Understanding Form I-131: Application for Travel Document

Form I-131, known as the Application for Travel Document, is used by individuals to apply for travel permissions based on their current immigration status. It serves several purposes, including allowing certain non-citizens, asylees, and those adjusting status to travel outside the United States and re-enter without losing their immigration status.


Who Should File Form I-131?

Individuals who may need Form I-131 include:

  • Permanent residents: If planning to stay outside the U.S. for a year or more, they must file for a reentry permit.
  • Asylees and refugees: They require a Refugee Travel Document if they need to travel abroad.
  • Adjustment of status applicants: Those with pending green card applications can apply for Advance Parole to travel internationally without abandoning their case.

Each applicant needs to file the form separately, and it is crucial to ensure timely submission before travel. Failing to secure a travel document can result in being denied re-entry to the U.S., especially for individuals with pending immigration cases.

Required Supporting Documents

When submitting Form I-131, you must include the following supporting documents:

  • A government-issued ID (such as a passport or driver’s license).
  • Proof of your current immigration status, such as Form I-797 or an employment authorization document.
  • Passport-style photographs.
  • Certified translations of any non-English documents (such as birth certificates or marriage certificates) to meet USCIS requirements.

Certified translations are essential to avoid delays in the application process. Certling offers accurate and fast certified translations that comply with USCIS standards.

Processing Time and Fees

Processing times for Form I-131 vary depending on the type of travel document requested, but they can take several months. For example, the wait time for Advance Parole can range from 90 to 150 days. Fees for filing can range from $105 to $630, depending on the applicant’s status and age.

Expedited processing is available for emergencies, but it requires proof, such as medical documentation or evidence of urgent humanitarian reasons.

For more detailed instructions and up-to-date filing fees, visit the official USCIS page for Form I-131.