Navigating the complexities of international travel often requires a clear understanding of the necessary documentation. For those seeking to enter or re-enter the United States, or for certain individuals already within the country, United States Travel Documents are essential. These documents serve various purposes, from permitting re-entry for lawful permanent residents to allowing temporary travel for specific groups. This guide aims to clarify the different types of United States travel documents available and how to obtain them, focusing on the crucial Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
Who Needs a United States Travel Document?
The need for a United States travel document varies depending on your immigration status and travel plans. Generally, these documents are for:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders): While green cards typically suffice for re-entry, a reentry permit might be necessary for extended absences from the U.S.
- Refugees and Asylees: These individuals require specific refugee travel documents for international travel.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Beneficiaries: If you hold TPS and need to travel outside the U.S., you’ll need a TPS travel authorization document.
- Individuals with Advance Parole: Advance parole documents allow certain individuals without a valid visa to re-enter the U.S. after temporary travel abroad. This can apply to those with pending adjustment of status applications or humanitarian parole.
- Certain Residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI): Long-term CNMI residents may need advance permission to travel.
- Individuals Seeking Parole into the U.S.: Parole documents can be issued for individuals outside the U.S. seeking entry for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
- Individuals Seeking Re-Parole within the U.S.: Those already paroled into the U.S. who require an extension of their parole period need to apply for re-parole. This includes specific groups like eligible Ukrainians.
Understanding which category you fall into is the first step in determining the correct United States travel document for your needs.
Form I-131: Your Application for a United States Travel Document
The cornerstone for many United States travel document applications is Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This multi-purpose form is used to apply for a variety of travel documents and serves different functions depending on your situation. Let’s explore the primary types of United States travel documents you can apply for using Form I-131:
Re-entry Permit
For lawful permanent residents (green card holders) planning to stay outside the United States for more than one year, a re-entry permit is highly advisable. It preserves your permanent resident status for re-entry into the U.S. after an extended absence. Without a re-entry permit, you may face challenges when trying to return to the United States as a permanent resident after being abroad for a prolonged period.
Refugee Travel Document
Refugees and asylees who wish to travel internationally generally cannot use their country’s passport. Instead, they must obtain a refugee travel document from the United States. This document allows them to travel outside the U.S. and return. It’s crucial for refugees and asylees to understand that traveling back to their country of origin could jeopardize their refugee or asylum status.
TPS Travel Authorization Document
Individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) who need to travel outside the United States must apply for a TPS travel authorization document. Approval of Form I-131 for TPS beneficiaries results in the issuance of Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States. However, TPS beneficiaries should be aware of potential risks associated with international travel while under TPS. Missing requests for evidence or other notices while abroad, or the denial of their TPS status during their absence, are potential complications.
Advance Parole Document
Advance parole is a permission granted to certain foreign nationals to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad. It is typically for individuals who do not have a valid visa but have pending applications for adjustment of status or are granted parole. If your Form I-131 for advance parole is approved, you will receive Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document.
Advance Permission to Travel for CNMI Long-Term Residents
Long-term residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) can also use Form I-131 to request advance permission to travel outside of CNMI and return. It’s vital for CNMI residents to obtain this document before leaving, as departing without advance permission will automatically terminate their status.
Initial Parole Documents
Form I-131 also serves as the application for initial parole into the United States. This is for individuals who are currently outside the U.S. and seeking to enter based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Parole requests from outside the U.S. may fall under specific programs like the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program or the Family Reunification Task Force (FRTF) process. Initial parole documents can be issued as a boarding foil in your passport or as a Form I-512L travel document.
Arrival/Departure Records for Parole in Place
For individuals already in the United States without having been formally admitted, parole in place may be an option. Form I-131 is used to request parole in place based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, including military parole in place.
Arrival/Departure Records for Re-Parole
If you are currently in the United States, were previously granted parole, and require an extension, you must apply for re-parole using Form I-131. Upon approval, you will receive a new Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record with an updated “Admit Until Date” or “Parole Until Date.” It’s particularly important to note the re-parole process for eligible Ukrainian citizens and their families. USCIS announced a process for Ukrainians to apply for re-parole to extend their temporary stay in the United States.
For Ukrainian Re-Parole Applicants: If you are eligible for re-parole as a Ukrainian citizen, it is recommended to submit your Form I-131 application no earlier than 180 days (6 months) before your current parole expires, which can be found on your Form I-94. Applying within this timeframe minimizes the risk of your current parole and employment authorization expiring before a decision is made on your re-parole request. Submitting applications earlier than 180 days may lead to rejection or denial without a refund of filing fees.
Important Considerations and Where to File
Regardless of the specific United States travel document you are applying for using Form I-131, certain general considerations apply:
- Accuracy and Completeness: Ensure your Form I-131 is filled out accurately and completely. Errors or omissions can lead to delays or denials.
- Filing Fees: Be aware of the required filing fees and payment methods.
- Supporting Documentation: Gather all necessary supporting documents as outlined in the Form I-131 instructions.
- USCIS Instructions: Always refer to the official Form I-131 instructions on the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information and requirements.
Where to File: For specific filing locations and instructions, always consult the official Form I-131 instructions on the USCIS website. For re-parole requests, generally, the DHS component that initially granted parole has jurisdiction.
Conclusion
United States travel documents are crucial for various immigration-related travel needs. Form I-131 serves as the primary application for many of these documents, including re-entry permits, refugee travel documents, TPS travel authorizations, advance parole, initial parole, parole in place, and re-parole. Understanding the specific type of travel document required for your situation and carefully following the application instructions are essential steps in navigating the process successfully. Always rely on official sources like the USCIS website for the most accurate and current information regarding United States travel documents and Form I-131.
For further information and to file online, please visit the official USCIS website.
