Traveling outside the United States and planning to return? It’s crucial to ensure you have the correct Travel Documents to lawfully re-enter the country. Whether you are a permanent resident, a nonimmigrant, or have a pending immigration application, the type of documentation required varies based on your immigration status.
Generally, you must apply for and secure your necessary travel documents before departing the United States. It’s wise to check USCIS processing times well in advance of your intended travel dates. For urgent travel needs, information on expedite requests and emergency travel can be found on the Expedite Request and Emergency Travel pages.
To apply for travel documents, including Advance Parole, Refugee Travel Documents, Re-entry Permits, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) travel authorization, you will need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, Parole Document, and Arrival/Departure Record.
If you are already abroad and find yourself without your re-entry permit, Green Card, Advance Parole, or TPS travel authorization due to loss, theft, or destruction, you should consult Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation.
Important Caution: Traveling outside the U.S. can have significant consequences for your immigration status. Possessing the correct documents does not guarantee admission back into the United States. You will still be subject to inspection at a U.S. port of entry to determine your admissibility and eligibility for the immigration status you seek.
Here are some crucial points to consider depending on your specific situation:
Nonimmigrants and Travel
If you are in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa and have filed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status to change to another nonimmigrant status, departing the U.S. before a decision is made on your application will typically result in the abandonment of your Form I-539. Even with an Advance Parole document, your change of status application may still be considered abandoned. Upon your return, if your previous nonimmigrant status has expired, you could face denial of admission.
Green Card Applicants and Travel
Generally, if you have a pending application for Adjustment of Status (Green Card) and leave the United States without proper travel documentation, such as an Advance Parole document, you risk being denied re-entry. Furthermore, even if you are allowed back in, your pending Green Card application could be deemed abandoned.
Unlawful Presence, Removal Orders, and Travel
If you have accrued unlawful presence in the U.S. or are under a removal order, attempting to re-enter after leaving the country can lead to inadmissibility, even if you possess travel documents. However, it’s important to note the Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals. This decision clarifies that traveling on Advance Parole does not constitute a “departure” that triggers the 10-year unlawful presence bar for adjustment of status applicants under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II). This principle is also applied to INA § 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) and to individuals with TPS traveling with TPS travel authorization. For detailed information, refer to Section 212(a)(9) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the Unlawful Presence and Inadmissibility page for more in-depth understanding.
Types of Travel Documents
Advance Parole Document
An Advance Parole document permits you to return to the United States without needing to obtain a visa. Airlines and other transportation providers can accept an Advance Parole document as sufficient proof of your authorization to travel to the U.S. It is important to remember that an Advance Parole document is not a substitute for your passport.
Even with an Advance Parole document, re-entry is not guaranteed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at ports of entry have the final authority to decide whether to allow you to re-enter the United States.
Advance Parole is commonly used by individuals who have pending:
- Adjustment of status applications (Green Card)
- Asylum applications
- Other immigration applications where travel outside the U.S. is necessary
For application details, visit our Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records page.
Refugee Travel Document
USCIS issues Refugee Travel Documents to individuals with refugee or asylum status and to lawful permanent residents who obtained their Green Card through refugee or asylee status.
A Refugee Travel Document is mandatory for re-entry into the U.S. if you:
- Hold refugee or asylee status but are not yet a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
- Are a derivative asylee or refugee.
Traveling outside the U.S. without a Refugee Travel Document may result in denial of re-entry or placement in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.
To learn how to apply, go to our Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records page.
Re-entry Permit
Permanent residents or conditional residents who plan to stay outside the United States for a year or more should apply for a Re-entry Permit. This permit, while valid, allows you to seek admission to the U.S. without needing to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
For application instructions, please visit our Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records page.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Travel Authorization
Travel authorization for TPS beneficiaries enables you to travel back to the United States and, if you maintain eligibility, be inspected and admitted with your TPS status. Transportation companies can accept a TPS travel authorization document instead of a visa as proof of your authorization to travel to the U.S. Like Advance Parole, a TPS travel authorization document is not a replacement for your passport.
Possession of a TPS travel authorization document does not guarantee re-entry. CBP officers at the border have the final say on your admissibility.
If your TPS application is still pending and you need to travel, you may be able to request Advance Parole.
Application information is available on our Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records page.
Carrier Documentation
Carrier Documentation is designed to allow airlines and other transportation carriers to board permanent residents who have been temporarily outside the U.S. and have lost, had stolen, or had their Green Card or Re-entry Permit destroyed. If you are a permanent resident in this situation, you may need to file Form I-131A. More details can be found at Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation).
Conclusion
Navigating U.S. travel document requirements can be complex. Understanding which documents you need based on your immigration status is essential for smooth re-entry into the United States. Always plan ahead, apply for necessary documents well in advance of your travel, and be aware that having the correct documents does not guarantee admission. For specific guidance and to begin the application process, refer to the USCIS website and the relevant forms mentioned in this guide.
