The Complete Guide to USCIS Form I-131

What is Form I-131?

The USCIS Form I-131 is also known as the Application for Travel Document. It is primarily used by non-citizens who need to travel because of compelling circumstances or who can prove that their trip will be beneficial to the United States public. This form is used in scenarios like those seeking a Re-entry Permit, a Refugee Travel Document, or an Advance Parole Document. Each type of travel document issued under Form I-131 has its own criteria and eligibility requirements. 

U.S. citizens do not use Form I-131 since they have their U.S. passports for international travel. The processing times for these applications can be lengthy, often exceeding one year depending on the workload and specific circumstances at USCIS. USCIS offers expedited processing in certain situations, such as severe financial loss to a company or person, emergencies, humanitarian reasons, or if the request is in the interest of the U.S. government. 
 

What is Form I-131 Used for?

Form I-131 comes in two categories and each one is used to apply for several types of travel documents. These categories are:

1. Form I-131:

• The Reentry Permit: If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who plans to leave the U.S. for one year or more, the reentry permit is for you. It helps prevent the abandonment of your permanent resident status.
   
• Refugee Travel Document: The refugee travel document is issued to you if you have refugee or asylum status and need to travel outside the United States but cannot use a passport from your home country.
   
• Advance Parole: The advance parole document is for people who have applied for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident and need to leave and return to the U.S. while their application is being processed.
   
• Humanitarian Parole: The Humanitarian Parole is used by the USCIS to allow you to enter the United States temporarily because of urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.  
   

2. Form I-131A: Form I-131A on the other hand, serves a different function. It is also known as the Application for Travel Documents (Carrier Documentation). It is specifically for lawful permanent residents (LPRs) or conditional residents who have lost or had their Green Card or reentry permit damaged or destroyed while outside the United States. This form helps them get the necessary documentation to return to the U.S. It is also applicable to non-LPRs or conditional LPRs who have a Form I-512 (Advance Parole Authorisation), Form I-512L, Form I-512T, or an Employment Authorisation Document (Form I-765) with a travel endorsement for their return to the U.S.
 

Where to File Form I-131?

The filing location for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, depends on the type of travel document you are applying for and your particular circumstance. Generally, the form can be filed by mail with the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility and in some cases, you can file online.
 

Humanitarian Parole

USPS Mailing Address:

USCIS

Attn: HP

P.O. Box 660865

Dallas, TX 75266-0865

For Express Mail and Courier Deliveries:

USCIS

Attn: HP (Box 660865)

2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business

Suite 400

Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
 

Refugee Travel Document

If you are currently inside the United States, you should file Form I-131 and appear for any required biometrics service appointment before you leave the United States. Check the USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart for Certain Non-Family-Based Forms for the specific address based on where you live. If you are currently outside the United States and have been outside the U.S. for less than one year at the time of filing:

USPS, FedEx, and UPS Deliveries:

USCIS Refugee and International Operations

Attn: RTD

999 North Capitol St. NE

Mail Stop 2295

Washington, DC 20529-2295
 

Reentry Permit

U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Mailing Address for Standard Mail:

USCIS

Attn: I-131 Reentry Permit

P.O. Box 21281

Phoenix, AZ 85036-1281

For Express Mail and Courier Deliveries:

USCIS

Attn: I-131 Reentry Permit

1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S

Suite 100

Phoenix, AZ 85034
 

Advance Parole Document

If you are filing Form I-131 together with Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), send both forms to the address specified for filing Form I-485.

If you are filing Form I-131 alone with a pending Form I-485, depending on the prefix of your I-485 receipt number (e.g., MSC, IOE), you will file at a designated USCIS Lockbox facility. Check the USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart for Certain Family-Based Forms page for the specific address based on your receipt prefix and where you live.
 

What Documents Do I Need For Form I-131?

For a Refugee Travel Document:

• A copy of an official photo identity document.
• Proof of refugee or asylee status.
• A statement explaining the reason for a "yes" response to any question in Part 6 of your form.

If you are outside the United States:

• 2 identical coloured passport photographs taken within 30 days of filing.
• Evidence of your last date of departure from the United States, if available.
• Proof of payment for the applicable filing fees.
• Explanation of the purpose of your trip, reasons for leaving without a refugee document, travel activities, and whether there was an intention to abandon refugee or asylum status.
   

For a Reentry Permit

• A copy of an official photo identity document.
• Proof of Lawful Permanent Resident status:
• A copy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card.
• Biographic pages of your passport and the immigrant visa page.
• Form I-797, Notice of Action, if applicable.
• Temporary evidence of lawful permanent resident status.
• Certified English translations of any non-English documents.
   

For an Advance Parole Document (if currently in the U.S.):

• A copy of an official photo identity document.
• 2 identical passport photographs, taken within 30 days of the filing.
• A copy of any document showing your current status in the U.S.
• Explanation or other evidence justifying the issuance of an advance parole document.
• Purpose of Travel:
  - For Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients: Evidence that the trip is for educational, employment, or humanitarian reasons.
  - If you are applying for adjustment of status: A copy of the USCIS receipt for Form I-485.
  - If you are travelling for a U.S. consular appointment in Canada: A copy of the U.S. consular appointment letter.
   

For an Advance Parole Document

• Copies of photo identity documents for beneficiary, petitioner, and financial supporter.
• A copy of your passport identity page.
• Description of the urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reason, including documentation for expedited handling, and the duration needed.
• A completed Form I-134 with appropriate documentation.
• Statements explaining why you cannot obtain a U.S. visa or a waiver of inadmissibility.
• A copy of any decision on immigrant or nonimmigrant applications or petitions.

In addition to these documents, if any document is in a foreign language, you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the certified translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate.
 

Why Choose Translayte for Your Certified Translation Needs?

At Translayte, we know that life’s urgent moments don't wait for you, like the need to travel for family emergencies or important events. That’s why we provide dependable and accurate English translations for your USCIS Form I-131, helping you secure your travel documents swiftly and efficiently. We have a team of experienced translators who are experts in their respective fields to provide USCIS-certified translations. You don’t have to worry about getting your English translations on time because we prioritise efficiency and strive to deliver your translated documents in as little as 12 hours.  Your satisfaction is our top priority so we provide personalised services, clear communication, and 24/7 support throughout the translation process.

Trust Translayte for all your certified translation needs and experience unmatched quality and reliability.
 

How to Apply for Form I-131

1. Determine the Type of Travel Document You Need: First, determine which type of travel document you need based on your status and travel purposes.  
    
2. Complete Form I-131: You can download Form I-131 from the USCIS website. Fill out the form accurately by providing all the required personal information, selecting the type of document you are applying for and answering all questions relevant to your situation.
    
3. Gather Supporting Documentation: Collect the necessary supporting documents that you will need to mail for your application.
    
4. Prepare the Filing Fee: Check the current filing fee for Form I-131 on the USCIS website, as fees can change. The fees can be free or range from $135 to $630, as the case may be. Determine if you need to pay a biometrics fee in addition to the application fee.
    
5. Mail Your Application: Send the completed Form I-131, the filing fee, and all supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility based on the type of travel document you are applying for and your location. Be sure to use the most recent address provided by USCIS for Form I-131 filings.
    
6. Attend Your Biometrics Appointment: If required, attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center. USCIS will notify you if you need to provide fingerprints, a photograph, and/or a signature to verify your identity.
    
7. Wait for a Decision: After submitting your application, wait for USCIS to process it. You can check the status of your application online using the receipt number provided by USCIS.
    
8. Receive Your Travel Document: Once approved, you will receive your travel document in the mail. Make sure to review the document for any errors and understand the conditions of your travel document before leaving the U.S.
    

How Much Does Form I-131 Cost?

Points to Note When Paying Form I-131 Fees:

• Any application for Form I-131 sent before April 1st, 2024 might have different fee requirements.
   
• Acceptable payment methods include money orders, personal checks, and cashier’s checks. You can pay using a credit or debit card by submitting Form G-1450, Authorisation for Credit Card Transactions.
   
• When paying by check, it must be made payable to the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." 
   
• Filing fees are considered final and non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application or if you choose to withdraw your request.
   
• If you are paying by credit or debit card, you cannot dispute the payment later.
   
• If you are submitting multiple forms, each form's fee must be paid separately. This is important because USCIS is transitioning to electronic processing and uses multiple systems that may not recognise or correctly apply a single payment to multiple forms. Incorrect payment structuring could lead to the rejection of the entire package.
   
• At USCIS field offices, payment options are limited. You cannot use money orders or cashier’s checks. Payments at field offices must be made via personal check, debit card, credit card, or reloadable prepaid credit/debit card.
   
• No additional fee is required for Form I-131 if you are filing Application Type B or D, have previously filed Form I-485 with a fee from July 30, 2007, to April 1, 2024, and your Form I-485 is still pending.
   
• For refugee travel document applications filed outside the U.S., fees must be paid directly at the USCIS overseas office or the U.S. embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over your location. You must include the payment receipt from the embassy or consulate with your application package.
   
• DO NOT mail cash, personal checks, or traveler’s checks for international filing. Always include a fee receipt if required, as failure to do so will result in the rejection of the application.
   

How Long Does It Take To Process Form I-131

Form I-131 processing times depend on the type of travel document you are applying for, the workload at the USCIS service centre handling your application, policy adjustments, or other operational factors at USCIS. You should check the latest Form I-131 processing times provided by USCIS on their official website and consider these timelines when planning your trip. On average, the processing times are as follows:

1. Advance Parole: 3 to 16 months.
2. Reentry Permit: 6 to 16 months.
3. Refugee Travel Document: 3 to 16 months.
    

How Can I Track My USCIS Case Status?

To track your USCIS case status, you can follow these steps:

1. Use the Online Case Status Tool:

• Visit the USCIS Case Status Online tool.
• Enter your receipt number, which is a 13-character identifier assigned to your case. It usually begins with three letters such as EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC.
   

2. Create a USCIS Online Account: You can create a free account at myUSCIS. This account allows you to:

• Submit forms online.
• Pay fees.
• Track the status of your case.
• Receive notifications and case updates.
• View case completion date estimates.
• Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox.
   

3. Check Your Email and Mail for Notices: If you have opted for electronic communication by filing forms online or providing an email address on your paper form, you’ll receive updates via email. Keep an eye on your physical mailbox as well for any notices sent by USCIS.
 

4. Contact the USCIS Contact Center: If you need more specific information or if there's an issue with your case, you can contact USCIS by phone at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833). Be sure to have your receipt number handy when you call.
 

5. Use the e-Request Tool: If there are issues such as not receiving a notice that USCIS claims to have sent, you can file an e-Request for non-receipt of what was mailed to you.
 

What Happens After I-131 Is Approved?

When I-131 is approved, it means that you have been granted permission to travel outside of the United States and re-enter. Here’s what happens after the approval:

• You will receive an approval notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
   
• If you applied for a Reentry Permit or a Refugee Travel Document, you will receive the physical document in the mail at the address you provided on your application form. The document will include your biographical information, photograph, and the period of validity.
   
• Once you have received your approved travel document, you can plan your trip outside of the United States. Make sure to check the expiration date of your travel document and plan your trip accordingly.
   
• When you return to the United States, you will need to present your travel document along with any other required documentation, such as your passport or visa, to the immigration officer at the port of entry. The officer will inspect your documents and determine your admissibility into the United States.
   
• Keep track of the expiration date of your travel document. If you need to travel again after it expires or if you lose it, you will need to apply for a new one.
   

What Are the Common Reasons for I-131 Denial?

Several reasons could lead to the denial of Form I-131 by USCIS such as: 

1. Having an incomplete or incorrect application.
    
2. Not meeting the eligibility criteria for the specific type of travel document you are applying for.
    
3. Lack of supporting evidence.
    
4. Having a certain criminal history or a history of immigration violations.
    
5. Having immigration status issues such as unresolved issues with your visa or green card.
    
6. Doubts detected in your travel intentions by USCIS and your inability to demonstrate a valid reason for your trip.
    
7. Violating the terms of a previous travel document, such as overstaying a visa or failing to return within the authorised period.
    
8. Having a background check that raises concerns in the eyes of USCIS.
    
9. Failure to attend your biometrics appointment. 
    
10. Administrative errors, such as missed deadlines, improper filing, or failure to respond to USCIS requests for additional information or clarification can also lead to the denial of your application.

Related Posts

Complete Guide To USCIS Form I-485

Complete Guide To USCIS Form I-765

Complete Guide To USCIS Form  I-140 

Complete Guide To USCIS Form N-600

Complete Guide To USCIS Form I-129

Complete Guide To USCIS Form I-130