Traveling outside the United States and planning to return? It’s crucial to understand the necessary Travel Documents for lawful re-entry. Generally, to come back to the U.S. after international travel, you will need a valid entry document. This could be a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), a nonimmigrant visa, or another valid travel document depending on your immigration status.
The specific type of travel document required varies based on your immigration status, including whether you are a lawful permanent resident or if you have pending immigration applications. It’s generally essential to apply for and secure your travel documents before you depart from the United States. Always check the USCIS processing times when planning your trip. For urgent travel needs, you can find more information on Expedite Requests and Emergency Travel options.
To request travel documents, you will typically need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, Parole Document, and Advance/Departure Record. This form is used to apply for several types of travel documents, including:
- Advance Parole Document: For individuals in the U.S. who need to travel temporarily abroad and return. This includes advance permission for long-term residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
- Refugee Travel Document: For those with refugee or asylum status.
- Reentry Permit: For lawful permanent residents who plan to stay outside the U.S. for an extended period.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Travel Authorization: For individuals with TPS seeking to travel and return to the U.S.
If you are already outside the United States and find yourself without your reentry permit, Green Card, advance parole document, or TPS travel authorization due to loss, theft, or destruction, you should refer to Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation. This document can help you in such situations.
Important Cautions Regarding Travel Documents
It is vital to be aware that traveling outside the U.S. can have significant immigration consequences. Possessing the correct travel documents does not automatically guarantee admission back into the United States. Upon your return, you will still undergo immigration inspection at a port of entry. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will determine whether you are admissible and eligible for the immigration status you are seeking.
Here are some specific cautions for different immigration situations:
For Nonimmigrants:
If you are in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa and have applied to change your status by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, leaving the U.S. before a decision is made on your application generally results in the abandonment of your Form I-539. Even with an advance parole document, your change of status application may still be considered abandoned. If your original nonimmigrant status has expired while you are abroad, you may face denial of admission when you attempt to re-enter the U.S.
For Pending Green Card Applicants:
If you have a pending application for adjustment of status (Green Card) and travel outside the United States without proper travel documentation, such as an advance parole document, you risk being denied re-entry. Even if you are allowed back in, your pending Green Card application could be considered abandoned. It’s critical to secure advance parole before traveling if you have a pending Green Card application.
For Individuals with Unlawful Presence or a Removal Order:
If you have accrued unlawful presence in the U.S. or have a removal order, attempting to re-enter after leaving the country may lead to inadmissibility, even if you possess a travel document. However, it’s important to note the Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals. This decision clarifies that travel on advance parole does not constitute a “departure” that triggers the 10-year unlawful presence bar under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II) for adjustment of status applicants. This analysis also applies to INA § 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) and 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.
Types of Travel Documents in Detail
Advance Parole Document
An advance parole document enables you to return to the United States without needing a visa. Airlines and other transportation companies accept it as proof of your authorization to travel to the U.S. It’s 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 the port of entry have the final authority to decide whether to allow you to re-enter the United States.
Advance parole is commonly used for individuals with pending applications for:
- Adjustment of Status (Green Card)
- Asylum
- Refugee Status
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 Cards based on such status.
You must have a refugee travel document to re-enter the U.S. if you:
- Hold refugee or asylee status but are not a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
- Are a derivative asylee or refugee.
Traveling outside the U.S. without obtaining a refugee travel document beforehand might prevent your re-entry or lead to removal proceedings before an immigration judge. Application information is available at our Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records page.
Reentry Permit
Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) and conditional residents should apply for a reentry permit if they intend to stay outside the United States for a year or more. A reentry permit, while valid, allows you to seek admission to the U.S. without needing a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. To apply, refer to our Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records page.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Travel Document
A TPS travel authorization allows TPS beneficiaries to travel back to the United States and, if eligible, be inspected and admitted with their TPS status. Transportation companies accept TPS travel authorization documents instead of visas as proof of travel authorization to the U.S. Like advance parole, a TPS travel authorization document does not replace your passport and does not guarantee re-entry, as CBP officers make the final decision at the port of entry.
If your TPS application is still pending and you need to travel, you may request advance parole. Application details are available at our Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records page.
Carrier Documentation
Carrier documentation assists airlines and other transportation carriers in boarding permanent residents who have been temporarily outside the U.S. and have lost, had stolen, or had destroyed their Green Card or reentry permit. If you are in this situation, you may need to file Form I-131A. More information is available at the Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) page.
Conclusion
Understanding U.S. travel document requirements is essential for smooth re-entry into the country after international travel. Ensure you identify the correct document needed for your immigration status and always apply well in advance of your planned travel. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official USCIS website and related forms.
