Form I-131, officially known as the “Application for Travel Document,” is a crucial form for individuals in the United States who need to apply for various types of travel documents, parole documents, or arrival/departure records from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Whether you are a lawful permanent resident seeking a reentry permit, a refugee needing a travel document, or someone requiring advance parole, Form I-131 is the starting point for your application. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Form I-131, ensuring you understand its purpose, recent updates, and how to use it effectively for your travel needs.
Recent Updates to Form I-131: What You Need to Know
USCIS regularly updates its forms and procedures, and Form I-131 is no exception. It’s vital to use the most current version of the form to avoid rejection and processing delays.
New Edition Alert (October 2024): A new edition of Form I-131 was released on October 11, 2024. This updated version, dated 06/17/24, is officially titled “Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.” It is imperative to use this new edition for any filings on or after October 11, 2024. Using the previous 04/01/24 edition will result in rejection without a grace period. Always verify you are using the 06/17/24 edition when submitting your application.
Re-Parole Process for Ukrainians: In February 2024, USCIS announced a re-parole process specifically for eligible Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members already in the United States. This process allows them to apply for continued temporary residence in the U.S. Eligible Ukrainians should apply for re-parole no earlier than 180 days (6 months) before their current parole expires. You can find your parole expiration date on your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon your initial parole into the United States. Applying within this 180-day window minimizes the risk of your current parole and employment authorization expiring before a decision is made on your re-parole request. Submitting applications too early (more than 180 days before expiration) may lead to rejection or denial without a refund.
Types of Travel Documents You Can Apply For Using Form I-131
Form I-131 serves as an application for several distinct types of travel documents, each catering to different immigration statuses and travel needs:
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Reentry Permit: Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) who plan to travel outside the United States for more than one year, but generally less than two years, should apply for a reentry permit. This document allows them to reenter the U.S. upon their return without needing to obtain a returning resident visa.
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Refugee Travel Document: Refugees and asylees can apply for a refugee travel document. This document is essential for international travel as it serves in place of a passport from their country of origin, from which they cannot seek protection.
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TPS Travel Authorization Document (Form I-512T): Beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) who need to travel outside the U.S. must apply for travel authorization. Since July 1, 2022, USCIS issues Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States, instead of advance parole documents for TPS holders. If you are a TPS beneficiary and your Form I-131 is approved for travel authorization, you will receive Form I-512T.
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Advance Parole Document (Form I-512L): While advance parole is no longer issued for TPS beneficiaries seeking travel authorization, it is still relevant in other contexts. Specifically, if you have a pending initial application for TPS (Form I-821) and need to travel, USCIS may issue you Form I-512L, Advance Parole Document, upon approval of your Form I-131. Advance parole allows certain individuals to reenter the U.S. after temporary travel abroad without jeopardizing their pending immigration applications or status.
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Advance Permission to Travel for CNMI Long-Term Residents: Long-term residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) can use Form I-131 to request advance permission to travel. It’s crucial to obtain this document before leaving the CNMI; otherwise, their status may be automatically terminated.
Parole Documents and Arrival/Departure Records Through Form I-131
Beyond travel documents for those with existing immigration statuses, Form I-131 also serves as an application for certain parole and arrival/departure records:
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Initial Parole Documents: Individuals outside the United States can apply for parole into the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit using Form I-131. This 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 a boarding foil in your passport or a Form I-512L travel document.
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Parole in Place Arrival/Departure Records: If you are currently in the U.S. without having been formally admitted and qualify for parole in place due to urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit (including military parole in place and FRTF processes), you can apply for this through Form I-131.
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Re-Parole Arrival/Departure Records (Form I-94): Individuals already in the U.S. who were previously granted parole and require an extension can apply for re-parole using Form I-131. If approved, you will receive a new Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record with an updated “Admit Until Date” or “Parole Until Date.” As highlighted earlier, Ukrainians seeking re-parole should also use Form I-131.
Important Considerations When Applying for Travel Documents
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TPS Beneficiaries and Travel Risks: If you are a TPS beneficiary or have a pending initial TPS application, carefully review the Form I-131 instructions. Traveling outside the U.S. while your TPS case is pending carries risks, such as missing important notices or potentially facing denial of TPS while abroad.
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Re-Parole Ineligibility After TPS Travel: If you are a TPS beneficiary and travel with a TPS travel authorization document (Form I-512T), be aware that upon your return and admission into TPS, you will become ineligible for a new period of parole (re-parole).
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Expedited Processing: If you have an urgent need to travel, USCIS offers expedite requests under certain circumstances. Refer to the USCIS Expedite Requests and Emergency Travel pages for more information on eligibility and how to apply for expedited processing.
Filing Form I-131 Online
For convenience, USCIS offers online filing for Form I-131 in certain categories. Check the USCIS website to see if you are eligible to file your I-131 application online, which can streamline the process and provide quicker updates on your case status.
By understanding the nuances of Form I-131 and its various applications for travel documents, parole, and arrival/departure records, you can navigate the process more effectively and ensure you are using the correct form and procedures for your specific needs. Always refer to the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date information and form instructions.
