I-131?

1. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information required for Form I-131.

2. Double check and make sure that all the information and documents you provide are accurate.

3. Make sure that you sign and date the form after completing it.

4. Include supporting documents such as passport photos, travel itineraries, and other supporting evidence of your identity and purpose of travel.

5. Submit your application and fees with certified check or money order made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.

6. Mail your application and supporting documents to the address indicated on the form instructions, or submit online through USCIS ELIS if available to you.

7. Follow up on the status of your application with the processing time indicated on the USCIS website for Form I-131.

Are There Special Instructions for Form I-131?

Yes, there are special instructions for Form I-131. The form is used to apply for a re-entry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole travel document. Depending on the document you are applying for, there are different instructions and fees you must follow.

You will need to provide evidence of your valid immigration status in the United States, and proof of identity. You will also need to submit proof of a valid purpose for travel and evidence of why you need the travel document. You may be asked to provide additional supporting evidence and documents.

You must also pay the filing fee, which can range from $575 to $575 for a re-entry permit or $575 for a refugee travel document or advance parole travel document. Additionally, if you are applying from outside the United States, you must pay an additional biometrics fee of $85.

When completing the form, you must provide detailed information about yourself and your travels. You must also make sure all information is accurate and truthful; any false or incomplete information may lead to delays or denials in your application.

Once your application is complete and all fees have been paid, you should submit your application to the office listed on Form I-131’s instructions.

What is the Form I-131 Fee?

The Form I-131 Fee is the fee that must be paid when filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The fee for Form I-131 is currently $575, although certain applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver or reduced fee.

Can I Apply for Form I-131 Fee Waiver or Reduction?

Yes, you can apply for a Form I-131 fee waiver or reduction if you meet certain requirements. To be eligible, you must: have a low income and financial hardship, be the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or be an asylum applicant. Additionally, you must provide evidence that the fee would create a significant financial hardship for you or your family. If you meet these requirements, you must submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with your application for Form I-131.

What is the Form I-131 Processing Time?

The processing time for Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) can vary depending on the type of travel document you are requesting and your current immigration status. Generally, processing times can range from 3-5 months but can take longer in some cases. Applicants should check the processing times on the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.

Form I-131 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Form I-131? A: Form I-131 is an application form used by non-U.S. citizens to obtain a travel document, such as a re-entry permit, advance parole, or refugee travel document.

Q: Who should file Form I-131? A: Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen and needs to travel outside the United States is required to file Form I-131. This includes people with permanent residence status (green card holders), refugees, and asylees.

Q: How much does it cost to file Form I-131? A: The fee for filing Form I-131 is currently $575 USD, which must be paid with a credit card, debit card, or check.

Q: How long does it take for Form I-131 to be processed? A: The processing time for Form I-131 varies depending on the type of application and the current workload of the USCIS. Generally, it can take anywhere from 1 to 6 months or more for an application to be processed.

Q: What documents do I need to file Form I-131? A: The documents required to file Form I-131 depend on the purpose of your application. Generally, you will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, proof of your immigration status, such as a green card, and evidence of your travel plans.

Q: Where can I get more information about filing Form I-131? A: The USCIS website has detailed information about filing Form I-131, including instructions and requirements for each type of application. You can also reach out directly to the USCIS if you have any questions about your application.

Form I-131: The Advance Parole Travel Document Explained

If you have or are applying for a green card, DACA status, or certain humanitarian visas, and you want to travel outside the United States, you need to get a travel document from the U.S. government. You apply for this document by filing Form I-131: Application for Travel Document with USCIS. This allows you to get what’s called an Advance Parole document. Below is a guide on how to apply for Advance Parole step-by-step as well as tips for to plan for your temporary travel.

Written by Jonathan Petts .  Updated September 24, 2023

What Is Advance Parole?

An Advance Parole document allows current green card applicants to leave the United States for temporary travel and return without disrupting their green card (permanent resident card) application process. There are a few situations you can be in while applying for Advance Parole, such as: having a pending application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or being a DACA recipient. In this article, we are focusing on individuals applying for Advance Parole with a pending green card application . 

To apply for Advance Parole, you must file Form I-131: Application for Travel Document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Green card applicants looking to travel abroad for any reason must obtain Advance Parole before leaving the United States. If you leave the U.S. without the proper travel documents, USCIS will close your green card application.  

Why Do I Need Advance Parole?

You need Advance Parole if you have a pending green card (permanent resident card) application and want to take a trip outside the United States. If you leave the United States without Advance Parole and USCIS hasn’t approved your green card application, the agency will consider your case abandoned and likely deny for application.

If USCIS closes your green card application, you have to start the process over again, which is expensive and time-consuming. To avoid this, you need to complete Form I-131: Application for Travel Document and apply for Advance Parole before leaving the U.S.

You do not need to apply for Advance Parole if you are waiting for USCIS to process your Form I-485 and you are: 

A temporary worker under a valid H-1 visa (or their spouse or child)

An intra-company transferee under a valid L-1 visa (or their spouse or child)

Who Is Eligible for Advance Parole?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis. You’re eligible to apply for Advance Parole if you fall within one of these categories:

You submitted an adjustment of status green card application using Form I-485

You applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)* 

You submitted an asylum application or you are an asylee

You currently have a pending application for temporary resident status under Section 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

USCIS granted you TPS, T nonimmigrant, or U nonimmigrant status 

USCIS or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) granted you humanitarian parole under Section 212 (d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

You received benefits through the Family Unity Program

You’re a DACA recipient

*On July 1, 2022 USCIS began issuing a new travel authorization document for people who receive TPS. This new form is called: Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States.

Who Is Not Eligible for Advance Parole?

You aren’t eligible for Advance Parole if one or more of the following applies to you:

You are residing in the United States without valid immigration status after entering unlawfully many times

You have a valid reentry permit or refugee document 

You are on a J visa or a visa with a foreign residence requirement

You are a beneficiary of a private immigration bill approved by Congress

You are currently in the middle of a removal proceeding (deportation)

You are an asylee or a refugee, but you’re not adjusting your status to a green card 

If you’ve been in the United States unlawfully, you may file for Advance Parole. However, even if granted, you still may be barred from reentry by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

If you’ve lived in the United States without status for any period of time, you should always consult an immigration lawyer before traveling abroad. If you can't afford a lawyer, you can contact a legal aid office for help.

How Do I Apply for Advance Parole? A Step-by-Step Guide

First, you will need to complete the official application form, called Form I-131: Application for Travel Document. When you have completed the form, you will have to gather the government filing fees and supporting documentation, and then finally submit them together with Form I-131 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Step 1: Complete Form I-131

Form I-131 is officially called the Application for Travel Document. This document is used for anyone applying for a Reentry Permit, a Refugee Travel Document, and Advance Parole. You cannot submit your travel permit request to the U.S. government without completing and signing this form. 

You can complete the form in two ways — either online by creating a MyUSCIS account or on paper by downloading, printing, and completing the most recent version of Form I-131 from the USCIS website. You will need your Alien Registration Number (A Number) to complete your application.

Step 2: Gather Fees & Supporting Documents for Form I-131

When you have completed Form I-131, it is time to gather the $575 filing fee and the required supporting documents. You must include these supporting documents with the Form I-131 application:

Your receipt notice from USCIS after filing Form I-485, if your green card is pending

Two passport-style photographs 

USCIS-issued document showing the validity of your current immigration status — this could be an approval/receipt notice ( Form I-797 )

A photocopy of a government-issued identification document (ID), which must include your name, date of birth, and a photo — examples of acceptable forms of ID include a passport, drivers license, and employment authorization document (EAD)

Marriage certificate (if applying for Advance Parole based on your spouse’s pending green card application)

Child’s birth certificate (if applying for Advance Parole for a child based on a pending child green card application)

Detailed evidence explaining your reasons for traveling — you can explain your reasons with a Declaration of Support Letter

If any of your supporting documents aren’t in English, USCIS requires the documents be accompanied by a certified English translation .

It’s also a good idea to include a cover letter for your application. This short letter explains what supporting documents are in your application and helps keep things organized.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can submit your completed Form I-131: Application for Travel Document and supporting documents to USCIS either online or by mail. To submit online, you must first create a MyUSCIS account . Then you can submit your petition through your account on the USCIS website.

If you choose to submit your USCIS forms by mail, you will have to send your application packet to a specific USCIS filing address. The address depends on where you live and what mail service you use to send your forms. For Advance Parole applicants who have a pending Form I-485 (green card) application, you’ll send your documents either to the USCIS lockbox in Chicago, Dallas, or Phoenix. The USCIS website lists these addresses .

If You’re Filing Form I-131 Overseas

If you’re filing Form I-131 overseas, you must first get permission from your local U.S. embassy or consulate. You’ll have to set up an appointment with your local U.S. embassy to make your request in person. The State Department has an up-to-date list of all U.S. embassies and consulates.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Advance Parole?

The filing fee for Form I-131 is $575. If you cannot afford this filing fee, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver by filing Form I-912 . You can also check out our tips for fundraising the fees .

You can pay using a money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card. All checks should be made payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” If you’re using a credit card, you must also file Form G-1450 : Authorization for Credit Card Transactions with your Form I-131 application. USCIS can only process your credit card payment using Form G-1450. 

How Long Does It Take To Get Advance Parole?

It’s currently taking USCIS 6 to 18 months to process Advance Parole applications. Processing times vary a lot by USCIS service center and may change over time. Your Form I-131 application can be delayed if you didn’t fill it out completely and correctly, mail it to the correct address, and ensure USCIS received it. 

The application processing time may take longer if the USCIS service center handling your case is experiencing significant processing backlogs. You can see USCIS’ current processing times on its webpage.

I Have an Emergency. Can I Get Advance Parole Quicker?

In some cases, USCIS will expedite applications. This can reduce the processing time to 30 days. To expedite your Advance Parole document application, you must demonstrate to USCIS that:

You’ve suffered a financial loss to your company or person

You’re experiencing an emergency

You have a valid humanitarian reason

You’re affiliated with a nonprofit organization requesting an expedited application for culture or social interests benefiting the United States

Your request is made by the Department of Defense or another U.S. government agency to promote the national interest

USCIS made an administrative error

You have another compelling interest determined by USCIS

USCIS grants emergency Advance Parole requests based on its officers’ discretion in emergencies. To do this, you will have to visit the nearest USCIS office with the following documents:

A completed Form I-131

Evidence supporting the emergency request

Two passport-style photos

Successful emergency Advance Parole requests are usually processed on the same day. 

What You Need To Know When Traveling With Advance Parole

Once you’ve successfully applied for Advance Parole, you cannot leave the United States until you’ve received your physical travel document. 

Typically, an Advance Parole document allows you temporary travel for up to one year abroad. However, USCIS reserves the right to revoke your Advance Parole document for any reason. If this happens, you cannot return to the United States without a valid U.S. visa or other documentation. 

You should also be mindful of scheduled fingerprinting ( biometric services ) and interview appointments. Although your travel permit may allow temporary travel for up to one year, you may miss many of these appointments without regularly returning to the U.S. 

The same goes for regularly receiving mailed communications (such as a notice of action ) from USCIS, which help you understand the status of your application. It’s best to make arrangements to receive mail while traveling abroad or update your mailing address with USCIS.

Reentry Into the U.S.

It is important to know that even if you have a valid Advance Parole document , there is no guarantee you can reenter the U.S. after traveling abroad. When arriving at a port of entry upon your return to the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will conduct an inspection and determine your admission back into the U.S. Unfortunately, DHS could deny your reentry. 

It is also possible for DHS to revoke your Advance Parole at any time, including while you are abroad. This can happen even if your Form I-131 application has been approved and you have the correct Advance Parole documents. With these risks, it is crucial to determine whether temporary travel outside of the United States is necessary.

Continue reading and learning!

Form I-131 – How to Apply for a Travel Document

Let us help you start your application today!

Last updated: April 2, 2024.

Application for Travel Document, or Form I-131, is a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form which allows applicants to apply for a Reentry Permit, Refugee Travel Document or Advance Parole.

This article will discuss how adjustment of status (Form I-485) applicants who are currently in the U.S. can apply for a travel document, or Advance Parole.

If you need to apply for a Refugee Travel Document or Re-Entry Permit, see our guides:

Refugee Travel Document

Reentry Permit

What is Advance Parole?

An Advance Parole document (Form I-512) is a form of temporary travel authorization that allows someone living in the U.S. to travel abroad while awaiting their green card.

Nonimmigrants in the United States such as adjustment of status applicants must obtain Advance Parole to obtain permission to reenter the United States after traveling abroad without jeopardizing their status.

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status , is used by a person in the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status.

Adjustment of status applicants must be granted Advance Parole before leaving the United States.

If they have not obtained Advance Parole prior to traveling abroad, they cannot be permitted to re-enter the United States upon their return from abroad.

An Advance Parole serves the following functions:

• It enables an alien to come back to the U.S. after traveling abroad without having to obtain a visa to enter the U.S.
• It preserves the pending Adjustment of Status application that the alien has filed

Attention: If you are an adjustment of status applicant and travel outside the United States without an Advance Parole Document while Form I-485 is pending, your case will be presumed abandoned and denied.

If you apply for an Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) and then enter the U.S. on a visa instead of an Advance Parole document, your pending I-485 petition can be considered to have been abandoned (except in the situations that you come back with valid H-1 and L-1 visas).

For example, if you are an applicant for Adjustment of Status, then leave the U.S. and re-enter on a non-immigrant visa such as an F-1 visa, you will be considered to have abandoned your adjustment of status application. 

What is a Reentry Permit?

If you are a lawful permanent resident and you expect to spend significant time outside the United States but intend to return to the U.S, you will need a Reentry Permit.

Form I-131 can be used by green card holders to apply for a reentry permit.

Normally, if you are a permanent resident, you can use a green card to reenter the United States after traveling abroad.

However, your green card will be assumed to be abandoned if the absence is one year or more.

A Reentry Permit can help prevent this problem.

Lawful permanent residents or conditional permanent residents who plan to travel outside the United States for more than one year, but less than two years, can apply for a Reentry Permit. 

Reentry Permit can serve as a passport for a U.S. permanent resident if he/she has no passport and cannot obtain it from the country of his/her nationality.

If you are a permanent resident and you are outside the country for more than a year without a Reentry Permit, you will most likely be denied reentry into the U.S. on the ground that you have abandoned your permanent resident status.

What is a Refugee Travel Document?

If you have a refugee or asylum status and you wish to travel outside the United States, and you wish to return later to the U.S, you can apply for a Refugee Travel Document .

You can use your Refugee Travel Document to travel in place of a passport.

If you do not obtain a Refugee Travel Document before you leave the U.S., you can be unable to re-enter the United States, or you can be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

To apply for a Refugee Travel Document, file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

You should file a Form I-131 before you leave the United States and expect processing times of approximately 3 to 5 months. However, it can take longer.

A Refugee Travel Document is valid for up to one year. During this time, you can use the document multiple times.

Form I-131 – The difference between an Advance Parole and a Reentry Permit

Advance Parole is issued to you if you do not have permanent resident status. 

A Reentry Permit is issued to you if you are a permanent resident of the U.S.

The two documents are dissimilar in physical appearance: Advance Parole is a single piece of paper bearing your photo, whereas a Re-entry Permit looks like a passport.

An Advance Parole functions much like a visa to the United States while a Reentry Permit functions like a passport.

If you have an Advance Parole document, you still need a foreign passport to enter into the United States.

If you are a permanent resident with a Reentry Permit you do not need a foreign passport to enter the United States.

Another difference is the duration: Advance Parole is valid for one year, whereas a Reentry Permit is valid for two years.

Form I-131 – Who Can File It?

If you are in the United States, you can apply for Advance Parole if you have:

• An application for adjustment of status (Form I-485) pending.
• Been granted benefits under the Family Unity Program.
• A pending application for Temporary Protected Status ( TPS ) Form I-821 or been granted Temporary Protected Status.
• Have been granted T or U nonimmigrant status

If you have an application pending with USCIS, and you leave the United States on advance parole, you can miss important notices from USCIS regarding your application, including requests for additional evidence ( RFE ).

If you do not respond timely to these notices, USCIS can deem your application abandoned and you will not receive the benefit you seek.

It is very important that you make appropriate arrangements to ensure you do not miss any such important notices from USCIS.

What are the benefits of Advance Parole?

Applying for Advance Parole comes with the following benefits:

• It will enable you to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad without the necessity of obtaining a visa.
• It preserves whatever Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) applications that you have pending with the USCIS.

Form I-131 Checklist

If you are applying for Advance Parole, you will need to submit the following:

• An accurately completed Application for Travel Document, Form I-131
• A receipt notice for Form I-485
• Two passport photos
• Your biographical information
• Phone number and current address
• Form I-131 fees

Form I-131 Fees

Certain applicants may be eligible for a Fee Waiver. Learn more: Form I-912 , Request for Fee Waiver.

Form I-131 Processing Time

USCIS takes approximately 3-5 months to process your Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

However, if you are experiencing an extremely urgent situation, you can visit your local USCIS office to request an Advance Parole Document on an emergency basis. 

You can’t leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand, so you should expect to spend the 3-5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States.

How long will my Advance Parole document be valid?

An Advance Parole Document is valid for one year after it was issued.

How can I renew my Advance Parole document?

If you are yet to receive your green card and you plan to travel after that year has elapsed, it is advisable to renew your travel document.

You can file a renewal application as early as 100 days before your current Advance Parole document expires. It is important to submit the renewal as early as possible.

The renewal Advance Parole document will usually be processed within the same timeframe as that for the initial application, which is 5 months or longer. It’s important to plan early to avoid gaps in your ability to travel.

To renew your Advance Parole document, submit Form I-131 with a copy of your current Advance Parole document, a copy of the receipt notice from your green card application, and two passport-sized photos.

Form I-131 – Expedited Processing

It takes at least 90 days or more for USCIS to process your Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

You may, however, be able to get expedited processing of a travel document in certain situations. Such situations include:

• Severe financial loss to company or person
• Emergency situations
• Humanitarian reasons
• A nonprofit organization whose request is in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States
• Department of Defense or National Interest Situation
• Compelling interest of USCIS.

How can I request an Expedited Processing on Form I-131?

Since it takes more than 90 days to obtain a travel document, it is always advisable to apply for one as early as possible.

However, when there is an emergency that needs your attention abroad, there are steps you can take as an applicant to apply for one on an expedited basis. The tips are discussed below:

Write a cover letter requesting expedited processing. In the cover letter, outline the reasons for your expedited request. If the criteria outline above is met, USCIS can expedite your application for Advance Parole. 

To prove that one of the criteria has been met, you can submit evidence. Such evidence can include a medical report if the situation involves someone who is sick.

Gather the necessary evidence that proves your urgent need. It is important that you gather the required documentation that supports your reason for expedited processing.

As discussed above, you can provide proof of fatality, hospital records or a letter from the doctor. Keep in mind that the kind of evidence you will submit will determine if your request for the expedited processing of the travel document will be successful.

Prepare your application for the Travel Document . Complete Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. It is important that you prepare the application accurately.

Include the cover letter, filing fee, and all the supporting documentation according to the filing instructions. You can also use an overnight method to mail your expedited request. 

Contact USCIS .  It is advisable that you contact USCIS one week after filing to follow up on your request.

Can I file Form I-131 from abroad?

If you are outside the United States, you can apply for an Advance Parole Document if you:

• Need to visit the United States temporarily for an urgent humanitarian reason or for significant public benefit
• Unable to obtain the necessary visa and any required waiver of inadmissibility or consent to reapply for admission.

Under these conditions, an Advance Parole Document is granted on a case-by-case basis for a temporary period, according to any conditions that can be placed on parole.

Someone in the United States can also file the application for you.

Returning to the United States without a travel document

Before departing the United States, you need to understand the risks associated with traveling abroad while your Adjustment of Status application is pending.

You should obtain your travel document before leaving the United States. If you depart from the United States before the Advance Parole Document is issued, your application for an Advance Parole Document will be considered abandoned.

Returning to the United States with a travel document

Even if you have an Advance Parole Document and you leave the United States, it can impact your ability to return to the United States.

An Advance Parole Document does not entitle you to parole or guarantee that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will parole you into the United States upon your return. 

If you are using an Advance Parole Document to leave and return to a port of entry in the United States, you are considered an applicant for admission upon your return.

You will be subject to inspection at a port of entry and you cannot be admitted if you are found to be inadmissible under any applicable provision of immigration law.

If the Department of Homeland Security determines that you are inadmissible, you can be subject to expedited removal proceedings or to removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

In conclusion, it is important to apply for an Advance Parole Document if you are an adjustment of status applicant and you intend to travel abroad. 

Related Links:

Form I-131 instructions – how to fill out

Advance Parole

Marriage green card

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Travel documents for foreign citizens returning to the U.S.

If you are a citizen of another country and have been living in the U.S., you may need special documents if you leave the U.S. and then return.

Travel documents for permanent and conditional permanent residents

If you are outside the u.s. for less than one year.

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been away from the U.S. for less than one year, you will only need to show your Green Card upon re-entry to the U.S.

If you are outside the U.S. for one year or longer

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been outside the U.S. for one year or longer, apply for a re-entry permit before you travel. Use Form I-131 - Application for Travel Document .

• For permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years from the date of issue.
• For conditional permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years after the date of issue. Or it is valid up until the date you must apply for removal of the conditions on your status , whichever date comes first.

Travel documents for other foreign citizens living in the U.S.

If you are a foreign citizen re-entering the U.S., the documentation you need may depend on your immigration status:

• Advance parole - You may use advance parole to re-enter the U.S. without applying for a visa. It is commonly used for re-entry by people in the process of applying for permanent residence, applying for a status adjustment, or applying for asylum.
• Refugee travel document - You may be able to use this document to re-enter the U.S. if you have refugee or asylum status.

If you need help, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) .

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Application for Travel Document: Form I-131 Explained

How to apply for advance parole.

If you’re waiting to be issued a green card or you have an active case with immigration, USCIS doesn’t want you to leave the country without advance permission. 

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, allows people with pending cases to obtain permission to travel outside of the country temporarily. This is what you should know about how, when, and why to use form I-131.

What Is Form I-131?

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document is used to apply for an advance parole document. Advance parole allows people who are not permanent residents or U.S. citizens to leave and re-enter the United States under specific circumstances for a limited amount of time. 

The word “parole” is often associated with a criminal being let out of prison before they’ve completed their term. In immigration, the term “parole” means something different . You aren’t in trouble, and you certainly aren’t regarded as a criminal. The term as used by immigration means that you’ve received special permission to travel while your application is pending and you are “paroled” into the U.S. to continue the application process. 

If you are not yet a permanent resident or a citizen, you may need an approved Form I-131 before you can depart the country without jeopardizing your immigration status or ongoing applications with USCIS. 

Leaving the country without obtaining a travel document could be interpreted as abandoning your USCIS case. A travel document shows intent to return to the United States.

Who Needs Form I-131?

If you have a pending application with USCIS for asylum or adjustment of status, you aren’t allowed to leave the country. This would result in your application being deemed abandoned. 

If you encounter a situation where you need to briefly leave the country (like to complete the sale of your old home, visit a sick family member, or attend the wedding of a loved one), you need permission from USCIS to travel. 

A travel document will give you permission to come and go before you become a permanent resident or asylee of the United States. Once you receive permanent resident status, you’ll no longer need a travel document for trips outside of the United States shorter than 12 months. If you become a citizen, you won’t need a travel document for any trips outside of the United States, regardless of their duration. 

Form I-131 can also be used to apply for a re-entry permit, which can allow permanent residents to remain outside the United States for a year or more.

How Do You Use Form I-131 for a Re-Entry Permit?

USCIS wants you to file Form I-131 before you leave the country. If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the United States, they want you to travel for less than one year at a time. If you’re a permanent resident who stayed outside of the United States for one year or more without a travel document, you may need to take a few extra steps before you return. 

If you’ve been gone for more than twelve months, you’ll likely be taken aside at the airport for secondary inspection by the Department of Homeland Security . Immigration officials can claim that you attempted to abandon your permanent resident status and attempt to have it revoked, which will lead to a lengthy legal battle. You may be placed into removal proceedings and ultimately returned to your country of origin if you cannot establish you did not intend to abandon your residence.

If you had a legitimate reason for staying outside of the United States for a year or more, you can apply for a returning resident visa. Consular officials will consider situations like serious illness or injury to you or a family member to be a pressing circumstance. They no longer consider COVID-related claims. 

After viewing your case, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate may issue you a returning resident visa. A returning resident visa will allow you to enter the United States with minimal risk to your resident status. 

The best course of action if you need to remain outside the U.S. for a year or more is to apply for a re-entry permit before departing the U.S. This shows your that you do not intend to abandon your lawful permanent residence.

What Happens If You Leave the United States Without an Approved Form I-131 Travel Document?

If you leave the United States without completing Form I-131 and receiving a travel document while you have a case pending with USCIS, they will deny your case. If you leave the United States while your case is still pending, USCIS considers your departure as abandonment of your case. 

Can You Leave the United States Before You Receive Your Travel Document?

You’re technically allowed to leave the United States before you receive your travel document if your Form I-131 has been reviewed and approved. However, it is always best to have the actual advance parole document on hand before leaving the country. 

Can You Get an Emergency Travel Document With Form I-131?

USCIS is willing to consider emergency processing of many documents on a case-by-case basis. If you’re dealing with an urgent situation, like the death or severe illness of a family member overseas, you can request an emergency appointment with USCIS regarding your travel paperwork. 

You’ll need to arrive at your appointment with your passport and passport photos, completed I-131 travel document forms, and proof of an emergency. You can have your family member’s doctor write an official letter declaring the situation to be an emergency and present that letter as evidence. 

USCIS may be able to issue you an emergency travel document that will allow you to return home right away. They won’t charge you an expedited processing fee for a legitimate emergency. 

Is It Safe To Travel With a Pending Immigration Case?

USCIS would prefer that you didn’t leave the country while your immigration case is pending, even if your application for a travel document was approved. If you miss vital communication with USCIS, like an interview appointment or a request for more information, your immigration case can be denied. 

If you intend to travel while your immigration case is still in progress, it’s vital to check the USCIS website for updates on your case frequently . Ask someone you trust to check your mail for you every day and inform you of correspondences relating to your immigration case. If the phone number you have on file with USCIS can’t be used to reach you while you’re away, update your contact information before you leave. Be prepared to return if USCIS needs you to come back.

When Should You Complete and File Form I-131 to Request Advance Parole?

It’s important to apply for a travel document a few months before you’ll need it. You aren’t allowed to leave the country on advance parole until you’ve been approved and received your travel document. If you leave without an approved travel document, you may not be able to re-enter the United States. 

USCIS estimates the wait time for a travel document to be approximately 90 days, but USCIS perpetually manages a large backlog of cases. It often takes them a while longer to process documents that aren’t considered to be emergency cases. It may take them up to 150 days to issue you a travel document, so you should plan accordingly. You should apply for a travel document even if there’s a chance that your green card may be approved by the time you need to leave the country. 

Life can be unpredictable. You have no way of knowing if an emergency may pull you back home before you’ve received your green card. If you have any strong ties to a country other than the United States, you can file form I-131 at the same time you file the forms for your green card. It’s better to have a travel document and not need it than it is to need a travel document and not have it. You’ll be able to leave at a moment’s notice if you have a valid travel document.

How Long Does a Travel Document Last?

Travel documents may be issued for up to five years from the issue date. You need to return to the United States before the expiration date on your advance parole docuement. You’re allowed to return to the United States and leave again as long as you return before your travel document expires.

If you believe you’ll need to stay outside the United States for longer than the validity, you must return and request another travel document. Your green card will likely be issued before your travel document expires. If that’s the case, return to the United States temporarily to retrieve your official green card. Once you have your green card, you’re free to travel outside of the United States for a maximum of one continuous year. 

If you intend to apply for citizenship , keep in mind that the residency requirement states that you must live primarily in the United States for at least five continuous years before applying or three continuous years if you received your green card through marriage. 

Traveling too frequently or spending too much time outside of the United States may interfere with your ability to apply for citizenship. It’s okay to visit your family back home for a few weeks every year, but be mindful of lengthy visits.

Can You File for a Travel Document Extension?

There is no process for extending a travel document that already exists. If you have a travel document that’s about to expire and need more time, you must return to the United States and file a new Form I-131. Processing times and fees aren’t different if you’re filing for a new travel document. 

The process will work the same exact way as it did the first time, and the waiting period will depend on USCIS’s current caseload. You’ll want to plan accordingly if you think you’ll need to be out of the country after your travel document’s expiration date. Because the waiting period can be several months long, it’s better to cautiously return to the United States and reapply for a travel document before your current travel document expires. 

Can Filing a Form I-131 Prevent You From Being Detained When You Return?

CBP may detain people with pending immigration cases when they re-enter the country, as well as lawful permanent residents who have been outside of the United States for a long period of time. 

Filing Form I-131 won’t prevent you from being pulled aside when you arrive in the United States. Border protection officers want to verify your travel documents and your pending case with immigration before allowing you to pass. It may be an intimidating situation, but there’s typically no reason to worry. If you’ve attended every immigration appointment and responded every time they contacted you, you’ll typically be allowed to re-enter the United States.

If you missed important calls, letters, or appointments while you were gone, you may not be allowed to re-enter. You’re expected to manage your side of your immigration case even if you’re traveling with a valid travel document. Always be mindful of important dates and letters USCIS may send. Ask a trusted person to check your mail in the United States while you’re away.

Do You Need Legal Assistance With Form I-131?

Knowing how and when to file Form I-131 and understanding the rules around traveling with an active green card application is crucial for immigrants who need to leave the United States. The experienced team of immigration attorneys at Cohen, Tucker + Ades may be able to help you navigate the situation.

Contact us for a consultation to review the details of your immigration case. We’ll be able to advise you of your options.

The Use of Parole Under Immigration Law | American Immigration Council

What is Secondary Inspection? | Study in the States | U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Emergency Travel | USCIS

How to check your immigration case status | USAGov

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The “Advance Parole” I-131 Application for Travel Document

How to apply for a travel permit while waiting for your green card, in this guide.

• Why You Need a Travel Document
• When and How to Apply For a Travel Document
• Travel Restrictions and Renewing Your Travel Document
• Emergencies
• Planning Your Trip
• Returning to the United States With a Travel Document
• Related Information

What is a travel permit?

A travel permit is a document that allows someone living in the U.S. while awaiting their green card to travel abroad without nullifying their green card application.

What is USCIS Form I-131?

Form I-131 is officially called the Application for Travel Document, and can be used to apply for one of several types of travel documents, such as a re-entry permit , refugee travel document , TPS travel authorization document , or the advance parole travel document , which is the subject of this guide.

What is Advance Parole?

The advance parole travel document permits you to travel back to the U.S. without applying for another visa, and without nullifying the application you have in progress. It is commonly used when someone has a pending application for permanent residence , adjustment of status or asylum .

Your green card application will be terminated if you leave the United States while that application is pending, unless you have a valid travel document at the time you leave the country.

Even if you don’t have any specific travel plans, it’s a good idea to apply for a travel document at the same time you first submit your green card application. Then, if you do need to travel for a family emergency, a business opportunity, or any other reason, you won’t need to decline because of your pending green card application.

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The travel document provides someone living in the United States with “advance parole.” (This has nothing to do with the “parole” you hear about in an episode of Law & Order . In the context of immigration law, “advance parole” is just a technical way of saying “permission ahead of time to re-enter the United States.”)

If you leave the United States while your green card application is pending and you don’t have a travel document, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will consider your green card application abandoned and will deny it. At best, that means you’ll have to redo all of the paperwork and pay the fees a second time. At worst, you could find yourself unable to re-enter the United States.

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The fastest and easiest way to apply for a travel document is as part of the original marriage green card application package you send to USCIS, by including Form I-131 (“Application for Travel Document”) along with the main forms ( I-130 and I-485 ).

You must attach a copy of your photo identification (such as a copy of the photo page of your passport) to the travel document application, as well as two passport-sized photos . There is no additional fee if you submit your travel document application (Form I-131) at the same time as your initial application for a green card (Form I-485, filed anytime after July 30, 2007).

If you’ve already submitted your green card application, you can still get a travel document that will allow you to leave the United States. In this case, when you file Form I-131 with USCIS, include a copy of your photo ID, two passport-sized photos, and a copy of the receipt notice showing that USCIS previously received your green card application including the full application fee. You will still be required to pay the $630 fee to file Form I-131 with a pending green card application.

It’s essential that you don’t leave the United States until you’ve actually received your travel document, but otherwise there are no travel restrictions for marriage-based green card applicants. You can only remain outside the United States, however, as long as you re-enter the U.S. before the expiration date printed on your travel document.

The travel document is valid for one year after it’s issued, typically within 150 days (in some cases longer) after submitting your application materials to USCIS. (Until recently, the normal processing time for a travel document was 90 days, but a growing backlog has caused additional delays. USCIS provides a database where you can check the most current processing times , updated once per month.)

If you haven’t received your green card yet and you plan to travel after that year has elapsed, it’s important to renew your travel document in a timely fashion. You can file a renewal application as early as 120 days before your current travel document expires, and it’s a good idea to submit the renewal as early as possible. The renewal travel document is usually processed within the same timeframe as that for the initial application: 150 days or longer. It’s important to plan ahead to avoid gaps in your ability to travel.

To renew your travel document, submit Form I-131 with a copy of your current travel document, a copy of the receipt notice from your green card application, and two passport-sized photos. There is no additional fee.

Boundless offers unlimited support from our team of immigration experts, so you can apply with confidence and focus on what’s important, your life in the U.S. Learn more.

It is possible to get an expedited travel document if you need to travel because of an emergency. USCIS issues emergency travel documents in situations like the death or sudden illness of a family member abroad. If you find yourself in this situation, you can make an appointment with your local USCIS office . You should bring your completed I-131, two passport photos, and evidence to prove that you have an urgent need to travel. This evidence might be a death certificate, medical records, or a signed letter from your family member’s doctor. There is no additional fee for an emergency travel document.

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The travel document usually arrives within 150 days (sometimes longer) after submitting your application. You can’t leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand, so you should expect to spend the 3–5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States.

Theoretically, you could be out of the United States for as long as you have a travel document (one year plus renewals). In practice, however, that’s not possible, because then you would miss your fingerprinting and green card interview appointments . If you find that you are unable to attend your fingerprinting or interview appointment, you should promptly follow the rescheduling instructions printed on the USCIS appointment notice.

In general, it’s a good idea to make arrangements to be alerted of any USCIS notices that are sent to you while you are abroad. (For example, you can ask a friend or a neighbor to inform you of any USCIS notices you receive by mail.)

Even after you have submitted your green card application, you are still not a permanent resident of the United States. When you re-enter the United States , you’ll be considered an “arriving alien.” It’s fairly common for people with travel documents to be pulled aside for secondary inspection. Don’t be alarmed if that happens—the border agent is likely just verifying that you have a pending green card application.

Travel documents do not guarantee that the border agent will allow you back into the United States, however. If you have any reason to suspect that you might be turned away at the border, you should carefully consider whether or not you need to travel before your green card application has been approved.

For example, If you have been in the United States for any amount of time without legal immigration status, then leaving the United States under most circumstances will trigger a bar from re-entering the United States for either three or ten years , depending on how long you were in the United States without status. If you’re in this situation, it is a good idea to avoid travel until you have a green card.

In summary, there is really no downside to applying for a travel document at the same time you submit your green card application, so you should do so even if you don’t have any specific travel plans.

More Advance Parole FAQs

If you are in the U.S. and have applied for a green card but are still waiting for your application to be processed, then you might be interested in applying for a travel permit to travel outside the U.S.. Otherwise, if you leave without the travel document, USCIS may consider your green card application abandoned.

If you already have a green card, and wish to leave the U.S. for more than a year but less than two years, then you might also be interested in arranging for a travel document before you leave.

No, Advance Parole does not guarantee admission into the United States. Upon arriving at a port of entry, you’ll undergo inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers who will make the final decision on whether to admit you.

The Advance Parole document itself does not grant permission to work. However, individuals who have filed an adjustment of status application may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while waiting for a decision on their application.

If your Advance Parole document expires while you’re abroad, you might have difficulties returning to the U.S. It’s generally advised to return to the U.S. before your Advance Parole expires.

You can choose not to apply for a work permit now. If the applicant changes their mind later, they may apply for the work permit at any time after filing Form I-485 (officially called the “Application for Adjustment of Status”).

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Home » Guide to Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation

Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation

Form i-131a overview for:, form i-131a explained, what is form i-131a used for.

Certain permanent residents who are outside the United States and no longer have valid proof of permanent resident status may file Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation , to obtain temporary travel documentation for the purpose of boarding a transportation carrier and returning to the United States. It is appropriate to file Form I-131A if you are a lawful permanent resident or conditional resident and returning from temporary overseas travel of less than:

• One year and your Permanent Resident Card was lost, stolen or destroyed;
• Two years and your Reentry Permit was lost, stolen or destroyed; or
• One year and your Permanent Resident Card is expired ( in limited situations as described below ).

Additionally, other non-citizens who received an Advance Parole Document that is now lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged while traveling overseas temporarily may file Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation , to obtain temporary travel documentation for the purpose of boarding a transportation carrier and returning to the United States. It is appropriate to file Form I-131A if you are temporary outside the United States and have a lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged:

• Form I-512/Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document; or
• Form I766, Employment Authorization Card (EAD) with the travel endorsement.

Form I-131A is different than Form I-131, Application for Travel Document . Certain non-citizens may file the I-131 application to request various travel documents like a reentry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole document. The I-131A is strictly for use by permanent residents who require temporary documentation in order to return to the U.S.

Eligibility to Apply for Carrier Documentation

Who needs form i-131a.

U.S. law requires transportation carriers like airlines to make sure all passengers traveling to the United States are in possession of a valid passport and any required visa. If you are a lawful permanent resident or conditional resident who has traveled outside the United States, you may use your permanent resident card (green card) or a reentry permit in place of a visa. Likewise, certain foreign nationals may use an Advance Parole Travel Document in order to return to the United States. You will almost certainly experience difficulties when you attempt to return to the U.S. with a lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Permanent Resident Card, Reentry Permit, or Advance Parole. You will likely need to request a temporary travel document to reenter the United States.

Absences for One Year or More

Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation, is not a way for permanent residents to renew or replace a green card after abandoning permanent residence. A permanent resident who has been outside the United States for one year or more may not file Form I-131A. Typically, USCIS will presume that a green card holder abandoned their permanent resident status if that person is absent from the U.S. for one year or more. (A reentry permit is one way to avoid this dilemma.) Form I-131A is not a way to re-establish an immigration status. Certain individuals may qualify for a returning resident (SB-1) visa. Please contact an immigration attorney for additional assistance.

Expired Green Card Outside the United States

If you have an expired green card and are presently outside the United States, you likely do not need to file Form I-131A. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) policy permits a transportation carrier bound for the United States to board a permanent resident without special carrier documentation if the permanent resident traveler carries:

• An expired green card that was issued with a 10-year expiration date (and you have been outside of the U.S. for less than a year);
• An expired green card with a two-year expiration date and you also have Form I-797, Notice of Action, showing that you filed a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence , or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status , (and you have been outside of the U.S. for less than a year). The Notice of Action extends the validity of the card for a specified length of time, generally 24 months; or
• An expired green card and has official U.S. military or government travel orders (based on military service or U.S. government employment), regardless of time outside of the United States.

If you find yourself with an expired green card while traveling abroad, check with your airline or transportation carrier before you file Form I-131A. As described above, CBP policy allows them to board you. However, the transportation carrier or airline may still refuse to let you board even if you are in one of the categories above. In that case, you will need to file a Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation.

Child of Permanent Resident Born Abroad

If you have a child who was born outside the United States and is coming to the U.S. for the first time, you may need to request carrier documentation if:

• You are a lawful permanent resident or conditional resident;
• Your child is under two years old; and
• Your child is traveling with you to come to the United States for the first time.

Please check with your airline or transportation carrier first to ensure they will board your child in these circumstances without carrier documentation. If the airline or transportation carrier refuses to board your child without carrier documentation, you will need to pay for and submit Form I-131A for your child.

Form I-131A Instructions

How do i fill out i-131a.

CitizenPath's easy-to-use website helps you prepare the application quickly and accurately. Our online service provides step-by-step I-131A instructions to make it easy. We even give you a money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve your application.

If you prefer to fill out the Form I-131A PDF, you can download instructions from USCIS or follow this summary of directions.

General Guidance

• Type or print answers in black ink only. 
• Enter “N/A” if an answer is not applicable and "NONE" if your answer is zero.
• Foreign language documents must be accompanied by a full English certified translation .
• Submit your application with the current USCIS filing fee .
• Submit photocopies for all supporting documents unless an original document is specifically required.
• For Information About You , answer the general questions about name, address and birth. Carefully indicate how you were admitted to the United States or your current status that makes you eligible for carrier documentation. Your alien registration number may be important for this application and making the online payment.

Parts 2 and 3

• For Reason for Application , select the reason you need to obtain carrier documentation. Remember, if you have your card and it expired, check with your airline first to determine if they will board you.
• For Processing Information , provide answers regarding your departure from the U.S. and intended travel back to the U.S. If you were ever in removal proceedings, ever abandoned permanent resident status, or had your status revoked, speak to an immigration attorney before filing the application.

Parts 4, 5, and 6

• For Applicant's Statement , sign your application with black ink. Provide an email and phone numbers where USCIS can reliably reach you.
• For Interpreter and Preparer , provide information if applicable. If you prepared your Form I-131A, it’s only necessary to sign as the applicant. If another person translated or prepared the application for you, be sure Parts 5 and 6 are filled in and signed appropriately.

This is an abbreviated list of Form I-131A instructions. Remember, the required supporting documents to submit with the application are an extremely important part of the application package. CitizenPath provides filing instructions customized to your situation. You’ll get detailed I-131A instructions that explain which supporting documents to gather and take to your in-person appointment.

Where to File I-131A

How to file form i-131a.

At this time, there is no way to submit Form I-131A electronically, but you can prepare the form with an online service to make sure you prepare it correctly.

You must file the I-131A application in-person at a USCIS international field office or a U.S. embassy or consulate (that has a consular section). Before appearing in person, you must submit the filing fee through the USCIS online payment system . When you appear in-person to file Form I-131A, you must take evidence that you paid the fee, such as a copy of the payment confirmation page or a copy of the email payment receipt notice.

For people who want to make sure they are preparing the application correctly, CitizenPath offers an affordable service created by immigration attorneys. CitizenPath’s Carrier Documentation Package will make the application easy and give you alerts if there’s a problem. You’ll also receive detailed filing instructions so you know exactly which supporting documents to submit with your application. CitizenPath even provides a money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve your application for a travel document.

Form I-131A Processing Time

How long does it take to get carrier documentation.

USCIS indicates that they have a processing goal of two weeks for Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation. However, the Form I-131A processing time may vary depending on the USCIS workload and the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where you filed.

The best way to get your Form I-131A approved quickly is to prepare the application accurately and get it filed correctly. Mistakes and omissions will cause delays in the process.

You may be able to expedite the Form I-131A processing time if you require urgent travel. USCIS may, at its discretion, expedite certain applications that have provided evidence of an urgent need to travel.

• When you file Form I-131A at a U.S. embassy or consulate, have of your application and supporting evidence in order. Missing information and documents is the biggest delay for applications.
• Provide evidence of your urgent travel requirements. In addition to printed tickets or e-tickets, bring evidence that you must be in the United States. Examples of events that may justify expedited processing include a sick relative or an important a business event.

What to Expect after the Appointment

What happens after filing i-131a.

As mentioned above, the processing time after your in-person appointment is generally two weeks or less. Many embassies or consulates are able to provide carrier documentation within 48 hours of the in-person appointment.

An approved Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation, results in a temporary document to board a transportation carrier and return to the United States. The travel document comes in the form of a boarding foil placed in the applicant’s passport or a transportation letter. The holder of the travel document may present the document to the carrier destined for the United States. Generally, a travel document is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. Plan your return accordingly.

How CitizenPath Helps You

Is there an inexpensive way to file the i-131a application.

CitizenPath's affordable, online service makes it easy to prepare Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation. Designed by immigration lawyers, the Carrier Documentation Package helps you eliminate the common errors that create delays, rejections and even denials. That's because the service alerts you when your answer to a question may be a problem. You'll also get customized filing instructions based on your situation. It's a powerful, do-it-yourself tool that puts you in control. And we've got your back -- CitizenPath provides live customer support and provides a money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve your application. Get started >>

Form I-131A Questions and Answers

The government fee for Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation, is $575 at the time of writing this article. There is no biometric services fee. Check USCIS for the most current fees or use CitizenPath to get step-by-step filing instructions.

Pay the filing fee online using a credit or debit card or U.S. bank account through the USCIS online payment system . You cannot pay this fee with a check or money order. Also, no fee waiver is available for this form.

However, anyone can pay the fee from anywhere in the world. The person paying the fee must pay through the online payment system referenced above. It's extremely important that the person paying the fee enters the correct first and last names, date of birth, and A Number as they appear on the permanent resident's green card or reentry permit.

Unlike other USCIS forms, you must pay the Form I-131A fee prior to submitting Form I-131A and the supporting documentation. You must take evidence that you paid the fee when you appear in-person at a U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate to file Form I-131A. Examples of evidence include a copy of the payment confirmation page or a copy of the email payment receipt notice. If you receive an error message when paying the fee, you should contact USCIS with the error message for assistance. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

If you've determined that you need the file Form I-131A for the reasons cited above, you should file the application as soon as possible.

• Prepare Form I-131A Fill out the form. If you need assistance, prepare your form in about 15 minutes on CitizenPath.
• Schedule Your Appointment Generally, U.S. embassies and consulates prefer that you make an appointment for your business.
• Gather Supporting Documents You'll need to submit a few items with the application. CitizenPath's software will generate a list of supporting documents based on your answers in the application.
• Pay the I-131A Filing Fee Pay the fee through the USCIS online payment system . You'll need your receipt when you file.
• Attend Appointment Go to the U.S. embassy or consulate as scheduled and take the application, USCIS online payment receipt, and all supporting documents.

From here, you can pursue expedited processing .

When you return to the United States, you'll need to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card , in order to get the new card.

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Qatar - USCIS Doha Field Office

Geographic jurisdiction.

USCIS Doha has jurisdiction over U.S. immigration matters in Doha.

Public hours

For public inquiries related to services our office provides (see list of services below), please contact our office by email at   [email protected] .

Direct all other public inquiries to the USCIS Contact Center . If you are in the United States or a U.S. territory, dial 800-375-5283 (for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability: TTY 800-767-1833) to access automated information through an interactive menu 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are outside the United States or a U.S. territory, you can call the USCIS Contact Center at 212-620-3418. You can get live help from a USCIS representative Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern except on federal holidays.

Appointments

You must make an online appointment to visit USCIS Doha. USCIS Doha does not accept walk-ins.

Fee Payment Information

For all applications and petitions that you submit to this office, you must pay the fees to the U.S. Embassy cashier with Visa or MasterCard or in cash with U.S. dollars or Qatari Riyals. We do not accept personal checks or money orders.

Office Services

Click on the tabs below for additional information on each service this office provides. Click on the form names within the tabs to see a complete explanation of the fees, required forms and documentation associated with forms that we may accept directly at this office. If there are special instructions for filing at this office, you will see them under “Filing and Other Special Instructions” within each tab.

Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, Form and Fee Information

Individuals admitted to the United States as a refugee or granted status in the United States as an asylee within the past two years may file a Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, for qualifying relatives.

Filing and Other Special Instructions:

Refugees or asylees file this petition in the United States for their qualifying relatives. Please see the Form I-730 webpage for filing instructions. If you file a Form I-730 petition with a domestic USCIS office for a beneficiary who resides in Qatar, we will transfer the petition to the USCIS Doha Field Office for further processing. We will contact the petitioning relative and any representative of record to initiate processing and gather additional information and documents, once we have received the Form I-730 from the domestic USCIS office.

Please Note: It is important to notify our office if the beneficiary’s contact information changes from what is on their Form I-730. You should inform us of any such changes by submitting the change by email to this office.

Lawful permanent residents may pick up a reentry permit you applied for by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, to return to the United States travel abroad in certain circumstances (PDF, 667.32 KB) .

This office does not adjudicate re-entry permits. This office only provides service if you applied for a reentry permit by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, in the United States and asked USCIS to send your reentry permit to the U.S. Embassy/USCIS in Doha.

If we receive contact information, USCIS Doha will contact you when your Form I-131 has been approved by an office in the United States and your reentry permit is ready for collection. If you believe your permit should be at USCIS Doha and you have not heard from us, you may send us an inquiry .

Find instructions on how to obtain or replace a reentry permit at How Do I Get a Reentry Permit (PDF, 667.32 KB) .

Biometrics collection supports certain applications and petitions pending with a USCIS international office and, in some cases, with a domestic office.

If USCIS has requested biometrics (such as fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) in association with the adjudication of the forms listed below, individuals residing in Qatar generally may request biometrics collection at our office:

• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative ;
• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (Refugee Travel Document (RTD)), if the applicant has departed the United States without an RTD and has received permission from USCIS to file Form I-131 from outside the United States. Otherwise, it is at the field office director’s discretion as we explain in the section For All Other Forms Not Listed Above;
• Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special Immigrant ;
• Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative —We do not always require residency;
• Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition —We do not always require residency;
• Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition ;
• Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt from Convention Country —We do not always require residency;
• Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status** ;
• Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status** ;
• Form N-400, Application for Naturalization —for active duty military service members stationed abroad and their dependents, and for certain applicants who are eligible for naturalization under section 319(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

For All Other Forms Not Listed Above:

USCIS usually schedules biometrics collection at an Application Support Center (ASC) in the United States based on the applicant’s or petitioner’s address of record.

In rare circumstances, international field office directors may use their discretion to collect biometrics that we initially scheduled for collection in the United States. When deciding whether to collect biometrics at an international field office, field office directors will consider resource constraints and appropriate supporting evidence the applicant provides, as well as the following factors:

• An appointment notice showing that we scheduled biometrics collection at a domestic USCIS office;
• Evidence of extenuating circumstances requiring the individual to depart the United States before we collected their biometrics as indicated in the appointment notice. For example, these circumstances might include, but are not limited to, the need to assist a critically ill family member, an unexpected immediate job transfer, or other urgent need; and
• Evidence that the applicant requested an expedited or rescheduled appointment at an ASC before leaving the United States, or an explanation of why they failed to request an expedited or rescheduled appointment.
• For those residing abroad: Evidence of the compelling circumstances or hardship that would prevent the applicant or petitioner from traveling back to the United States for an ASC appointment. Generally, we do not consider the expense of traveling back to the United States to be a hardship in itself.

Because of the small number of staff in our international offices, you may experience a delay in appointment availability for biometrics collection.

You can contact USCIS Doha   to determine whether you are eligible to have your biometrics captured at this office or for further information.

*Note : The available biometric services noted above only apply if you live in a country with a USCIS office.

Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, Form and Fee Information

If you are inadmissible to the United States and are otherwise approved to immigrate to the United States, you must file this form to seek a waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility.

Except as we explain below, you must file Form I-601 with the USCIS Lockbox in the United States by mail . If you believe you have extraordinary circumstances that require expedited processing, you may submit a written request for expedited processing along with your application when you file with the Lockbox. You can find further instructions on requesting expedited processing domestically on the How to Make an Expedite Request webpage.

To file with USCIS Doha in limited circumstances:

You must request an exception to Lockbox filing via email.

We may grant an exception to Lockbox filing and permission to file Form I-601 if:

• The applicant resides in Qatar;
• There are exceptional and compelling humanitarian circumstances that require immediate filing and adjudication and
• Expedited processing would not address the urgency of the circumstances.

For information about the exceptions to Lockbox filing and permission to file Form I-601 at an international office, including examples of possible qualifying circumstances, please see the USCIS policy memorandum (PDF, 78.82 KB)  on exceptions for international filing.

Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal, Form and Fee Information

If you have been deported or removed, or unlawfully returned to the United States without admission after a previous removal or unlawful presence, you may file this form to obtain consent to reapply for admission to the United States.

File with the USCIS office in the United States indicated in the Form I-212 instructions.

If you need to file both Form I-212 and Form I-601, file them together at the Lockbox address specified in the Form I-601 instructions.

If USCIS Doha decides that exceptional and compelling humanitarian circumstances warrant filing your Form I-601 with USCIS Doha, you can also file Form I-212 with Form I-601.

If you file Form I-601 and Form I-212 together, be sure to bring the correct filing fee for each separate form.

Please see the information below to file for other immigration benefits this office does not provide.

For information on other immigration benefits, please visit uscis.gov . For your convenience, we have provided links to information on some commonly asked about services:

• Obtaining a certified true copy of a naturalization certificate .
• Requesting copies of documents from your Alien file (A-File) through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request .
• Our USCIS Contact Center has additional information available on its webpage (you must live in the United States or its territories to call for live assistance).
• The USCIS Contact Center’s Reference Guide is available from anywhere around the globe. The guide provides additional information on the services USCIS provides.

For in-depth information about visas, please check the Visa Services section of the Department of State’s website . You May also visit Mission Qatar's Visa website.

Update April 12, 2024

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Review the FAQs below for more information about the online DS-260 form.

What do I need to complete and submit forms online?

Immigrant Visa applicants must have:

• Internet access
• Your NVC Case Number (refer to the message you received from NVC)
• Your Invoice I.D. number (refer to the message you received from NVC)

Diversity Visa applicants must have:

• Your diversity visa case number (refer to your selection notification on the  https://dvprogram.state.gov/ )
• The principal applicant’s date of birth

Where can I find the DS-260?

You can access the DS-260 from the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website, by going to Immigrant Visas.state.gov and clicking on “Submit Visa Application and Civil Documents,” or on the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply. You may wish to preview a sample DS-260  (14.6MB) before beginning.

Can I answer in my native language?

No. All answers, except as specially provided,  must be in English, using English characters only . Applications submitted in any language other than English may be rejected, and you will be required to log back into the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and provide English answers.

Are all fields on the DS-260 mandatory?

Most fields on the DS-260 are mandatory. You may leave fields marked “Optional” blank. Some fields may also give you the option to select “Does Not Apply.” If a field does not apply to you, you may mark the box next to “Does Not Apply.” All other fields must be completed: the application  will not  allow you to submit a form with any mandatory fields left blank. In this instance, an error message will be displayed and you will be required to complete the field before continuing with the application. If you do not answer questions that apply, your form may be rejected.

What happens if I need to step away in the middle of data entry?

You may save your partially completed DS-260 at any time by clicking on the "Save" button at the bottom of every page. If you need to step away, simply click the "Save" button to save your progress, and click on "Sign Out" in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. All data that you entered up to the point of clicking on "Save" will be stored until you are ready to continue completing the form.

To ensure your privacy if you step away in the middle of data entry, the DS-260 has a “time out” feature. If your DS-260 application is idle for approximately 20 minutes, CEAC will log you off. All data that you entered up to the last time you clicked "Save" will be stored until you are ready to continue completing the form. Any data that you entered after clicking "Save" will be lost.

How do I access a previously saved DS-260?

You can access your saved application by returning to the  Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC)  website and selecting View/Edit from the IV and Alien Registration section of the Immigrant Visa – Summary Information screen. You will then be provided with a list of all applicants in your case along with the status of each application (NOT STARTED, INCOMPLETE, or SUBMITTED). To continue updating an incomplete application, simply click on the "Edit" button to the right of the application’s status.

Once you submit your application, by clicking the “Sign and Submit Application” button on the "Sign and Submit" page, you will be unable to access your application again without the assistance of NVC for immigrant visas, KCC for Diversity Visas, or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at which you plan to apply.

Do I bring my DS-260 application with me to the interview?

You should  not  bring your application with you to your interview. The interviewing officer will have full access to review your application online.

More Information

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