Form I-131: Complete Guide to Reentry Permits, Refugee Travel Documents, and Advance Parole
Key Facts About Form I-131
- A reentry permit allows lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to return to the U.S. after being abroad for more than one year without needing a returning resident visa.
- It helps safeguard permanent resident status from being considered “abandoned” if you live in another country for less than one year.
- The filing fee for an Advance Parole Document within the U.S. is $630.
- Travelers who are non-citizens, refugees, or CNMI long-term residents must take proper steps to protect their immigration status before leaving the United States.
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, can be used to apply for a reentry permit, a refugee travel document, or advance parole.
Form I-131: Applying for a Reentry Permit
A common use of Form I-131 is to request a reentry permit. This document allows lawful permanent residents to reenter the United States after traveling abroad for over one year without needing to obtain a returning resident visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
If you plan to be outside the U.S. for a year or longer, applying for a reentry permit is essential to prevent your Permanent Resident Card (green card) from becoming invalid.
Additionally, a reentry permit protects you from being considered as having abandoned your permanent residence if you establish temporary residence abroad for less than one year. Without a permit, immigration officials may challenge your residency and you could be required to present your case before an immigration judge.
Important requirements for a reentry permit application:
- You must be physically present in the United States at the time you file Form I-131.
- Submit the application at least 60 days before your departure.
Documents required for a reentry permit include:
- A copy of a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or Permanent Resident Card)
- Evidence of lawful permanent residency (copy of both sides of your green card)
- Two identical passport-style photos taken within 30 days
- Photocopy of Form I-797 (if you cannot provide a green card)
After submitting your application, USCIS will schedule a biometric services appointment where your fingerprints, photo, and signature will be collected.
Validity period: Reentry permits are typically valid for two years. You may leave the U.S. while your application is pending—you do not need to be physically present when USCIS issues the approval.
Advance Parole Processing Time
For applicants seeking advance parole, the average USCIS processing time is 4–7 months.
Refugee Travel Document
If you are a refugee or asylee but not yet a lawful permanent resident, you must obtain a Refugee Travel Document to return to the U.S. after international travel (unless you already hold an Advance Parole Document). Upon reentry, you must present this document to a DHS officer at the port of entry.
Application requirements include:
- Copy of a valid photo ID
- Proof of refugee or asylee status
- A written explanation (on a separate sheet attached to Form I-131) for any “yes” answers in Part 6
If applying from outside the United States, additional requirements include:
- Two passport-style photos taken within 30 days
- Proof of your last U.S. departure date (airline tickets, boarding passes, etc.)
- Filing fee payment receipts
- A written statement explaining:
- The purpose of your trip abroad
- Why you left the U.S. without first applying for a Refugee Travel Document
- A list of countries visited
- Activities you engaged in while outside the U.S.
- Whether you intended to abandon your refugee/asylee status upon leaving
- The purpose of your trip abroad
Advance Parole Document
For Applicants Inside the United States
An Advance Parole Document allows certain non-citizens to temporarily travel outside the United States for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes while a petition (such as adjustment of status) is pending.
For example, DHS may issue advance parole to allow travel to visit a gravely ill family member abroad. However, this document is not a substitute for a passport.
Important considerations:
- The Department of Homeland Security has the discretion to revoke or terminate advance parole at any time.
- If you leave the U.S. without first obtaining advance parole while your green card application is pending, USCIS will treat your application as abandoned, unless you qualify under specific visa categories such as:
- H-1 or H-4 visa holders
- L-1 or L-2 visa holders
- K-3 or K-4 visa holders
- V-1, V-2, or V-3 visa holders
- H-1 or H-4 visa holders
Documents typically required for an Advance Parole application include:
- Government-issued photo ID copy
- Two passport-style photos taken within 30 days
- Proof of current U.S. immigration status
- Evidence showing your trip is for humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes
- A written explanation of why your circumstances require advance parole
- USCIS receipt notice showing you filed for adjustment of status (if applicable)
- U.S. consular appointment letter (if traveling to Canada for a visa interview)
Why Work With Immigration Attorneys at Green Card Link?
The rules for international travel while holding permanent residency, refugee/asylee status, or a pending immigration application can be complex. A single mistake may jeopardize your immigration status or green card eligibility. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide detailed guidance on preparing and filing Form I-131 to ensure compliance with USCIS requirements and protect your legal rights.
Whether you need help applying for a reentry permit, securing a Refugee Travel Document, or obtaining advance parole, an immigration attorney at Green Card Link can help you avoid costly errors and navigate the process with confidence.
Advance Parole and Form I-131: Complete Guide for Applicants Inside and Outside the U.S.
Advance Parole for Individuals Outside the United States
Advance parole for applicants located outside the U.S. is granted less frequently, but it remains possible under certain circumstances. Specifically, advance parole may be authorized to allow an otherwise inadmissible individual to travel to the United States and request temporary entry due to urgent humanitarian reasons or because of a significant public benefit.
To apply for advance parole while outside the U.S., you will generally need to provide:
- A copy of the official photo identification of the beneficiary, sponsor, or petitioner
- A copy of the beneficiary’s passport identification page
- A written statement explaining the humanitarian or public benefit reason for parole
- A completed Form I-134 with the required supporting documentation (as outlined in the form instructions)
- A statement explaining why the beneficiary cannot secure a U.S. visa (if applicable)
- A statement explaining why the beneficiary cannot obtain a waiver of inadmissibility (if applicable)
- Copies of any decisions on prior immigrant or nonimmigrant applications or petitions
Advance Permission to Travel for CNMI Long-Term Residents
Residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) who hold long-term status, but who are not permitted to travel to the rest of the U.S., may apply for advance permission. This special authorization allows travel to other parts of the United States for temporary and legitimate purposes without terminating CNMI long-term resident status.
It is important to note that traveling without prior approval can result in automatic termination of CNMI long-term resident status. Applicants in this category must obtain advance permission before making travel arrangements.
Form I-131 Filing Fees
The Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, has different filing fees depending on the applicant’s purpose, age, and immigration category. Below is a breakdown of the most common scenarios:
Application Type | Fee |
Advance Parole Document (inside the U.S.) | $630 |
Travel Authorization Document for TPS Beneficiaries (inside the U.S.) | $630 |
Reentry Permit | $630 |
Refugee Status / LPR from Refugee Status | $0 |
Asylee or LPR from Asylee Status (under 16 years old) | $135 |
Asylee or LPR from Asylee Status (16 years or older) | $165 |
Advance Permission to Travel for CNMI Long-Term Residents | $630 |
Initial Parole Document (outside the U.S.) | $630 |
IMMVI Applicants (current or former service members) | $0 |
IMMVI Applicants (spouse, child, unmarried son/daughter, legal guardian, or surrogate) | $0 |
Re-Parole (from inside the U.S.) | $630 |
Family Reunification Parole Process | $630 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Form I-131
What is the difference between a reentry permit and advance parole?
- Advance Parole allows individuals with pending green card applications to re-enter the U.S. after travel.
- Reentry Permits are issued to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to preserve residency during extended absences abroad.
Do I need to translate my documents into English?
Yes. Any supporting documents not in English must include a certified English translation.
What is Form I-131?
Form I-131 is used to apply for various travel documents, including reentry permits, refugee travel documents, and advance parole for applicants with pending adjustment of status.
Who qualifies to file Form I-131?
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-citizens seeking reentry permits
- Refugees and asylees seeking travel documents
- Individuals with pending green card applications who want to avoid abandoning their status while traveling
- CNMI long-term residents who require travel authorization
How long does it take to process Form I-131?
Processing times typically range from 3 to 5 months. Delays are possible if the application packet is incomplete.
Where should Form I-131 be filed?
Applicants must use the official filing addresses provided by USCIS, which vary depending on the purpose of travel.
What does “class of admission” mean on the I-131 form?
“Class of admission” refers to the visa category under which you were admitted into the U.S. (for example, permanent resident, conditional permanent resident, or refugee).
How long is a travel document valid?
- Reentry permits for LPRs are valid for 2 years with no extensions.
- Refugee travel documents and advance parole documents are generally valid for 1 year. Advance parole may be issued as either single-entry or multiple-entry.
How Green Card Link Can Assist You
Completing Form I-131 and navigating the requirements for reentry permits, refugee travel documents, and advance parole can be complex. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide trusted guidance to help you prepare a complete application, minimize delays, and ensure your travel document is processed smoothly.
If you are unsure which option applies to your situation, consulting with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your immigration status.