Download I-131 Form: How to Apply for a Travel Document
If you are a non-U.S. citizen who needs to travel outside the United States for a temporary period, you may need to apply for a travel document using Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This form allows you to request a reentry permit, a refugee travel document, or an advance parole document, depending on your immigration status and situation. In this article, we will explain what each type of travel document is, how to download and fill out Form I-131 correctly, how to submit it and pay the fee, and how to check the status of your application and receive your travel document.
What is Form I-131 and who needs it?
Form I-131 is a form that you can use to apply for a travel document that allows you to leave and return to the United States without jeopardizing your immigration status or eligibility for certain benefits. The type of travel document you need depends on your immigration status and situation. Here are the three types of travel documents you can request using Form I-131:
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Reentry permit
A reentry permit is a travel document that allows you to reenter the United States as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or a conditional permanent resident (CPR) after traveling abroad for up to two years. You may need a reentry permit if you plan to be outside the United States for more than one year, or if you have been outside the United States for more than one year in the past four years. A reentry permit can also serve as a passport if you do not have one or cannot get one from your country of citizenship.
Refugee travel document
A refugee travel document is a travel document that allows you to reenter the United States as a refugee or an asylee after traveling abroad. You may need a refugee travel document if you have been granted refugee or asylum status in the United States, or if you are a permanent resident as a direct result of refugee or asylum status. A refugee travel document can also serve as a passport if you do not have one or cannot get one from your country of citizenship.
Advance parole document
An advance parole document is a travel document that allows you to reenter the United States after traveling abroad without obtaining a visa. You may need an advance parole document if you have a pending application for adjustment of status (Form I-485), temporary protected status (TPS), deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA), humanitarian parole, or other immigration benefits that require advance parole. An advance parole document does not guarantee admission into the United States, but it shows that you have permission to travel while your application is pending.
How to download Form I-131 and fill it out correctly?
Downloading the form
You can download Form I-131 from the official website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at [this link](^1^). You can also request a paper copy of the form by calling USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. The form is available in English and Spanish, but you must fill it out in English.
Filling out the form
You must fill out Form I-131 completely and accurately, following the instructions that come with the form. You must type or print in black ink, and use capital letters where indicated. You must also sign and date the form in Part 8. If you need more space to complete the form, you can use additional sheets of paper and attach them to the form. You must indicate the page number, part number, and item number for each answer on the additional sheets. Here are some tips for filling out the form:
- In Part 1, you must select the type of travel document you are applying for: reentry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole document. You must also provide your personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, alien registration number (A-Number), and country of citizenship. - In Part 2, you must provide information about your intended travel, such as the dates and purpose of your trip, the countries you plan to visit, and whether you have any relatives or contacts in those countries. You must also indicate if you have ever applied for or received a travel document before, and if so, provide the details of your previous applications or documents. - In Part 3, you must provide information about your immigration status and history, such as when and how you entered the United States, what type of visa or status you have or had, and whether you have ever been in removal proceedings or violated any immigration laws. You must also indicate if you have ever been arrested or convicted of any crimes, or if you have any pending criminal charges or warrants. - In Part 4, you must provide information about your biometrics, such as your height, weight, eye color, hair color, and race. You must also indicate if you have any physical or mental impairments that prevent you from providing biometrics. You may be required to attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. - In Part 5, you must provide information about your parents, such as their names, dates of birth, countries of birth, and countries of citizenship. You must also indicate if they are living or deceased, and if they are in the United States or abroad. - In Part 6, you must provide information about your spouse and children, if applicable. You must provide their names, dates of birth, countries of birth, countries of citizenship, A-Numbers (if any), and current addresses. You must also indicate if they are in the United States or abroad, and if they are applying for a travel document with you or separately. - In Part 7, you must read and agree to the declarations and certifications regarding your application. You must also provide your contact information and preferred language for communication with USCIS. Supporting documents
You must submit supporting documents along with your Form I-131 to prove your identity, immigration status, and eligibility for a travel document. The exact documents you need may vary depending on the type of travel document you are applying for and your specific situation. However, some common documents that you may need include:
- A copy of your valid passport or other government-issued photo identification - A copy of your green card (Form I-551) or other evidence of permanent residence (if applying for a reentry permit) - A copy of your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or other evidence of admission as a refugee or asylee (if applying for a refugee travel document) - A copy of your receipt notice (Form I-797) or other evidence of a pending application for adjustment of status, TPS, DACA, humanitarian parole, or other immigration benefits that require advance parole (if applying for an advance parole document) - Two passport-style color photographs of yourself taken within 30 days of filing your application - A copy of your itinerary, tickets, or other evidence of your planned travel (if available) - A statement explaining the circumstances and reasons for your travel and the expected duration of your absence from the United States - Any other documents that support your application or show that your travel is for a humanitarian or public interest purpose (if applicable) You must submit original documents or certified copies of the documents, unless otherwise specified. You must also submit English translations of any documents that are not in English, along with a certification by the translator that the translation is complete and accurate. How to submit Form I-131 and pay the fee?
Where to file the form
You can submit Form I-131 by mail or online, depending on the type of travel document you are applying for and your eligibility. You can check the filing options and addresses on the USCIS website at [this link]. You must file your form with the correct USCIS office or service center, or your application may be rejected or delayed. You must also file your form before you leave the United States, unless you qualify for an exception.
How much is the fee and how to pay it
The fee for Form I-131 varies depending on the type of travel document you are applying for and your age. You can check the current fee schedule on the USCIS website at [this link]. You must pay the fee with a check or money order made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, or with a credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. You must submit the fee with your application, or your application may be rejected. You may request a fee waiver or a fee reduction if you meet certain criteria and provide evidence of your financial hardship.
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How long does it take to process the form
The processing time for Form I-131 depends on the type of travel document you are applying for and the workload of the USCIS office or service center that handles your application. You can check the estimated processing times on the USCIS website at [this link]. You may also receive a notice from USCIS to attend a biometrics appointment, an interview, or to provide additional information or evidence. You must comply with these requests in a timely manner, or your application may be delayed or denied.
How to check the status of your application and receive your travel document?
Checking the status online or by phone
You can check the status of your Form I-131 application online using the USCIS Case Status Online tool at [this link]. You will need to enter your receipt number, which is a 13-digit number that starts with three letters and is found on your receipt notice. You can also check the status by phone by calling USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and following the automated instructions. You will need to provide your receipt number, name, date of birth, and A-Number.
Receiving your travel document by mail or in person
If your Form I-131 application is approved, you will receive your travel document by mail or in person, depending on the type of travel document you applied for and your location. You must provide a valid mailing address where you can receive mail within 30 days of approval. If you applied for a reentry permit or a refugee travel document, you may be able to pick up your travel document in person at a U.S. embassy, consulate, or DHS office overseas if you notify USCIS in advance and provide a valid reason for doing so. If you applied for an advance parole document, you must receive it before you leave the United States, unless you qualify for an exception.
Conclusion
Form I-131 is a form that you can use to apply for a travel document that allows you to leave and return to the United States without jeopardizing your immigration status or eligibility for certain benefits. The type of travel document you need depends on your immigration status and situation. You can download Form I-131 from the USCIS website and fill it out correctly following the instructions. You must also submit supporting documents and pay the fee with your application. You can check the status of your application online or by phone and receive your travel document by mail or in person.
We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions about Form I-131 or other immigration matters, please contact us at [this link]. We are a team of experienced and professional immigration lawyers who can assist you with your immigration needs and goals. Thank you for reading and have a great day!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Form I-131 and travel documents:
Q: Can I travel while my Form I-131 application is pending?
A: It depends on the type of travel document you are applying for and your immigration status. If you are applying for a reentry permit or a refugee travel document, you can travel while your application is pending, but you must return to the United States to receive your travel document, unless you arrange to pick it up overseas. If you are applying for an advance parole document, you generally cannot travel while your application is pending, unless you already have a valid advance parole document or another valid travel document. If you do travel without advance parole, your application may be considered abandoned and denied.
Q: How long is my travel document valid for?
A: The validity period of your travel document depends on the type of travel document you receive and your immigration status. A reentry permit is usually valid for two years from the date of issuance, unless you are a conditional permanent resident, in which case it is valid for two years or until the expiration date of your conditional status, whichever comes first. A refugee travel document is usually valid for one year from the date of issuance. An advance parole document is usually valid for one year from the date of issuance, or until the expiration date of your underlying immigration benefit, whichever comes first.
Q: Can I renew or extend my travel document?
A: You cannot renew or extend your travel document, but you can apply for a new one using Form I-131 before your current one expires. You must follow the same steps as applying for the first time, including submitting supporting documents and paying the fee. You may also need to provide biometrics again and attend an interview if required.
Q: What if I lose or damage my travel document?
A: If you lose or damage your travel document, you can apply for a replacement using Form I-131. You must indicate that you are applying for a replacement in Part 1 of the form and explain what happened to your original travel document in Part 7. You must also submit supporting documents and pay the fee as if you were applying for the first time. You may also need to provide biometrics again and attend an interview if required.
Q: What if my travel plans change after I receive my travel document?
A: If your travel plans change after you receive your travel document, you do not need to notify USCIS or update your Form I-131. However, you must still comply with the rules and requirements of your immigration status and benefit while traveling. For example, if you are a permanent resident, you must maintain your residence and ties to the United States and not abandon your status. If you are a refugee or an asylee, you must not return to the country from which you fled persecution or apply for a passport from that country. If you are an advance parolee, you must not stay outside the United States longer than the validity period of your advance parole document or your underlying immigration benefit. 44f88ac181
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